'decoration-lover' originates from Modern English, formed by combining 'decoration' (the noun meaning the act or result of decorating) and 'lover' (one who loves).

'decoration' comes via Middle English from Old French 'decoracion' and ultimately from Latin 'decoratio' (from 'decorare', to adorn). 'lover' comes from Old English 'lufian' meaning 'to love' and developed into the noun 'lover' in Middle English; the compound 'decoration-lover' is a recent, transparent formation in modern English.

Initially the parts meant 'the act or result of adorning' and 'one who loves'; combined in recent usage they mean 'a person who loves decoration' with little semantic change beyond composition.