Create a Sanctuary for Staying-In Season
With cold snaps and dark nights on the horizon, discover how the Omaze Design team brought together earth tones, layers of velvet and wool, and vintage treasures to transform the Cotswolds House into a festive sanctuary. We caught up with Chloe, who led the project, to hear more about the inspiration, favourite pieces and little details that brought it all together.
So kick off your boots and celebrate the season of staying in with some interiors inspiration for a cosier winter. Think flickering candles, the smell of the Christmas tree and everyone making room on the sofa for one more.
How would you describe the house in three words?
“I’d describe it as a characterful, cosy heritage retreat (four words—sorry!). We wanted to create somewhere that felt quintessentially Cotswolds, but also warm and inviting—the kind of place you dream of spending a weekend with no plans but staying in.”
How you were influenced by the the house’s architecture, history or setting?
”With more than 100 years of history and in a such an iconic setting, we wanted to celebrate the house’s character rather than compete with it.
The warm Cotswolds-stone window surrounds, exposed brickwork and internal stonework informed the colours and tones of our paint choices and wallpaper.
Overall, we wanted it to feel like a modern take on a heritage home: comfortable, playful, and true to those Cotswolds details we all know and love.”
What was your favourite room or area to style?
“The whole team fell in love with the reception room. With its stone hearth and huge L-shaped sofa—upholstered in a bold, cosy, custom fabric—it’s easy to picture everyone piling in, cups of tea in hand, and spending the afternoon playing games or choosing a book from the library shelving. It’s a space made for togetherness, and the true heart of the home.”
What was the most satisfying ‘before and after’?
“The open-plan living and dining space was probably the most satisfying transformation. It’s a generous size, so we needed a connecting thread between the two areas—and we found an incredible Penny Morrison wallpaper to do the job. It added colour and personality while making the space feel warmer, more inviting, and more pulled together. The print’s called Persian Poppy, if anyone’s thinking of adding it themselves.”
Did the seasons or time of year influence your design?
“Absolutely! With autumn in full swing, we wanted the house to feel ultra cosy—the kind of place where you can light a fire, make a hot chocolate, and hunker down.
It’s hard to believe it’s nearly that time of year already, but Christmas was also on our minds. We wanted to show how a this house could feel at Christmas—warm, cosy, and connected to nature. We deliberately chose decorations and garlands with a folksy, handmade feel, using dried, foraged florals rather than anything too polished or formal. There’s even a wreath-making station in the garden greenhouse… if the mood takes you.”
We know you can’t choose but… any favourite pieces?
“It’s so hard to choose, but the headboard in the kids’ twin room was a real Design Team fave! It’s custom-made in a fabric we sourced from the US months ago. We didn’t have a specific use in mind at the time—we just loved it so much that we bought it and waited for the perfect opportunity. Paired with the balloon lighting little antique details, it adds to that sense of whimsy and nostalgia that we loved."
You used lots of vintage pieces in your design. Any top tips for finding brilliant vintage pieces?
“First of all, I’d say: get out there and go to markets. It’s a great way to discover different styles and traders, and makes a nice day of it, too.
When you’re shopping, don’t go with a list—go with an open mind and treat it like a treasure hunt, not a plan that you need to stick to. As you browse, look for pieces with a strong shape or silhouette—those are the ones that will often hold their own on a shelf or in a room.
Above all, enjoy yourself. Happy shopping!”
How do you mix vintage finds so that a house doesn’t feel too themed or like a museum?
“It’s really all about mixing them in with modern pieces and finding a nice balance. On a shelf for example, add a modern lamp and a stack of colourful, contemporary books as a base, then pop a beautiful old bowl or sculptural piece on top of them.
I’m also a big fan of sourcing collections of objects—glassware, ceramics, magazines etc—because a collection feels intentional rather than like a group of random, old things.“
What’s a design detail you’re proud of that people might not notice?
“Probably the way that pattern and colour carry through the house.
Nothing is overly matching, but there are lovely little visual links between rooms, whether that’s the colour on a cushion that speaks to the wallpaper, or even how fabrics sit back with the finish on the furniture.
I also love the little feline touches dotted around the house in homage to our charity partner, Cat’s Protection. See how many you can spot.“
Were there any interesting practical features or storage spaces?
“The whole top floor is a brilliant bonus: it’s a beautifully finished, carpeted loft space tucked into the eaves. It’s big enough to fit a playroom, an office, and a creative space—or anything else you might choose.
There’s also a fantastic guest annex, which adds another layer of flexibility. Downstairs, there’s a sweet little breakfast kitchenette; upstairs, there’s a living space, bedroom, and bathroom—perfect for guests, family visits, or simply a bit of breathing room.
In the main house, there’s also a separate cellar, laundry room, and dedicated storage spaces like a walk-in wardrobe, too.“
What inspired the styling of the outside spaces?
“We wanted the outside spaces to feel just as playful as the interiors, with plenty of details to discover. The kids’ summer house became an extension of the children’s bedroom, with a beautiful antique Swedish school chair, a school desk, and paper chains and stars tucked into the roof—reminiscent of that magical tent scene in The Holiday (if you know, you know)."
What Christmas decorating ideas should people have on their radar this year?
“Our mantra when styling this house for Christmas was to use what you’ve already got. Forage for foliage, dry fruit, grab parcel string, and make your own arrangements, or even get crafty with paper. It might take a little extra effort, but it feels much more unique and folksy. We also loved the fleeting nature of using things like fruit and flowers—once you’re done, they can largely be composted and returned to nature, which is lovely.”
Imagine it: You’ve got a whole weekend to yourself at the Cotswolds House. What would you get up to?
First of all, I’d have to have my friends there—it's such a house for hosting that it would be rude not to.
I’d start slowly with a long breakfast, everyone still in their PJs, coffee in hand, and the fire on. Then we’d head out for a proper countryside walk—maybe through the meadow with the dogs—before making our way into Cirencester to browse the farmers’ market and have a little wander around the shops.
Back at the house, it would be all about cooking a big Sunday roast, with lots of things bubbling away in the Aga, and an apple crumble for later. If the weather was kind, we might play tennis or sit outside for a late lunch under the twinkly trees. At Christmas, I’d absolutely use the greenhouse for a wreath-making session, too.
Then it’s back inside for the best bit: everyone gathering in the reception room, log burner on, cups of tea, and lots of chatting. We’d end the day tucked into the L-shaped sofa with crumble, a film, and absolutely no alarm set for the next day.”
Love interiors, the little details and want to get closer to the spaces our designer team creates? Join the Dreamers’ Design Council for more styling insights and a look behind-the-scenes.
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Your Cotswolds Christmas could start here.