Explore this family home flamboyantly styled for Christmas

(Image credit: James Merrell)

published 7 December 2020

THE PROPERTY

A late-Victorian modern home (opens in new tab) family in northwest London. On the ground floor is a large through living room, a family room, a kitchen, a conservatory/garden room and a bathroom, with a study on the mezzanine. The first floor has three bedrooms and a bathroom. There is a further bedroom, bathroom and dressing room, plus knocked-through, open-plan suite on the next two floors.

HALLWAY

Marianne Cotterill certainly doesn’t do things by halves. The renowned creative director and Livingetc favourite has been responsible for some of the most memorable shoots you’ll have spotted in the magazine over the years and her flamboyant approach naturally spills over into her own home, which she shares with her husband Terry, now their five children have flown the nest.

The spectacular double-fronted pile is a showcase of Marianne’s magpie collector’s eye. Her stylist’s touch is evident throughout – and has resulted in an impactful mix of vintage and modern, flea-market finds and designer items that all hang together and, thanks to its very eclecticism, has stood the test of time.

For Christmas the staircase is decked with Indian wedding decorations. ‘I brought tons and tons of wedding decorations back from India,’ says Marianne. ‘They’re joyous and colourful and make me want to party.’

LIVING ROOM

There's no sign of a traditional pine Christmas tree here. ‘I like to do something different for the tree,’ says Marianne. ‘These are twigs I painted with a lametta curtain draped over them.'

The red ploum sofa adds to the vibrant feel of the room.

Marianne made the red wreath by spray-painting some moss. The wallpaper is from Osborne & Little.

KITCHEN

Patterned wall and kitchen floor (opens in new tab) tiles and displays of greenery enliven the simple white cabinets.

See Also: Cool Kitchen Flooring Ideas
(opens in new tab)

DINING ROOM

Prior to lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions, Marianne, Terry and their five grown-up children would often gather for Sunday lunches.

MASTER BEDROOM

The fuschia curtains are by Designers Guild. ‘When it’s sunny, you get a bolt of fiery pink from the curtains and it’s amazing,’ says Marianne.

BATHROOM

A playful artwork adds vibrant colour to the white bathroom (opens in new tab) scheme.

See more modern homes

Shining a spotlight on the now and the next in home design and decor, Livingetc is the UK's best selling high end and contemporary home design magazine. As a brand, Livingetc showcases the world's very best homes, breaks and makes the trends, and has access to leading international designers for insight and ideas. It was first published in 1998, and is currently edited by Pip Rich.