14 festive living rooms from the Country Living archives
The Country Living archives, a photographic record of all the lovely homes we've been welcomed into over the years, are rich pickings come Christmas.
We've got Georgian farmhouses with wreaths at every window, the homes of artists filled with handmade decorations, and more 6ft Christmas trees strewn with ribbons and fairy lights than we care to count. The living room is invariable the centrepiece of it all, and each home has put an individual stamp on theirs.
“I love the creativity of decorating and find joy in thinking up new ideas as well as cherishing older traditions," says Cathy Bullen, the owner of a cottage in Suffolk that we visited in 2023.
"I grew up in a home where my parents decorated with inherited antique pieces so I've always loved using these and vintage decorations, perhaps one day my children may say the same” she adds.
Here, we share some of our favourite festive living rooms from the archives, with oodles of decorating inspiration and clever crafting ideas...
Streamers
An abundantly decorated living room in the home of Leah and Rupert Lane – have a look at the rest of their festive Georgian farmhouse, it's truly something to behold. The ceiling, festooned with vibrant streamers, is a real conversation-starter. “A friend of mine decorated her ceiling with streamers for Christmas but never took them down,” explains Leah, “and I liked the idea of a permanent party room.”
Paper chains
Colourful and thrifty paper chains are used in the family room of this 19th-century house in Berkshire. The shelf holds a collection of Santas and nostalgic wooden toys surround by fairy lights that go up on 1 December, "and stay until the clocks go forward in spring!" says homeowner Jules.
The personalised Advent calendar
A beautifully embroidered Advent calendar makes a pleasing (and planet-friendly) alternative to the disposable variety. Fill each day with a surprise – it's hard to beat chocolate, but there is joy in getting creative with something handmade like an invite to a seasonal activity, or a note from Santa...
Modest touches
Even the smallest of touches can be magical. A wreath hung with ribbon – they're not just for the front door – a sweet bow tied to a wall light, and a pair of nutcracker figurines standing to attention on the windowsill is plenty.
The artist's take
In the home of artist Molly Mahon, the pink shade on the living room walls – Parsonage Pink by Papers & Paints – feel remarkably Christmassy, especially once it’s time to bring the fir tree and armfuls of evergreen foliage inside. Bows fashioned from leftover fabrics, flowers and fairtrade paper garlands are a natural take on festive decorations. "To store, carefully wind them around a kitchen roll tube until next year," she says.
DIY projects
A DIY project to keep little ones busy in the run-up to Christmas. These lovely articulated characters can perch on picture frames, mirrors and windowsills. They were made by tracing images from a children's Christmas book and fixing together with a split pin.
Shop your garden
In the warm and welcoming living room of fashion journalist Louise Roe, decorations have been collected from her own garden. "Natural decorations are top of our list – I love having a real tree covered with twinkling lights and bring berries, ivy and holly in from the garden to fill pots and vases and drape around pictures all over the house," says Louise. "I also fill bowls with bonbons and amaretti and keep them refreshed all month."
Birch branches
Birch branches are a fine alternative to Christmas trees, and when presented as Sarah Raven has – as tall as the ceiling and threaded through with fairy lights and colourful baubles – it feels wonderfully rustic.
Fill out your garlands
This garland is made up of both real and faux elements, and the mix is a handy one. Use the flexible faux garland to create the right shape and fasten in place, adding real fern branches and ivy to make it fuller.
Rainbow colour
It's not all red and gold. This cheerful living room makes a compelling case for using lots of colour at Christmas. Set an upbeat tone with a rainbow of ribbons and paper honeycombs – they work surprisingly well beside traditional glass baubles.
Stockings
When her children were little, artist Molly Mahon made each of them a stocking from fabric offcuts, but they have recently benefitted from stylish handmade upgrades. Molly sells similar ones (among many other dreamy Christmas decorations) from her online store, mollymahon.com.
The real tree
You really can't beat a real tree. This handsome fir stands out against walls painted Light Peach Blossom by Little Greene, dressed with a mismatch of wooden, felt and glass baubles. Have look at 10 other Christmas tree farms to visit in the UK.
More is more...
Garlands, LED candles, bells and paper doves surround the fireplace of Leah Lane's farmhouse. “Decorating at Christmas is about a more-is-more approach for me. It’s about bringing the outside in. Plus, plenty of stripes and lights – the more, the better!” says homeowner Leah.
The tabletop tree
For tiny rooms that still deserve decoration. This lovely stout tree sits out of the way, and out of reach of little hands or curious pets...
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