Explore this family home flamboyantly styled for Christmas

The creative owners of this family home have given it a fabulous festive flourish

family home
(Image credit: James Merrell)

THE PROPERTY

A late-Victorian modern home 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.

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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.’

family home

(Image credit: James Merrell)

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.'

family home

(Image credit: James Merrell)

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

family home

(Image credit: James Merrell)

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

family home

(Image credit: James Merrell)

KITCHEN

Patterned wall and kitchen floor tiles and displays of greenery enliven the simple white cabinets.

family home

(Image credit: James Merrell)

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DINING ROOM

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

family home

(Image credit: James Merrell)

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.

family home

(Image credit: James Merrell)

BATHROOM

A playful artwork adds vibrant colour to the white bathroom scheme.

family home

(Image credit: James Merrell)

See Also: How a small Victorian terrace has been tastefully extended into a modern family home

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The homes media brand for early adopters, Livingetc shines a spotlight on the now and the next in design, obsessively covering interior trends, color advice, stylish homeware and modern homes. Celebrating the intersection between fashion and interiors. it's the brand that makes and breaks trends and it draws on its network on leading international luminaries to bring you the very best insight and ideas.