Graceful TRADITIONS
25 Beautiful Homes|December 2023
Beautiful hand-blocked textiles and artisan pieces put a homely spin on Alexandra Young’s elegant country Christmas
MAGGIE COLVIN
Graceful TRADITIONS

With 16 chickens, two dogs, Pixie and Noodle, Flossie the pony and three children, it is a mystery how Alexandra Young gets time to run her interior design business and decorate her house for Christmas so lavishly. She puts it down to plenty of help from her husband Simon and children, Isla, 15, Poppy, 14 and Digby, 11. "They accompany me on walks to nearby woods, foraging for fir cones, foliage and spying all sorts of other goodies. They found the moss-covered log which formed the centrepiece for the dining table. For other decorations, I use cuttings from the garden along with plenty of ribbons collected over the years. I try to keep it simple but lavish and lush, with fresh flowers and rose hips to give it life.' To ring some annual changes, Alexandra admits to treating herself to one new tree decoration every year.

As an interior designer, Alexandra's creative eye is constantly on the lookout for new ideas. A lot of artisan businesses popped up in lockdown - hence the homely original accessories like the hand-blocked printed tablecloth in the dining room, fun handpainted place cards and quirky candlesticks. 'Christmas without candles would be unthinkable. They add warmth and sparkle,' she adds.

Moving to the country was a carefully researched adventure for the family as Alexandra was concerned that Simon, if left to his own devices, would choose to live somewhere within easy reach of his city office.

Esta historia es de la edición December 2023 de 25 Beautiful Homes.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición December 2023 de 25 Beautiful Homes.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE 25 BEAUTIFUL HOMESVer todo
NATURE'S colour scheme
25 Beautiful Homes

NATURE'S colour scheme

Interior designer Charlotte Thomas has transformed a centuries-old country house into a haven of charm, with hues that are in harmony with her personality

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
SPECIAL BLEND
25 Beautiful Homes

SPECIAL BLEND

Marcus and Eliza Waring’s captivating new build combines modern style with Georgian charm

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
Southern belle
25 Beautiful Homes

Southern belle

Interior designer Michael Mitchell breathed new life into y a home in South Carolina with colour, art and antiques Lan

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
LOFTY AMBITION
25 Beautiful Homes

LOFTY AMBITION

Bespoke joinery and a light palette were used to maximise the space in this cosy bedroom under the eaves

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Modern CLASSIC
25 Beautiful Homes

Modern CLASSIC

Interior designer LeeAnn Baker has infused this elegant new-build waterfront home with a sense of history and a welcoming atmosphere

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
European VIBES
25 Beautiful Homes

European VIBES

Italian and French mid-century pieces, exquisite marbles and a calming palette of blues and greens lend an international flavour to a historic apartment in Stockholm

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
A return to grandeur
25 Beautiful Homes

A return to grandeur

An extensive remodel has given this 1990s home fabulous character, with designer Jeffrey Neve’s eye for fresh colours softening the space

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
SHEER GLAMOUR
25 Beautiful Homes

SHEER GLAMOUR

Eleanor and Ollie Bowmer gave their new en suite the five-star treatment with luxe finishes and a statement bath

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Relaxing RUSTIC
25 Beautiful Homes

Relaxing RUSTIC

Designer Claire Garner has concocted a warm and welcoming interior scheme that perfectly complements the oak beams of this modern Tudor-style home

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
The little house of CALM
25 Beautiful Homes

The little house of CALM

Sue and Jonathan Eley turned a timber cabin in a beautiful secluded New Forest setting into a luxurious country escape

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024