MY HOME WORKS SO WELL at Christmas

With a neutral backdrop, natural wood accents and oodles of soft, cosy textiles, Monika Nowak’s house is perfect for hosting her traditional Polish celebrations

My story

I’d always wanted a house with character where I could renovate in the style I wanted. I wasn’t really looking, but a friend told us her neighbour’s house was up for sale. As soon as I walked in, I loved it. It had the perfect layout, the bedrooms were a good size and there was potential to take the wall down between the kitchen and dining room.

With two young children, it made sense to get the house re-wired and plastered while we were on holiday, nine days after moving in. My friends rallied round, helping to strip the walls ready for the electrician and plasterer coming.

I’ve done most of the work myself including tiling, fitting the kitchen units, wallpapering and panelling. Now that the kitchen and dining room have been knocked together, the house is perfect for Christmas. I’m originally from Poland and we have lots of festive traditions. On Christmas Eve we have a big dinner and swap presents. Then on Christmas Day, friends come over for more food. I always make too much.

I’ve always been creative and I started my Instagram account so that friends and family back in Poland could follow my renovation progress. I also love making candlesticks, wooden lanterns and clay Christmas decorations for our home. I’m actually hoping to move soon and I can’t wait to re-create a similar look in my next house.

The chaise sofa is from the Charming Charlie collection by Miuform. ‘I love the simple design, yet the piping details make it more interesting, and there was a great choice of fabrics,’ says Monika. ‘It also opens up to a large bed.’ To cosy up the space, a long pile rug from Wayfair was chosen in a similar colour and the walls were painted in a taupe shade called On Deck by Wilko