Show Home Living Room
The dos and don’ts on how to get that show home look!
Show Home Dining Nook
Ever seen those Pinterest-worthy homes on Instagram and wondered how to achieve the look? Did you visit a show home before buying your new place, only to feel like yours doesn’t quite measure up once you’re in?
Here are my tips and tricks for recreating that stylish show home look—while still keeping your space cosy and lived-in!
Make sure your furniture is to scale!
It’s so easy to fall in love with a gorgeous sofa online or snap up a beautiful chair on a whim—only to realise it doesn’t quite fit your space. A great trick is to map out furniture dimensions on the floor using masking tape. This helps you visualise how everything will sit in the room before making a purchase.
Interior designers always consider scale, ensuring a space feels balanced—not too cramped or overly spacious. You might think opting for a smaller sofa will make the room feel bigger, but if the proportions are off, the whole space can feel unbalanced. The key is finding the right fit for both comfort and aesthetics!
Show Home Bedroom
Choose the right-sized rug!
This is one of the easiest ways to make or break a room’s look. Many people pick a rug that’s too small, often placing it in the centre of the room or just in front of the fireplace. But in reality, your rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs to sit on while still covering a good portion of the floor.
Getting the right size can be pricey, but it’s worth it! Even in a smaller sitting room, you may need a rug that’s 300cm+ to achieve that perfectly balanced, high-end feel.
Style your room—it’s all in the details!
Don’t just stop at furniture and a rug! The key to making a space feel warm, inviting, and lived-in is layering in smaller decorative pieces. Think cushions, throws, artwork, plants, candlesticks, vases, side tables, and dried foliage. These little touches add texture, depth, and personality to your home.
Artwork is one of the easiest ways to make a space feel more styled—but size matters! If you're hanging art above a sofa, consider multiple pieces rather than just one. A great trick is to lay them out on the floor first to test different arrangements before committing.
To ensure everything works together, create a mood board before buying new pieces. I personally love using Canva to plan my mood and inspiration boards—it’s a game-changer for visualising how everything will come together!
Show Home Living Room with Bespoke Sliding Bookshelf
Lighting is everything!
Many of us grew up with just one big ceiling light and maybe a lone lamp in the corner—but great lighting is all about layers. A well-designed room should have multiple light sources to set the mood and adapt to different activities.
Cosy movie night? Switch on a couple of lamps or dimmable downlights for a warm, relaxed feel.
Hosting a dinner? Candles on the table, a floor lamp, and a soft table lamp will create an intimate, inviting atmosphere.
Need to focus? Whether you’re studying, doing important work, or tackling your tax return, opt for bright ceiling lights paired with task lighting to keep you alert.
Mixing different lighting options will instantly elevate your space and make it both stylish and functional. My favourite shop at the moment is Lights and Lamps.
Ditch the matching sofa and armchairs!
Show homes are designed by professionals, and one trick we always use is mixing up seating choices. Instead of matching armchairs to your sofa, opt for contrasting chairs in a different shape, fabric, or texture to add visual interest. They can still be in a similar tone or colour, but a little variation goes a long way in making the space feel curated rather than flat.
If you’re unsure, be bold with your chair choice! Armchairs are easier to switch out over time, whereas a sofa is a bigger investment—so it’s worth splurging on one that’s high-quality and timeless.
Final Thoughts
Achieving a stylish, show home-inspired space doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or personality. The key is to get the fundamentals right—choose furniture and rugs that are properly scaled, layer in lighting for different moods, and add texture with décor and accessories. Avoid overly matching pieces by mixing materials and shapes, especially when it comes to sofas and chairs. Most importantly, take your time! Planning with mood boards and testing layouts beforehand will help create a home that feels both polished and truly lived-in.
Need more help? Get in touch if you’re struggling with you space or read our past blog post on how to maximise space in a small bedroom.
