Victorian Charm Meets Festive Style: A Christmas Hallway Transformation
As the festive season approaches, there's no better way to set the scene than by creating a welcoming entrance that blends style and warmth. We were delighted to be tagged in Sadie’s stunning hallway project on Instagram, where her choice of Victorian Floor Tiles instantly caught our eye. The space within her newly renovated manor house was so perfectly suited to the spirit of the season, we knew it would be the ideal location for our Christmas shoot.
In this special Q&A, we chat with Sadie about her tile choices, and with our Studio Manager and Stylist, Emma Hughes, who brought the hallway to life with her seasonal styling, taking inspiration from Sadie’s gorgeous Victorian tile design.
Q: Sadie, can you tell us about the tiles you selected for your hallway and what drew you to this Victorian Floor Tile design?
A: When you buy a period property, I believe it’s your responsibility to honour its original features. Otherwise, why not just buy a new build? It honestly breaks my heart to see people ripping up original floor tiles or removing fireplaces. For me, Victorian Floor Tiles were the only option. When we started renovating, I was actually surprised that there weren’t any tiles in the hallway already, as we had them in the entrance. That space really inspired me. I wanted to recreate what was originally laid there when the manor house was built nearly 200 years ago.
I took a picture of the entrance tiles and headed straight to the Clay & Rock showroom in Exeter, where I met Sophie. She was so welcoming and knowledgeable. We went through different colour palettes and tile patterns, and I must have visited the showroom at least five times! Sophie was incredibly patient, and together we were able to recreate the look I had envisioned. I’m so happy with how it turned out - many guests even think the tiles are original, which was exactly what I was hoping for.
Q: Why did you choose Victorian floor tiles for your period property, and how do you feel they complement the overall style of your home?
A: I’ve always had a deep appreciation for Victorian flooring. In fact, I often joke that I was born in the wrong era because I’m so drawn to older things. The Victorians had such incredible attention to detail, and when it comes to floor tiles, nothing compares. For me, there was no other option. They complement the character of the house so well and bring out the authentic charm of the period.
Q: The colourway of these tiles is striking - what inspired your choice, and how does it fit into the design scheme of your hallway?
A: I kept the wall colours in the hallway very neutral to allow the floor tiles to really shine. The hallway is a large space with limited natural light, so I wanted to bring warmth to it with rich, inviting colours. Sophie was kind enough to let me take tile samples home, which made a huge difference. I could see how the tiles worked in the space and how they interacted with the light. In the end, I chose predominately warm red and brown tones because they beautifully complement the wood on the banister, tying everything together.
Q: With the festive season approaching, how do these tiles help set the perfect scene for your Christmas decorations and celebrations?
A: I actually started imagining how I’d dress the house for Christmas before we even owned the property! The hallway has such an enchanting feel, and it makes the perfect backdrop for seasonal styling. The tiles bring a timeless elegance that really enhances the festive atmosphere. They set the tone for cosy and sophisticated decorations.
Q: How do you think these Victorian Floor Tiles create a welcoming atmosphere for guests, particularly during the holidays when a warm and inviting entrance is so important?
A: The tiles create an immediate "wow" moment when guests walk in. It’s one of the first things people comment on, and it always sparks an interesting conversation. I love that the overall design is unique to our home - it’s completely our own creation of colour combinations. There’s no other entrance like this, and that’s the beauty of working with Original Style’s collection. You can choose something entirely bespoke or opt for a classic design from their range. I almost went with the traditional black and white pattern, but I’m so glad I took a risk. I truly believe Sophie and I created a masterpiece!
We also spoke to Emma Hughes, our talented stylist behind the stunning Christmas decorations in Sadie’s hallway. From blending contemporary trends with period charm to ensuring that the décor complemented the striking Victorian Floor Tiles, she shares how she created a festive and welcoming atmosphere that honours the home’s history while embracing modern seasonal touches.
Q: Emma, what was your approach to styling Sadie’s hallway, and how did you ensure the décor complemented the beautiful Victorian Floor Tiles?
A: My approach to styling Sadie’s hallway was all about blending classic elements with contemporary touches, using on-trend warm tones that would complement the Victorian Floor Tiles. The floor tiles are such a statement feature, so I wanted the décor to enhance, rather than compete with, their beauty. The first thing I considered was the placement of the Christmas tree. It was important to position it in a space that would allow it to shine without overwhelming the area. It fit perfectly next to the piano, which we also dressed with a garland and festive decorations.
For the rest of the hallway, I used colours and materials that felt warm and inviting - perfect for the winter months. The overall goal was to create a cosy, welcoming environment that still felt sophisticated and in line with the period charm of the home.
Q: How did you incorporate festive elements into the styling while maintaining the hallway’s classic, period charm?
A: I wanted to make sure the Christmas decorations added a festive spirit without taking away from the hallway’s timeless elegance. To achieve this, we added subtle but impactful festive elements. For example, I tied oversized striped bows from Design Vintage onto the wall lights around the hall, which helped to introduce some decoration onto the walls while still keeping things refined.
Bows and ribbons are definitely on trend this year, so I made sure to incorporate them in a way that complemented the Victorian style. The ribbon bows were placed on the Christmas tree to echo the colours of the floor tiles, and we also added them to the stair garland, creating a cohesive look throughout the space.
The front door wreath was another important element. Instead of using traditional Christmas greenery, I opted for a wreath made from dried flowers. This gave it a more contemporary feel, while still being classic in its design. I finished it with a dark burgundy ribbon, which tied into the rich tones of the floor tiles and ensured the colour palette flowed seamlessly through the hallway.
Q: Were there any particular design or colour inspirations you focused on when adding seasonal touches to create a welcoming Christmas atmosphere?
A: The trend for warm neutrals in interior design was definitely a key influence for this look. The warm tones worked beautifully with the floor tiles, which have such rich, earthy colours. I decided to stay away from the traditional red and green Christmas colours, which can sometimes be a bit jarring with period features. Instead, I focused on creating a harmonious look using warm neutrals, gold’s, and deep, rich tones to tie everything together.
For a festive but cosy atmosphere, I added twinkling lights and placed lanterns around the hallway. The soft glow from these lights gave the space a warm and inviting ambiance. I also chose a dark tree skirt to match the darker tones of the wood on the stairs. This subtle detail helped balance the colour palette and added depth to the overall look.
The goal was to create an atmosphere that felt both seasonal and timeless, while still being true to the period features of the hallway.
Sadie’s hallway is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can create an unforgettable entrance for the festive season. From the timeless elegance of the Victorian Floor Tiles to Emma's carefully considered styling, every detail has been selected to complement the space and make it feel inviting and festive. We’re so grateful to Sadie for sharing her home with us, and to Emma for styling it with such flair. We hope this feature inspires you to bring a little Victorian charm and festive magic to your own home in 2025.
Wishing you all a beautiful and joyful holiday season, from everyone at Original Style.
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