The holiday season is here, and there’s nothing better than snuggling up with a hot chocolate and a lineup of classic Christmas movies. But have you ever paused mid-film, staring at those gorgeously decked-out homes, and thought, “Why doesn’t my house look like that?”
Good news! Our designers have taken inspiration straight from some of your favourite holiday flicks and are sharing their best tips to bring that cinematic Christmas magic right into your home. Let’s make your decor worthy of the big screen!
Ready to create a home you’ll adore no matter the season? Book your free consultation with one of our expert interior designers and start your journey to a home you love:
Image credit: 20th Century Fox © 1990
There's one home that instantly comes to mind when we think of Christmas: the McCallister home from Home Alone. And it's all because of that iconic opening shot of the home, glowing in all its festive glory, having us all hooked right from the start. It just screams Christmas magic!
And isn’t that what we all want? To give our family and friends that same cosy, magical feeling as soon as they pull up to our house or step through the door.
Even though the exterior lights are very out there, with no window left unlit! What gives this 1920s home so much warmth is the consistent colour scheme of warm white lights.
Tip 1: So, if you're going for that classic charm, warm white is the way to go. And, don't be afraid to spread the love across the whole exterior (and even interior) of your house—it’s all part of the fun!
Image credit: 20th Century Fox © 1990
Inside the McCallister home, however, the colour scheme is totally flipped on its head to something a lot bolder, but still classic - the old school red and green combo!
Director Chris Columbus wanted the home (and the whole movie) to instantly feel like Christmas, so you may notice that not only do the Christmas decorations follow the green and red scheme - but so does the entire house! From the rugs and wallpaper to the sofas and curtains, the entire home leans into the festive palette, creating that instantly cosy, holiday feel.
Tip 2: Now, let’s be real—most of us aren’t about to turn our entire house red and green all year long. But here’s a takeaway: pick a cohesive colour scheme for your holiday decor and let it flow through your space. It doesn’t have to be red and green (though we’re big fans of the classic!) but try to avoid mixing, say, a neutral tree in one room with a bold, colourful tree in another. Sticking to just a few complementary colours throughout your home creates that same magical, put-together vibe—without committing to redecorating your entire home!
P.S. Don’t be afraid to lean into a little holiday whimsy! Sometimes we get so focused on making our decor perfectly polished that we forget to have fun with it—those nutcrackers and candy canes in the McCallister living room are exactly what bring in that playful, magical Christmas spirit.
Your home shouldn't just shine at Christmas, it deserves to give the wow factor every single day. Book a free consultation with one of our experienced designers to bring your vision to life.
Image credit: 20th Century Fox and Hughes Entertainment, © 1994
We all know that beautiful final scene in Miracle on 34th Street—when Kris Kringle surprises Susan and her family with their dream home. And my oh my, what a dream it is!
Every room in that house is decked out with gorgeous Christmas decor, but what makes it so special is how personal it feels. Sure, there’s a steady red theme throughout and charming traditional furnishings, but the Christmas tree is delightfully eclectic, creating a warm, family-focused vibe. It’s a great reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be about picture-perfect decorations. Instead, it’s about choosing pieces you genuinely love.
Tip 3: If you’re looking to recreate this movie look in your home, why not channel the jolie laide principal? (Stick with us here—it translates to "pretty ugly.") It’s all about embracing those quirky, eyebrow-raising pieces that stand out, like a wacky bauble or a Christmas cheetah! More importantly, it’s about filling your space with decor that reflects you. Let your personality shine through, and your Christmas decor will feel more unique, memorable, and magical than ever!
One of our favourite things about the decorations in Miracle on 34th Street is how they incorporate so many natural textures. The set designers really went all out, bringing nature indoors with that gorgeous dining table and stunning bay window. From lush pine garlands to fresh bouquets, magnolia leaves, and even fruit, these natural touches make the space feel warm, inviting, and absolutely magical.
Let your table do all the speaking this Christmas by following our guide to make a stunning tablescape!
Tip 4: Nature can really be your muse when decorating your home for Christmas, the natural textures and colours will instantly bring that wintery charm into your space - not to mention the smell alone will have you feeling festive.
And if you’re not up for foraging or splurging on fresh decorations every year, don’t worry! Pine cones, dried fruits, and dried flowers are budget friendly and can be loved year and after. There are also plenty of garlands and greenery options available that look like the real deal. That said, we highly recommend adding at least one real piece, like a wreath or a fresh tree. Nothing beats the authenticity of the real thing when it comes to bringing the outdoors in!
Want to discover more about decorating for Christmas with that natural touch? Click here!
Image credit: Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Releasing, © 2006
Though there’s nothing explicitly “Christmassy” about Kate Winslet’s character Iris’ home in The Holiday, it still gives off that festive warmth we all crave. There’s just something about those cosy cottage vibes that feels instantly magical, and it proves you don’t need to go all out to make your guests feel welcome and festive.
Image credit: My Bespoke Room
Tip 5: Go back to the basics of your room, with comfort at the core. Invest in cosy armchairs and charming cushions—bonus points if there’s a touch of chintz pattern in the mix! Swap out your coffee table for a comfy ottoman, pile on the pillows, add a soft rug to keep toes warm, and make sure there are plenty of blankets to spare.
Image credit: Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Releasing, © 2006
Don’t forget about lighting! Lamps with warm bulbs, a roaring fire, and soft candles can instantly make your space feel snug, even if you skip the festive trimmings.
With all of that warmth and comfort layered into your space, you’ll only need a few Christmassy touches—the magic of a room like this is how relaxed and inviting it feels - like it’s designed for people to gather and stay a while.
Love The Holiday? Check out our blog to decide Which home from "The Holiday" matches your style!
Love Actually gives us a mix of stories and an even bigger mix of interiors—some more festive than others!
But one home that stands out the most has to be Emma Thompson’s character Karen’s. It feels so relatable to us Brits, with its quintessential London look— it's a home that isn’t dressed to the nines but it's still brimming with Christmas spirit.
What we love most about this set is how family-oriented it feels, with treasured memories woven into the decor. And that leads us perfectly to Tip 6: don’t neglect the memories! Fill your tree with those handmade ornaments, the ones that hold sentimental value, and display the Christmas cards from loved ones. It may not have the "wow" factor of a room full of nutcrackers and twinkling lights, but it will give your home that warm, fuzzy, heartfelt Christmas feel—the kind of atmosphere that makes the season so special.
Transform your space into something truly special, not just for the festive season, but for every day of the year. Start your journey with a free call to one of our fab designers!