topic Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS in Home

LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

Oznell — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:06:19 GMT

Oh, who am I kidding? It's a total MINIMAL English Christmas, relying solely on fresh greens, candles and lights, and seasonal fruits and nuts in the spare cottage interiors.

Just so you won't expect a riot of color, ornaments, streamers, or plum puddings and Christmas crackers, ha.

But in it's own way it's lovely, and suitable for this family.

What a setting. See how close it is to that rim of shimmering water between land and sky?

It's in rolling North Devon, just a stone's throw from the sea. Idyllic. Even though my Dad's family was from *West* Devon, the unforgettable countryside here-- its soft green hills and 'secret' hedgerows-- couldn't be more similar, so I have a soft spot for this.

It's called a 'cottage', but you can see how rambling it is. (It reminds me of the American poet, Sylvia Plath's house at the end of her life, also in Devon)--

Maria Le Mesurier lives there with her husband and five children. She has a penchant for simplicity.

What a sweet welcome!

The sitting room, with its cozy wood-burning stove--

Looking in the other direction. When they moved in, the walls were bright white, so she had to tone them down. The huge sectional is not necessarily her ideal choice, but perfect for the family. The soft linen slipcovers are frequently whipped off for laundering--

Homeworthy's video has her explaining her design philosophy. The bottles and glasses are not part of the design, exactly-- they're there as part of easily-reached holiday libations for vistors!

The rich, vintage Italian olive pots are very much part of the design. She says-- "they're my art", and loves them unreasonably. Notice how the repetition of simple elements-- the soulful old two-tone jars with greens, and the candlesticks-- is a strong design statement in itself.

Even bigger jars hold the locally foraged branches that she loves.

The kitchen:

Mmmmm, a snack of tarts and nuts!

Their dining area is dominated by a table crafted by her company, "Wood Edit". She debated benches versus chairs, but benches won, mainly because right now, with five kids ( and often their friends), they can fit more people comfortably around the table.

Even the smaller utility spaces, like laundry rooms, etc. have the "still life" quality of a painting.

Since this little furred cutie likes jumping up on beds, she learned to go with "earthy" toned linens for now... (Each of the children have their own bedroom, where they can be as cluttered and toy-filled as they like-- so all is not as "zen" as this one!)

Maria's tastes are all the more interesting, in that she grew up in England's famed "Uppark", her mother's 17th century ancestral home in Sussex:

Also wondering if her desire for calm interiors stems from the years of child abuse from her father that she has publicly spoken of, in heart-breaking detail. She has said that her childhood, despite the illustrious background and deluxe surroundings, was one of fear and constantly pumping adrenaline.

Yet now, in her late forties, she seems to have finally come to a certain kind of peace with all of that, and seems happy with her family in her cottage refuge. That is very nice to know.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

Kachina624 — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:24:40 GMT

Considering the austerity of the exterior and the rather bleak landscape, I was surprised by the contemporary decor of the interior. I rather like it and it seems quite fitting. Red and green streamers and sparkly stuff would be completely out of place.

I am a little concerned about the close proximity of the greenery to the candles on the back wall. It's possible that they're further apart than they appear in the photo.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

Mz iMac — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:35:21 GMT

@Oznell Love it!! Right up my alley.

With a cat & a dog there is NO WAY I can have open flammed candles anywhere near them. They would burn the place down.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

Desertdi — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:44:25 GMT

I love those stone fireplace surrounds!

The idiot who built this house put MARBLE up. Yeah...in a CASITA!

This house isn't worth remodeling... And I shouldn't complain: The price was right.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

Witchy Woman — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:47:33 GMT

@Oznell

Beautiful...love the simplicity of just the greens. The location is sublime. However, as I often do with such remote homes, I find myself wondering, "where do they shop for groceries." Silly, I know, but they look a million miles from EVERYTHING but the water.

So heartbreaking to think of enduring years of childhood abuse by one's father. Unspeakably sad and tragic.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

DREAMON — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:14:13 GMT

I do really like this home. I think I see Berber carpet on the steps. I have a thing for Berber and it seems to be totally out of style but I still love it.

