Eight tips to help you achieve show home style on a budget
Show homes are famed for their immaculate interior design. Find out how you can achieve an equally stylish look on a budget.
But most of us don’t live in a show home, nor do we have the money for an interior designer. But that doesn’t mean to say you can’t achieve a similar look yourself.
To help you, Barratt London have teamed up with Mahnaz Heidari Orojloo, an interior design expert at IKEA, to share eight tips to recreate that ‘show home aesthetic’ in your own home – even on a tight budget.
1) Start with a mood board
A mood board can be a helpful starting place when designing your home. Keeping to a consistent style and colour scheme throughout the property ensures a cohesive look and feel across the home.
Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for inspiration online, and good old-fashioned interior design magazines and brochures are brilliant too.
2) Find the right balance
A professionally designed show home will combine elements of luxury, functionality and style. It will be a well-curated space with a balanced mix of colours and textures.
A great show home will also feel inspirational, welcoming and, importantly, achievable. When we are designing show homes we’re showcasing tips and tricks for buyers that can be easily replicated in their own homes.
3) Use furniture and mirrors to give the illusion of more space
There are a number of ways that you can make a space look and feel bigger. Multifunctional furniture is particularly useful in small spaces because it can serve multiple purposes without the space becoming cluttered.
Another budget-friendly tip is to use mirrors. These can be purchased very affordably and give the illusion of spaciousness by reflecting light. It’s also a good idea to keep the floors visible as it creates a sense of continuity.
4) Think about your colour scheme
Charlotte explains that you should start with a clear vision and a mood board to define the style you want to achieve. Then, tackle the following step by step:
- Choose a colour scheme
- Select key pieces of furniture and decor
- Incorporate textures, lighting, and artwork
5) Remember the 60-30-10 rule
Think about the mood you want to create. For example, do you want the room to feel serene, vibrant or cosy? Also, consider the room’s natural light and size.
It’s important to balance primary and accent colours, and a colour wheel can help with this. A lot of interior designers use the 60-30-10 rule whereby around 60% of the room has the background colour, 30% is in a secondary colour and 10% has an accent colour. Lots of ideas for colour schemes can be found online.
Also remember that colour is such a personal choice and we all have our own favourites. Choose colours you love and that make you feel good.
6) Think cleverly about storage
Storage is key. Choosing the right storage furniture, and a place for everything, can make all the difference in keeping your home organised and tidy.
An Ottoman footstool or coffee table with built-in storage is a fantastic way to avoid clutter in the living room. Similarly, many bed frames offer built-in storage – great if you need additional space for storing clothes. Plenty of shelving can also avoid wasted space and ensure everything has its place. Just make sure everyone remembers to put their things away!
7) Prioritise simplicity
Prioritise simplicity and quality. It’s important to keep the design uncluttered. And also focus on timeless elements and invest in well-crafted furniture and decor that will stand the test of time.
8) Avoid short-term trends
Avoid overly bold or niche trends that may quickly go out of style. Instead, opt for classic elements and use trends as accents such as throw cushions, prints and ornaments that can be easily and affordably updated.
Photo by Spacejoy
