Uncommon Threads | Milli Proust

Introducing Milli Proust

Florist and author

For Milli Proust, flower farmer, author and co-founder of Alma Proust, Christmas is a time for love, connection and tradition.

Recreating the magic of her childhood has been paramount in the 17th century cottage she now shares with her partner Ted Dwane (bass player of Mumford & Sons) their son and two dogs. Tucked away in the woods in Sussex, the cottage’s low ceilings and quirky nooks bring a sense of intimacy and a rustic charm.

Inspired by nature and the changing seasons, Milli has created an inviting home which is both sanctuary and a reflection of her love for timeless design.

Christmas, for Milli, is a time to celebrate both the past and the present - decorating with treasured ornaments passed down from her grandmother and filling the house with evergreen branches. Festive traditions include cheese on toast on the sofa on Christmas Eve, games, hand-crafted presents and Bloody Marys. The layout of the cottage dictates not sitting around a TV but on the sofas around the hearth: "It's cosy, it's nostalgic, it forces connection, which is so special, so people love coming here for Christmas."

Watch Milli’s video to unravel more of her story

“I've got these amazing pinecones that my grandmother collected for me, and they go on my tree and they go on my wreath, and every year it always makes me feel so connected to her…”

Milli Proust

Every detail in our homes weaves the story of who we are

The sofa is at the heart of Milli’s cottage in a sitting room full of character. The most used space in the house, with the front door opening straight into it, it feels instantly welcoming. The decorative style is eclectic - patterns, paintings, a mix of colours and styles from different eras. The fire’s on and the dogs are greeting you. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy the company, and watch the flames dance in the hearth. Milli says, "It’s my favourite place in the world."

When it came to choosing the right sofa, we worked closely with Milli to create a piece that would perfectly suit her home’s unique character and her lifestyle. Together, we selected fabrics and finishes that blend seamlessly with the room's vibrant style, ensuring the sofa would not only be functional but a key part of her home’s story.

Milli has chosen a sofa and snuggler upholstered in V&A Threads of India Opulent Velvet, a practical yet beautiful choice for her 17th-century cottage. The velvet’s durability is ideal for a busy home with dogs, children, and the comings and goings of life on the land, while its timeless design and heritage-inspired patterns complement the character of her period home perfectly.

Cromer 3 seater sofa in V&A Threads of India Opulent Velvets, Ikat Mirage Hunter, and Helmsley snuggler in V&A Threads of India Opulent Velvets Forest Creatures Hunter.

Create a sofa that tells your story

Milli’s BFI picks: Jules et Jim, Wilding and The Eternal Daughter

Every family has a favourite Christmas film to enjoy together on the sofa. For Milli, who trained as an actor and has a lifelong love affair with storytelling, the festive season wouldn’t be complete without a film or two. Her top pick is Jules et Jim, François Truffaut’s captivating tale of love and loyalty. Spanning decades, this French New Wave classic follows two best friends and their shared love for the enigmatic Catherine, played by Jeanne Moreau. It's a timeless narrative of the tenderness and complexity of human connections.

Wilding, David Allen’s hopeful documentary about ecological regeneration at Knepp Estate, not far from Milli’s home in Sussex, is her second pick.

Milli’s final pick for Sofas & Stuff’s BFI watchlist is The Eternal Daughter by Joanna Hogg, a hauntingly atmospheric tale of memory, motherhood, and loss, set in a shadowy country hotel and brought to life by Tilda Swinton’s mesmerising performance.

“We love old films - lighthearted, romantic, or documentaries,” Milli says. “Boxing Day is usually when we watch films together as a family. It's the cosiest time, especially after the bustle of Christmas Day. Cinema is such a special part of our downtime.”

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