Olivia and Alex Bowen are known for going all out when it comes to their Christmas decorations, and it was no different when the couple invited OK! into their home for an exclusive festive shoot.
The Love Island runners-up, who became parents to son Abel in June, have allowed OK! readers a sneak peek into their gorgeous five-bedroom home in Essex, which comes complete with a walk-in wardrobe, balcony and playroom for their little one. To see our exclusive video tour – for free! – sign up as an OK! VIP below.
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As they open the doors, which feature a beautiful Christmas wreath, to their abode, Olivia, tells the camera: “You may have seen our house before with OK! Magazine but we’ve got some new bits to show you so come in and join us.”
First up is the couple’s entrance hallway, which features one of their four Christmas trees and their stunning staircase.
“It was decorated 11th November,” laughs Alex, 31, of the staircase, which has been covered in festive garlands and bows. “Yeah it was decorated pretty early,” adds Olivia, 28. “If you guys know us, you know we absolutely love having our staircase decorated at Christmas.
“This year we’ve gone for gold and greens. The carpet has changed actually from the last time we may have spoken to you, so that’s been a good change for us.”
The pair then take into their son Abel’s playroom, which is the most recently decorated room in their house.
Revealing she was the brains behind the design, Olivia says: “We’re now in the brand new playroom which I designed completely by myself and I’m really proud of myself.”
Alex continues: “This is the room in the house where Abel can leave his toys everywhere and it’s absolutely fine.”
But two members of the family who aren’t allowed in the playroom are the couple’s French bulldogs Reggie and Winnie. “It’s out of bounds, just as they’re a bit slobbery and a bit hairy!” laughs Olivia before adding: “This is probably my new favourite room. Every room that I do that’s new ends up my favourite!
“It’s got the comfiest sofa we absolutely love which kind of doubles up as a soft play for Abel because it has no sharp corners so it’s amazing.”
The incredible room also features another of the couple’s four Christmas trees and has a stylish wall mounted fireplace below their huge TV.
The fireplace even has a “disco setting”. “It keeps him [Abel] occupied!” laughs Alex.
Next up is Alex and Olivia’s bedroom, which offers a calming vibe with its cream and white colour palette.
“This was the main selling point of the house,” Alex tells us. “Even though it’s gone through a few changes it’s still got the heart, this is the dealbreaker of why we bought the house.”
“The balcony is just our faviourite thing,” adds Olivia. “The view in the morning is so stunning. It’s definitely less clam now in the mornings having Abel next to you screaming to get you up!”
The pair then take us into their dressing room and walk-in wardrobe, which is connected to their bedroom by an ensuite en-suite with a “secret” mirrored door.
“We now have a shared dressing room,” says Olivia. “It is actually quite shared, she gets three quarters, I get a quarter!” laughs Alex.
Olivia continues of the huge room, which sees her handbags lining the walls: “We do keep it quite tidy. I’m better than you I think on that front,” to which Alex jokes: “Yeah. It’s only tidy because we’re filming!”
Alex and Olivia have been renovating their home ever since they purchased the property in 2020, and the couple’s latest project is adding an extension to their abode.
The extension, which links to their gym, will house a new games room with a pool table and bar, as well as a soundproof studio for Alex, who is now a DJ and producer.
Finally Olivia takes us into adorable Abel’s nursery, which is safari-themed and full of little touches.
“I know I’ve said this about a lot of rooms but It is one of my favourite rooms,” she tells. “We got this ready super in advance when Abel was in my tummy and we worked with the Modern Nursery who are incredible.
“I think we’ve got every animal imaginable in here, but we just wanted to go for something gender neutral as we didn’t know Abel was going to be a boy.
“It just suits him perfectly as he loves the outdoors and he loves animals. He’s got lots of clothes just like his much and dad!”
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