Give your living space a refresh, courtesy of “The Holiday”.
Is your home itching for a makeover after watching some Christmas classics? Every holiday season, I rewatch Nancy Meyer’s epic film, “The Holiday”, starring Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz and Jack Black. Not only do I adore everything about the movie and its’ score by Hans Zimmer, but the decor, like all of Ms. Meyer’s movies, is swoon-worthy.
It is no secret that the aesthetic world of Nancy Meyers’ movies is enchanting. From the picturesque kitchens in “Something’s Gotta Give” to charming homes in “It’s Complicated,” her films are known for their beautiful interiors. “The Holiday,” not only warms our hearts with its romantic storyline but also inspires with its stunning home decor.
For “The Holiday” LA house, Director Nancy Meyers and Production Designer Jon Hutman created an interior filled with fairly traditional furnishings in a simple white, gray and black color palette, creating an
Let’s take a closer look at how you can do a refreshing home makeover, drawing inspiration from the movie.
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Cozy English Cottage Vibes: “The Holiday” features two main homes—a cozy English cottage in Surrey and a luxurious Los Angeles mansion. To recreate the warmth and charm of the English cottage, start by choosing a warm color palette. Think soft pastels like blush pink, sage green, and powder blue for walls, upholstery, and decor items. Incorporate plenty of natural materials like wood, wicker, and stone for a rustic touch. Add vintage floral patterns through curtains, cushions, and throws to capture that quintessential English country feel.
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Comfortable Furnishings: In the movie, you’ll notice that the furniture is plush, inviting, and exceptionally comfortable. Invest in oversized, squishy sofas and armchairs with slipcovers in natural linen or cotton. Layer these with an abundance of throw pillows and soft blankets to create that inviting and cozy atmosphere. Vintage or antique furniture pieces can also add character to your space, just like the charming pieces in Iris’ cottage.
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Fireplace Focal Point: A central element in both the English and LA homes is the fireplace. If you have one, make it the focus of your living room or bedroom. Decorate the mantel with an array of candles, potted plants, and framed family photos. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider adding a decorative mantel to recreate that cozy vibe.
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Personal Touch: In the movie, Iris and Amanda both add personal touches to their spaces. Emulate this by incorporating your personality into your decor. Display your favorite books, artwork, and sentimental items. Create a gallery wall with your cherished memories or hang a collection of vintage movie posters, just like Amanda’s stylish home office.
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Create a Movie-Worthy Kitchen: “The Holiday” showcases two stunning kitchens—one traditional and cozy, the other modern and glamorous. To recreate the magic, update your kitchen with fresh paint, new cabinet hardware, and open shelving for displaying your favorite dishware. Add a rustic farmhouse table with mismatched chairs for that country kitchen charm or opt for sleek, stainless steel appliances and minimalist decor for a modern look.
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Embrace Natural Light: Both homes are flooded with natural light. Make the most of your space by maximizing sunlight. Use sheer curtains/blinds and place mirrors strategically to reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness.
Channeling “The Holiday” for your home refresh is a design home run. Whether you choose the cozy English cottage style or the modern LA mansion aesthetic, remember that where you live is the ultimate reflection of you and should make you feel content while being beautiful. Strive to create a comfortable, inviting, and personalized living space. Go ahead and add some movie magic to your living space.
Happy decorating!