I do think some of the walls need something ...maybe a wreath on the wall behind the sofa.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

Oznell — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:20:21 GMT

I know what you mean, @Desertdi -- when builders don't respect the architecture of the house, the overall style, it can end up looking like a bit of a hodge podge. But, as you say, if the price was right, that makes up for a lot! And as a homeowner, you at least have options:

If it continues to bother you, you could always get estimates to see if someone could "build over" the marble, in a more appropriate style, without the expense of tearing it all out, etc.

@Witchy Woman , you have the clairvoyance of your online name! I bet you've been told that before. Do you know, that Maria mentioned that exact thing-- the remoteness of the cottage was a consideration when they went to buy, and she said that they are a half hour from the nearest grocery store.

Now, I'm about 8 minutes from mine, so a half hour would be too much for me-- I can't stand even being any sort of distance from the vet, the post office, pharmacy, etc. But I imagine if the incentive was great enough, I could live with that!

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

Bookplate — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:10:06 GMT

Beautiful setting and tasteful, simple interior. My only negatives are 1) that is a LOT of couch and 2) dining room benches? OK for the kiddos but I'm guessing they don't have many older guests. I would not find that comfortable.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

stevieb — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:19:27 GMT

Sorry, holiday decor is the least of the problems here. This structure has so much potential, but I can't get past that awful, endless U shaped sofa nor the picnic table. This goes well beyond merely being low key or minimal. Just no.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

just bee — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:48:19 GMT

I get sort of a Pier 1 vibe.

There's a lot to like simplicity-wise, but I wouldn't want to struggle with that picnic table.

And the candles make me nervous.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

roxxy1 — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:28:53 GMT

I love both the minimalist and isolation of it all. thanks for the post @Oznell

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

DSD2 — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:52:34 GMT

Oznell, I am surprised at myself but I found this quite lovely.

A bit plain yes, but calming and tranquil.

I don't mind the benches but can't get past the sofas.

The dog is a sweetheart and a delight.

Thank you!

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

CarolinaGirl88 — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 02:39:36 GMT

Lovely and calming in its own way. I think the dining table looks very pretty.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

Puzzle Piece — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 02:47:10 GMT

I'm okay with the decor but not the location. Seems so lonely.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

shoptilyadropagain — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:51:43 GMT

I'm loving the Christmas Decor. The rest of the house is FAR too vanilla for me and it needs a lot of help, IMHO, of course.

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

CANDLEQUEEN — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:24:37 GMT

So pretty, but that picnic table is a no go for me-too uncomfortable to sit in for any time...

I do like the minmalistic decor, although it is a bit too vanilla for my tastes. but it fits this setting, I think..

It is very far out with no one and nothing around-that would really take some getting used to for me anyways. I too always wonder where is the closest store, or pharmacy, etc...

I love Candles, so I love all of hers.....

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

wagirl — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:12:03 GMT

Am ok with such simplicity however I would throw in the red for accent. It is more of a winter theme to my eyes---need more color for xmas time. But not overdone as it is----not like someone vomitted xmas!!

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

GingerHead — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:12:47 GMT

@Oznell

What a stunning setting and house. Wow. Looks like a fairytale.

I love the simplicity and use of natural elements in her decor....so calming, relaxing and refreshing.

Standouts ( in no particular order) for me include:

*Big rustic chunky pottery

*Love that couch looks so comfy (I like form AND function...especially cozy function.

*That stone fireplace and oven surround is perfect

*The blonde wood furniture pieces, more the color than the furniture itself

*That dining room table centerpiece is beautiful

*That adorable dog, he looks like a stuffed animal....

One thing that does bother me is in the living room, that wall above the couch and the space above the fireplace is screaming out for something.

I think I'd put a very big, maybe,rustic window pane mirror above the couch to give it some much needed architectural detail and to reflect the light from the windows across from it. I'd also place a mirror above the fireplace. This would still be in keeping with the simple, not too fussy decor.

I'm having fun here....Maybe a Mirror similar to this one on that wall above the couch:

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

GingerHead — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 21:44:09 GMT

@Oznell

Don't mind me, I'm having fun and playing. haha

And maybe above the fireplace

I'd maybe put some kind of unique, rustic mirror like this:

Anyway....Thanks for the fun post!!!

Re: LOW-KEY ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

wagirl — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:30:00 GMT

I NEED that mirror!!!!!