Be inspired by this festive longhouse in Somerset

The owner and her husband, who is a cybersecurity expert, share their 16th-century house with their three children and dog. 'Having looked for 18 months, we found this place by pure chance.'

1/10 Exterior

The house's period character, including the wooden door, cladding and red roof tiles, appealed to them instantly because it was the opposite of the new-build they were living in.

2/10 Dining room

Match the mellow tone of beams with warm wooden furniture. An oak-framed room has real wow factor and is the perfect setting for entertaining. The owners have chosen a classically styled extending dining table that can accommodate extra guests and leads the eye down the room. Add to the sumptuous feel with upholstered button-back chairs.

3/10 Seating area

Keep furnishings neutral so you can vary the look easily with accessories.The owners have chosen to add in pops of joyful colour with Nordic-style cushions and throws for a festive look. Choose accessories in co-ordinating shades - here the owners have opted for red and off-white - and you can create an effortlessly chic mismatched look with jolly patterns.

Similar throw
Dunelm

4/10 Living room

Choose a patterned blind that pulls together the colours used in your scheme for instant impact. Classic vertical stripes are the perfect choice for traditional-style windows in low-ceilinged room as they create the illusion of height, as well as working beautifully with period features. If the sill is deep enough, you can create a charming window seat - add a seat cushion for extra comfort.

5/10 Kitchen

Create an eye-catching feature and big up the character in a period house by exposing old stone walls and original timeworn wooden doors. If you're lucky enough to have such features, you can create an instant focal point by hanging up an ever-so-chic wall clock. Use the wall as the backdrop for a hero piece of furniture such as a sideboard.

6/10 Hall

Create an eye-catching feature and big up the character in a period house by exposing old stone walls and original timeworn wooden doors. If you're lucky enough to have such features, you can create an instant focal point by hanging up an ever-so-chic wall clock. Use the wall as the backdrop for a hero piece of furniture such as a sideboard.

6/10 Master bedroom

There's nothing like a chandelier for introducing the wow factor. Choose an oversized one (or two!) for drama - the more crystals, the more decadent. For a modern country feel, opt for a contemporary chrome design with scrolled arms. The owners kept the look co-ordinated by teaming theirs with elegant bedside lamps with hammered metal bases.

Similar bed
Made

8/10 Bedroom corner

Synonymous with elegant French country style, a plumped up Louis XV-style chair makes for an inviting corner. Opt for a modern, pared-back take on an elegant classic with a rustic design that incorporates linen upholstery and limewashed wood. The owners have complemented it with oversized floral and toile fabrics in on-trend greys, creating a subtle yet stylish scheme.

Armchair
The French Bedroom Company

9/10 Child’s room

Children love a themed bedroom so go to town with co-ordinating wallpaper and bed linen. The owners chose to create a feature wall with a jaunty retro cowboy wallpaper - it's a good idea to use a wallpaper like this sparingly in a small room as it could be overpowering. Team it with bed linen in the same design for visual impact.

Similar throw
John Lewis

10/10 Bathroom

Avoid an overly clinical feel in a contemporary white bathroom and bring in depth with sumptuous purple accessories. The owners chose a dark vanity unit, with handy his and hers basins, to provide contrast and create an edgy look. The minimalist scheme introduces just enough accessories to create interest while keeping the look calm and uncluttered.

Similar basin
Bathstore