How to style your house like a show home
Want to get the showhome look? We interviewed a showhome interior designer to find out about the process of designing a beautiful Persimmon showhome, and her tips for giving your own home the showhome treatment.
If you're searching for a new home, you might know the feeling of stepping into a pristine new build showhome and immediately falling in love.
From thoughtful colour choices to perfectly selected furnishings, showhomes give you a glimpse of what life could look like in a particular style of house. There's also something very appealing about a home that's so tidy. A cohesive blend of on-trend styles, with everything in its place and no clutter in sight.
Perhaps that's not always realistic for the comings and goings of a busy household. But there are many ways you can style your home with showhome interior design principles in mind, to bring that crisp, clean aesthetic to your own space.
We sat down with Persimmon showhome designer Sarah Coward of interior design brand Clayton and Company, to find out all about her role.
In this interview Sarah shares how she brings the magic to a Persimmon showhome, taking us behind the scenes of her design process and providing some tips for transforming your own home into a stylish space that feels right for you.
Behind the scenes with a showhome designer
Hi I'm Sarah, and I've worked at Clayton and Company for 11 years. During that time I’ve worked my way up from design assistant to Senior Design Project Manager. I've worked on a variety of projects including show homes, retirement living, residential and marketing suites.
I studied interior architecture at university and my first job was in residential interior design. I then got my job at Clayton and Company and have been here ever since!
My day-to-day role includes designing, running and managing jobs, ordering items and materials, and installation days on site.
The process of designing a Persimmon showhome
It all begins with a ‘brief take’ meeting with Persimmon. This is our opportunity to talk through the target market, the colour palette they might want to use, any local references, any likes and dislikes, and the budget we are working to.
I then start creating concept ideas for each room. This includes the general style of furniture, any key fabrics and wallpapers and the colour palette.
Next, I decide the furniture layout. I think about how to best use the space, particularly within the living spaces or any smaller spaces.
I then design the showhome room by room. I start with picking the furniture that fits into the scaled plan correctly, then choose any low-level lighting such as lamps, floor lamps or wall lights. Next, I decide on the artwork and any wall decorations such as panelling, wallpaper or feature paint effects.
After this, it's a case of selecting cushion fabrics, upholstery fabrics and window treatment fabrics, and fnially ceiling pendants. Once everything has been selected for each room, I make sure the total cost is within the budget given for the show home.
I'll then create visuals of the design for each room to give the client a clear understanding of how each room will look. They receive a scheme board for each room, which shows all furniture, lighting, fabric and wallpaper samples.
The next stage is to present to the client either face to face or via an online call. I'll talk them through the scheme room by room, and take on any feedback. In some instances, this involves some amendments to the scheme.
After amendments have been made and the client is happy, the scheme is signed off and we start the ordering process ready for installation of the show home.
The practical elements
Along with creating beautiful decor schemes, it’s important to think about delivery and installation of furniture into the showhome – if the site is in the early stages, access can sometimes be tricky.
We need to make sure larger items of furniture can be easily manoeuvred within the house, for example, if a sofa needs to be taken upstairs.
There are also lead times to consider - making sure we receive everything in time for the install date of the show home. Some items come from overseas, so we need to allow for this within the timescales.
Top tip: The same could apply if you're ordering furniture ready to move into your new Persimmon house. Delivery waits can be long for bigger items, so factor this into your move. Be prepared for a week or so of sitting on camping chairs if your sofa takes longer to arrive!
A favourite Persimmon showhome project
A recent Persimmon showhome I was particularly pleased with was The Maples in Bewdley, Worcestershire.
This is one of my favourites due to the strong theming reflecting West Midland Safari Park. This was achieved by using animal print in the cushions, wallpapers and artwork. Also, the use of bold colours was really effective, particularly the bright coral banquet seating set against the olive-green painted wall in the kitchen.
I also loved working on Wellington Gate in Wantage, Oxfordshire. I was able to incorporate striking, fun wallpapers along with statement headboards and vibrant feature paint colours.
Find showhomes near you
Step inside one of our beautiful new build showhomes to discover which housetype could be right for you, and to get some interiors inspiration for your next move.
Find your new home
How to decorate a new build home
When it comes to starting from scratch with the decorating process, choosing a new home gives you plenty of freedom. A new build home is a completely blank canvas, allowing you to really put your own stamp on it.
They come with modern designs and contemporary features in the kitchens and bathrooms, meaning less work required. Persimmon offers upgrades to appliances in their Finishing Touches so you can really customise the spec.
There's also the benefit of open plan living. New builds tend to come in layouts which fit the modern way in which families now prefer to live. Most Persimmon homes come with kitchen/dining rooms that create a central hub for the family, or even a larger kitchen/dining/family room that you can completely configure to suit your needs. You can explore the range of Persimmon house styles here.
Tips for making your house look like a showhome
1. Keep up to date with current trends
These are always changing, and while you don't have to include the trends in your home, being aware of what's new can be a great source of inspiration if you see something you love.
2. Understand which colours work well together
Whether you prefer a more neutral colour palette, something brighter, or dark and cosy interiors, it's important to understand which colours complement each other. Once you've built a harmonious colour scheme you can add in furniture and accessories to fit this.
3. Spatial planning
Before you start buying furniture, understand the importance of scale within your room. A delicate coffee table could look lost in a large room, while a large scale print could dominate a smaller space. Visiting showhomes is a great way to get a feel for how furniture works within a certain house style.
4. Think about lighting
It's vital to get the lighting right in any room, as it can affect the mood and feel. For example, using low-level lighting is perfect for creating a more homely, atmospheric feel in a living room or snug.
5. Get creative with adding colour
Once you've chosen a colour scheme, there are so many ways to implement it. You can use colour through accessories, cushions, artwork and furniture. Then of course there's the classic feature wall, a great way of instantly giving a boost of colour.
