A Look Inside Iconic Christmas Movie Interiors

Image credit: House and Garden

 

The Interiors That Define Christmas

’Tis the season to curl up and watch the same cosy rom-coms we return to each year. But there’s something even more enticing than the plot - the nostalgic, magical ambience and the feeling of being transported into a homely, comforting, festive world that lets you forget real life for a while. Living rooms drenched in tinsel, hallways strung with twinkling lights, colour palettes of reds, greens and golds… everything feels warm, happy and like a home-from-home.
We’re deep-diving into the interior sets of the most-watched Christmas films so you can recreate the look yourself this festive season.

 

The Holiday

Nancy Meyers knows how to do a rom-com right, and she absolutely didn’t miss with the Christmas classic The Holiday - especially the famously charming Rosehill Cottage, home to Kate Winslet’s character in this house-swapping love story. The American director arguably reached her peak of interior design wizardry with this small, idyllic cottage set within the breathtaking British countryside.

The magic begins with the exterior: lightly dusted in snow, slightly wonky, warm-coloured stone - it’s the essence of every cosy cottage you might find in the Cotswolds or North Yorkshire, bursting with character, charm and festive appeal.

Inside, all the classic cottage features appear: wooden beams, an open fire, a shabby, mismatched country kitchen and, of course, the iconic roll-top bath. Cottages like this thrive in winter, they feel like a warm hug, protecting you from the weather outside.
The living room is the pinnacle of old English cottage style, filled with overstuffed armchairs, mismatched florals and a tufted ottoman in place of a coffee table. It’s all about soft furnishings and textures that feel loved and lived-in.

And, naturally, no country cottage is complete without a reading nook. Rosehill Cottage features higgledy-piggledy bookshelves and a cosy armchair, continuing the chappy-chic aesthetic that runs throughout the home.

We can’t forget one of the most iconic scenes of the film - Cameron Diaz in the now-famous bathtub (nicknamed “Tubby Tore”), surrounded by exposed brick, black harlequin flooring and that perfect blend of rustic charm and whimsical elegance. Achieve this aesthetic with natural textures, warm lighting and plenty of soft, layered fabrics.

 

Image credit: House and Garden

 

Bridget Jones’s Diary

Bridget Jones’s Diary follows Bridget as she navigates work, romance and the pressure of single life in London. It’s become a British classic thanks to its relatability - the chaos of life, the journey of self-discovery and the comforting warmth of Bridget’s cluttered yet homely house, especially in the most recent film, Mad About the Boy.

To recreate this look at home, step into the mind of the quintessential ‘frazzled’ English woman: think colours and patterns that shouldn’t work but somehow do, retro and vintage finds, and nostalgic touches collected throughout different eras of life. Bridget’s bright yellow kitchen, whimsical patterned wallpapers and mix of antique furniture create a style that’s mayhem but magical - the perfect lived-in, joyful aesthetic.

Set director Penny Crawford described the home as “a place of life, colour and vibrancy.” She and her team spent hours scouting salvage yards, eBay and second-hand shops for authentic pieces full of originality and character. No detail was missed - even the dining table was covered in paint stains, showcasing a well-used, well-loved piece of furniture.

Bridget’s home represents the hustle and bustle of family life. It’s not about perfection, it’s about memories, personality and a colourfully vintage interior that celebrates real living.

 

 

Home Alone

Home Alone is undoubtedly one of the most festive Christmas films of all time. It follows eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, accidentally left behind when his family travels away for Christmas, forcing him to fend for himself while outsmarting two burglars. It’s a classic for a reason - the wit, the humour and, of course, the beautifully nostalgic interior choices of the early ’90s.

The McCallister home, set in suburban Chicago, is drenched in reds, greens and patterned wallpaper, the perfect traditional backdrop for a family Christmas. This colour palette is used throughout the film’s interiors and even in Kevin’s outfits, making the aesthetic instantly recognisable.

The theme continues in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, especially in the iconic four-poster hotel room at The Plaza - nothing makes you want a festive trip to New York more.

To recreate this nostalgic Christmas interior at home, embrace cyclical ’90s trends: maximalist colours, traditional patterns, art-deco touches and an authentic, cosy feel. Think warm lighting (skip the big lights), lamps, string lights, festive greenery, berries, statement rugs and rich seasonal palettes. Create a joyful, welcoming atmosphere that celebrates family traditions and a touch of holiday magic.

 

 

Little Women

Little Women might not seem like a traditional Christmas film, but a recent surge in TikTok searches for “Little Women Christmas” proves the aesthetic is a seasonal favourite - and one we can absolutely get behind. The beautiful, wood-clad Orchard House seen in the film is a magical set designed to resemble the March sisters’ New England childhood home, inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s own family.

Greta Gerwig transformed the house into a warm, whimsical space full of handmade charm, tradition and girlish cosiness. Expect bows, candles, floral arrangements, paper stars and garlands studded with dried oranges and berries draped across every mantelpiece. Candles on the tree, foliage in every corner - it’s pure, homely fantasy.

Little Women interiors capture the relatable bond of sisterhood, childhood innocence and the comfort of a home filled with creativity. Production designer Jess Gonchor described the exterior as “an old worn-out jewellery box found in your grandmother’s drawer,” a vision he executed perfectly.

A Little Women Christmas is all about folksy, characterful, handcrafted décor. Embrace homemade garlands, paper stars, hand-tied wreaths and gifts wrapped with care and intention. Lean into imperfections, they become part of the aesthetic.
If every detail feels meaningful, personal and softly glowing, then you’ve created your own Little Women-inspired Christmas.

 

Image credit: House Beautiful