She may be a celebrated florist - Tom Ford, Nicole Farhi and Jo Malone are clients - but with her partner Raymond, his two children and four dogs living in her house, Nikki Tibbles is definitely not precious. 'This is a home first - that's the most important thing,' says Nikki of the gorgeous five-storey house she bought 10 years ago.

At this time of year, it's also the location for lots of laid-back entertaining. 'By the time Christmas is over I look forward to staying home and spending relaxing, quality time with my friends and family,' saysNikki. 'We prefer to entertain at home. I'll do roast beef, salads, potato dauphinoise... I love to cook.' Everybody clusters round the dining table, next to the roaring fire, while an abundance of decorations ratchets up the festive mood. Forget minimalist: this year Nikki has designed a tree heaving with gold and copper baubles, while garlands of dried lavender, hydrangea, fern and eucalyptus wind up the stairs and spill from the mantelpiece. 'I love generosity in everything,' she says. 'With friends, with flowers, with my time and energy.'

When the decs are down, the house still looks wonderfully glamorous, managing to strike a balance between moody and cosy; edgy and warm. Nikki, who has two Wild At Heart stores in London and concessions in Harrods and Liberty, was drawn to the size of the house and its location in a buzzy part of West London. 'I loved the light and space,' she says. Although untouched for 25 years, it only needed cosmetic work, so Nikki painted the floorboards black and chose greys for the walls. It's the perfect backdrop for her eclectic collection of photography, designer and vintage furniture, glass and ceramics, each item treasured for its unique beauty. 'I haven't filled the house with stuff for stuff's sake,' she says. 'I only have things in here that I love.'

A magpie all her life, Nikki has found many pieces at antiques fairs. 'I like Ardingly and Kempton, and go to markets wherever I am in the world,' she says. She points to a rose painting on the top shelf in the living room. 'That was from a car boot sale,' she explains. 'To me, that's just beautiful. I love old, quirky things.' The crucifix below was a gift from Raymond ('we both love them; it's a Catholic thing!') and many vases were bought for a few pennies. 'If I see something I like, it doesn't matter if it costs 50p or £50,' she says. 

The house abounds with gorgeous, quirky pieces, so many in fact, that Nikki often refreshes her space by moving existing collections around. 'I'm not very good with change,' laughs Nikki, 'but I move my rugs and vases. That's about as much change as I can cope with in my house!'

It's important that Nikki's home is calm, full of much-loved treasures and her beloved dogs - three of which are rescue dogs from Spain - because her work is ever changing. 'There are always new flowers coming into season, new varieties, new colours,' she says. 'I love the fact that everything changes every day and season.' Nikki designs flowers for individuals and big events all year round, and from October creates bespoke Christmasses for numerous clients, but she still enjoys decking her own house in seasonal finery. 'I don't get jaded,' she says, with a twinkle in her eye. 'I love to have fun with the decorations.' And if the dogs nose the tree or nibble the garlands? 'It doesn't matter,' she says. No, definitely not precious.