Brits are dedicating an average of three hours to make their homes holiday-ready, with two-thirds attributing this effort to the influence of Christmas films, a study has found.
The research indicates that one in three Britons feel that iconic festive flicks have shaped our home decor preferences and fuelled our dreams of a white Christmas.
Commissioned by Latimer Homes, the study led to the transformation of two show homes at Islington Wharf in Manchester and Cocoa Gardens in York into winter wonderlands, showcasing memorabilia from some of the most cherished Christmas movies.
Stephen Maskill, regional sales manager for the property developer, commented: “Festive film settings don’t just inspire movie magic, they influence how we decorate and celebrate at home.”
He added: “We know how important it is for people to celebrate in their own way in their own space, and having a place to call your own might be easier than you think. We’d invite people to come visit us to find out more.”
In terms of style, 44% of Brits opt for a traditional Christmas look, favouring classic hues such as red, green, gold, and silver.
Meanwhile, 15% choose modern decorations featuring a sleek, minimalist design with contemporary colours, whereas 12% prefer a vintage aesthetic with antique ornaments from yesteryear.
But which festive home comes out on top for UK film fans?
In a poll of 2,000 Brits the McCallister’s house from Home Alone is as crowned the UK’s most beloved Christmas movie abode.
Brits voted it as their number one Christmas home and a dream destination to celebrate the festive season.
In a close second was the picturesque English cottage from the 2006 hit The Holiday, which featured Kate Winslet’s character Iris, while the third spot was nabbed by Jamie’s idyllic French villa by the lake in Love Actually.
Home builder regional sales manager Stephen Maskill remarked: “The McCallister home has become a symbol of Christmas for movie fans everywhere.”
He added, “It’s cosy charm, twinkling lights, and festive chaos perfectly capture the magic of the holiday season. It’s also a key inspiration for reimagining our show homes, incorporating trinkets and nods to beloved festive film classics.”
