IT'S FULL OF JOY & tradition

THROUGH A BLEND OF PLAYFUL PATTERNS, TRADITIONAL TOUCHES AND VIBRANT COLOURS, LOU HAS BROUGHT SO MUCH PERSONALITY TO HER HOME

- MARISHA TAYLOR

WHO LIVES HERE?

Lou Crane, a chief operating officer, lives here with her house cats Sirius and Luna.

THE PROPERTY

A four-bedroom, late Edwardian villa in Cheshire, bought in 2022.

1 "Choose rich, harmonious shades"

I plucked my Christmas colour scheme from artwork and other elements in the room, focusing on bright reds and pinks because they feel joyful and festive.'

BUY THE KEY PIECES

Walls in Homespun washable matt, £29.99 for 2.5ltr, Rustoleum. Jonathan Adler rug, £429, Ruggable. Try Christmas tree bows in Pink, £14 for five, Lizzie Chancellor

2 "Add soft shades and subtle details"

‘The room is centred around the pretty fireplace, with the TV above, cleverly disguised by changeable artwork when it's not in use. I painted the mantel in the same soft pink as the rest of the woodwork, so it blends in beautifully and doesn't take over the space.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES

This is the Naughty Corner print, from £38, What Phil Sees. Try Gold Paint Drops console table, £90, Otello's Home

3 "Go for cosy character"

‘When I moved in, the living room felt gloomy and awkward, with a bulky media unit dominating the space. But it was full of potential. I removed the media unit, added panelling to bring back some period charm, and repainted the walls.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES