Decorating
Fun Houzz: Re-create Kate Winslet’s Country Cottage From ‘The Holiday’
Love the 2006 film ‘The Holiday’? Here’s how to get the traditional English country look of Iris’s covetable cottage
In the 2006 film The Holiday, Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet) is a society column editor for The Telegraph in London and commutes in from her quaint cottage in Surrey each day. Her home is a world away from the sprawling LA mansion she goes to stay in for the winter, and epitomises traditional English country cottage style. Here’s how to get the look.
Squeeze in a bathtub
One of the shots from the film shows a tall Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz, having a bath in Iris’s half-sized metal tub. A cute slipper bath like this is both practical and endearing, and proves you don’t have to have tons of space to enjoy good soak.
Check out how to work a bathtub into your bedroom
One of the shots from the film shows a tall Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz, having a bath in Iris’s half-sized metal tub. A cute slipper bath like this is both practical and endearing, and proves you don’t have to have tons of space to enjoy good soak.
Check out how to work a bathtub into your bedroom
Make it mini
With space – or lack of it – being rather a large issue in Iris’s cottage, an expansive range simply isn’t an option. Join her and opt for a smaller cooker that’s in keeping with the size of the space – it will look sweet and won’t dominate the room.
With space – or lack of it – being rather a large issue in Iris’s cottage, an expansive range simply isn’t an option. Join her and opt for a smaller cooker that’s in keeping with the size of the space – it will look sweet and won’t dominate the room.
Go for duck egg blue
Duck egg blue is a trusted choice for a country kitchen, particularly on Shaker-style units. Pair it with plenty of blue and white crockery to really bring out the English look.
Duck egg blue is a trusted choice for a country kitchen, particularly on Shaker-style units. Pair it with plenty of blue and white crockery to really bring out the English look.
Opt for a metal bed
A white, cast iron bed is a must-have for the cottage look. Iris’s bedroom is tucked under the rafters and has a very homely feel, so choose a loft bedroom if possible. Fit soft lighting to add to the cosy atmosphere – and make sure there are plenty of blankets for the winter months.
A white, cast iron bed is a must-have for the cottage look. Iris’s bedroom is tucked under the rafters and has a very homely feel, so choose a loft bedroom if possible. Fit soft lighting to add to the cosy atmosphere – and make sure there are plenty of blankets for the winter months.
Build layers of subtle texture
The English country look has bundles of character without being overwhelming or gaudy. This can be achieved by layering up lots of different fabrics in a range of pale neutrals and subtle patterns, creating interest and depth.
The English country look has bundles of character without being overwhelming or gaudy. This can be achieved by layering up lots of different fabrics in a range of pale neutrals and subtle patterns, creating interest and depth.
Display your treasures
In a cosy cottage, you wouldn’t expect to find storage rooms or large cabinets in which to hide away all your things. A sure-fire way to get the look is to have an interesting collection of books, art and found treasures crowded onto quirky shelving. Having a home full of characterful possessions will make it feel warm and lived-in, but be careful not to let it get too chaotic – busy doesn’t need to mean cluttered.
In a cosy cottage, you wouldn’t expect to find storage rooms or large cabinets in which to hide away all your things. A sure-fire way to get the look is to have an interesting collection of books, art and found treasures crowded onto quirky shelving. Having a home full of characterful possessions will make it feel warm and lived-in, but be careful not to let it get too chaotic – busy doesn’t need to mean cluttered.
Work in plenty of florals
Cushions, curtains, slipcovers, accessories… It’s difficult to go overboard with florals for this look. The patterns can be delicate so they blend together, or bolder for a stronger look.
Tour a Cotswolds country home for a masterclass in country cottage florals
Cushions, curtains, slipcovers, accessories… It’s difficult to go overboard with florals for this look. The patterns can be delicate so they blend together, or bolder for a stronger look.
Tour a Cotswolds country home for a masterclass in country cottage florals
Stoke up the fire
Nothing says countryside more than settling down for a cosy evening by the fire while the wind howls outside. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, try gathering a collection of candles together to create a similarly cosy effect.
TELL US…
Would you rather stay in Iris’s English cottage or Amanda’s LA mansion? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
See how to get the look of Amanda’s LA mansion from ‘The Holiday’
Nothing says countryside more than settling down for a cosy evening by the fire while the wind howls outside. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, try gathering a collection of candles together to create a similarly cosy effect.
TELL US…
Would you rather stay in Iris’s English cottage or Amanda’s LA mansion? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
See how to get the look of Amanda’s LA mansion from ‘The Holiday’
Cottages epitomise traditional English countryside living, and can be made from timber, stone or brick. Iris’s is a stone cottage in Surrey. If this isn’t quite within your budget, here are a few ways to get the English cottage look in your own home.