I've been a fan of Catherine O'Hara for years. Her performance as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek is unforgettable. O'Hara shines in every episode with her brilliant portrayal.
She captivated audiences in The Studio alongside Seth Rogen, portraying Patty Leigh, and her role as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice was nothing short of fabulous. I recently purchased her autobiography from Amazon.
However, it's her iconic role as Kevin's mom, Kate McCallister, in Home Alone that truly resonates. Those opening scenes in their beautifully chaotic family home portray her as the ideal mother — warm, loving, and a bit forgetful. Her presence will be missed.
While fans can't tour the Home Alone house, they often snap pictures of its exterior, which is now owned by a family.
Since its debut in 1990, the house has become an icon itself. The red-brick Georgian home in Winnetka, Illinois, was more than just a setting; it grounded the film's chaos while conveying emotional depth and warmth. I can't be the only one who daydreamed about living in a home like that.
O'Hara shared her affection for the house during a 2024 interview with People. Instead of discussing her relationship with Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, or the film's humor, she said, 'I thought the house was pretty amazing. Oh Lord, yeah.' She laughed off the long-standing questions regarding how the McCallisters could afford such a home.
Macaulay Culkin, honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is seen here with Catherine O'Hara and others.
Decades later, the house remains a design inspiration. Its warm woods and layered patterns evoke that cozy, family-oriented vibe many aspire to replicate today.
Director Chris Columbus spent weeks searching for the perfect house. He wanted a home that embodied the affluence and humanity of the family it represented.
The chosen house was a real residence, occupied by a family during filming, though basement scenes were filmed at a local high school.
The central staircase and distinct rooms played a crucial role in the house's selection, avoiding the contemporary open-plan style that wouldn't have provided Kevin with enough hiding spots. Instead, it boasts a broken-plan layout with clearly defined areas, a functional kitchen, and bedrooms that feel personal. The McCallister house understood zoning before it became a trend.
For a short time, the Home Alone house was available on Airbnb, allowing a few families to experience a McCallister Christmas.
Long before the era of minimalist decor, the McCallister house showcased timeless design elements we still admire: warm woods, patterned wallpaper, layered textiles, and spaces that feel lived in instead of staged.
In Home Alone, the wallpaper serves a purpose beyond aesthetics. Classic plaids and floral patterns bring warmth without overwhelming the space.
Although some may find the decor a bit maximalist and not Instagram-perfect, the combination of furniture, art, and textiles creates a cohesive look that feels both inviting and relaxed.
Experts might argue that the warm color palette was intentional, using reds to convey welcome, greens for tranquility, and creams and woods to create lightness and texture. These classic tones are making a comeback.
Ultimately, the house exudes a sense of luxury without fragility. Its furniture is practical, and the rooms are designed for real life, capable of withstanding the chaos of children, pets, and even a home invasion. It's the perfect blend for living in 2026.
Throughout the years, O'Hara lightheartedly commented on fans' fascination with the McCallisters' wealth, suggesting they might have inherited it. She dismissed the speculation around Kate McCallister's career, despite hints of her being a fashion designer as envisioned by the filmmakers.
What stood out was O'Hara's genuine fondness for the house itself, which supported her portrayal of a mother who felt authentic — overwhelmed yet loving. The house complemented her performance rather than overshadowing it.
This is the true brilliance: the house encapsulates emotion, reflecting what great design achieves.
Discover the style of the Home Alone house at Pottery Barn (for furniture and decor), MacKenzie Childs (home decor), or even the Amazon New Traditional storefront. While Moira might not approve, Kate would certainly appreciate it.
