Once the calendar hits mid-October, I dive into my fall movie marathon. First, I start with Harry Potter, then move on to The Holiday, You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, the Bridget Jones’s Diary series, The Holiday again (yes, it deserves a second watch), and, of course, Love Actually. These holiday season movies have a special place in my heart. While I adore the fun love stories, what truly captivates me are the fashion and interior design elements featured in these films. They continue to inspire us years later.
So, I’ve decided to write about my favorite movies and the decor ideas they bring to life. Here’s a closer look at these cinematic gems and their unforgettable homes:
Movies with Beautiful Homes
The Holiday – Iris’ Cottage
Nestled in the charming English countryside, Iris’s cottage is the epitome of cozy living. With its rustic stone exterior, low wooden beams, and a roaring fireplace, it’s the kind of home that makes you want to curl up with a hot cup of tea. The decor features muted tones, vintage furniture, and layered textiles that create warmth and nostalgia.
Unfortunately, this home does not exist in real life. It was built for the movie, and It was just the outside, and indoor shoots were made in LA in the movie studio. But It doesn’t take us to fantasize about that dream cottage home of our dreams. Thank you Nancy Meyers for creating this magical home decor for us all who love architectural designs.
To replicate this look, focus on:
- Warm, neutral color palettes like beige, cream, and soft gray.
- Exposed wood accents and vintage-inspired furniture.
- Layered textiles, including knitted throws and floral cushions.
- Rustic accessories like lanterns, bookshelves, and candles.
This timeless, homey aesthetic makes Iris’s cottage a fan favorite.
The Holiday – Amanda Woods’ Modern LA Mansion
On the other end of the spectrum is Amanda Woods’s luxurious LA home. Sleek, modern, and minimalist, it’s a total contrast to Iris’s quaint cottage. With expansive glass windows, neutral tones, and clean lines, Amanda’s house exudes sophistication. The standout feature? The dreamy pool and home theater, making it a paradise for relaxation and entertainment.
To get Amanda’s look:
- Embrace a neutral color scheme with white, beige, and subtle metallics.
- Opt for clean-lined furniture with minimal ornamentation.
- Incorporate statement pieces like large abstract art and geometric light fixtures.
- Add cozy touches with plush throws and textured rugs.
This decor is perfect for anyone who loves a polished yet inviting space.
You’ve Got Mail – Kathleen Kelly’s Apartment
Kathleen Kelly’s Upper West Side apartment is whimsical, warm, and brimming with charm—just like her character. Her space is a reflection of her personality, featuring cozy furniture, stacks of books, and pops of cheerful colors. The floral patterns and vintage-inspired pieces make her home feel lived-in and full of character.
To channel Kathleen’s aesthetic:
- Decorate with vintage furniture and floral prints.
- Incorporate bookshelves filled with your favorite novels.
- Add colorful accents like throw pillows and artwork.
- Use warm lighting from table lamps and sconces.
This cozy and eclectic style makes Kathleen’s apartment feel like a true home.
Bridget Jones’s Diary – Bridget’s Apartment
Bridget’s apartment is quintessentially London—small yet full of personality. Her space feels effortlessly casual, with mismatched furniture, quirky decor, and an endearing lived-in quality. While it may not scream high design, it’s relatable and inviting, much like Bridget herself. Also, her apartment’s layout and makes me smitten. I love it when apartments have elevated steps corners inside.
To mimic Bridget’s apartment:
- Embrace an eclectic mix of furniture styles.
- Add personal touches like photographs and quirky trinkets.
- Use colorful accents and patterned textiles for a playful vibe.
- Create a cozy atmosphere with string lights and candles.
This relaxed, unpolished decor is perfect for creating a home that feels authentic and comfortable.
Love Actually – Jamie Bennet’s French Getaway
Jamie’s retreat in the South of France is every romantic’s dream. Surrounded by lush greenery, this rustic home features stone walls, terracotta tiles, and simple yet elegant decor. It’s the kind of place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of life. The property came to market in 2010 and sold at £750,000 according to this website.
Recreate Jamie’s French countryside vibe by:
- Using natural materials like stone, wood, and linen.
- Decorating with vintage furniture and antique accents.
- Incorporating earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, and soft white.
- Adding French-inspired details like wrought iron fixtures and lace curtains.
This understated elegance makes Jamie’s home an unforgettable setting in Love Actually.
Something’s Gotta Give – Erica Barry’s Beach House
Erica Barry’s Hamptons home is a coastal dream come true. Probably after the Holiday’s heartthrob English countryside house, my second favorite home decor from Nancy Meyers movies. The spacious interiors are filled with natural light, crisp white furniture, and subtle blue accents. The open floor plan and large windows create a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors, perfectly capturing the relaxed elegance of beachside living.
For a similar look:
- Stick to a coastal palette of white, blue, and sandy beige.
- Use slipcovered furniture and natural fibers like jute and linen.
- Decorate with nautical-inspired accessories like shells and driftwood.
- Maximize natural light with sheer curtains and large mirrors.
This fresh and breezy decor is timelessly chic.
Friends – Monica and Rachel’s Apartment
Monica and Rachel’s apartment is one of the most iconic TV homes. Its eclectic mix of styles—from the purple walls to the vintage kitchen appliances—makes it unforgettable. The apartment is both stylish and welcoming, a perfect reflection of its inhabitants.
To achieve this look:
- Paint an accent wall in a bold color like Monica’s signature purple.
- Mix vintage and modern furniture for a layered effect.
- Add quirky details like mismatched dining chairs and unique artwork.
- Keep it cozy with throw pillows and area rugs.
This playful yet functional decor is perfect for creating a home that feels fun and inviting.
Sex and the City – Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment
Carrie’s apartment is as stylish as she is. While the space is small, it’s filled with personality, featuring a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. Her open closet and workspace reflect her passion for fashion and writing, making her apartment a true extension of her character.
To emulate Carrie’s iconic home:
- Focus on a mix of vintage and modern furniture.
- Showcase your wardrobe with an open clothing rack or shelves.
- Use decorative boxes and trays to organize accessories.
- Add a statement piece, like a bold chair or patterned rug.
Carrie’s chic and personalized space proves that small apartments can be big on style.
