How to get the Allison Homes show home look on a budget

We have teamed up with interior designer Felicity Stevens, Director of Haus Interiors, to provide homebuyers with our top tips for getting the show home look on a budget.

Kelly Toms, Sales and Marketing Director at Allison Homes Central, said: “One of the most exciting parts about moving into a brand new home is having the freedom to decorate a blank canvas and let your creativity run wild.
“Decorating a new build home can feel daunting, especially when you don’t know where to start and don’t want to break the bank on expensive furniture. We hope Felicity’s expert advice helps new homeowners figure out a plan and achieve a show home quality look on a budget.”

1. Plan ahead
Felicity said: “Planning is everything. Take your time deciding what you want to do before rushing in with a paint brush. It’s easy to lose focus on budget and design ideas, but don’t lose confidence, stick with your ideas and watch it come together at the end, even if it takes time and comes together in bits and pieces.

“It’s also key to remember to measure your room before you get started to avoid overspending on wallpaper or even furniture that won’t fit.”

2. Create moodboards
“Creating moodboards are a great way of realising what you like and what you don’t. When you are visiting restaurants, shops and hotels, really think about what you like about the spaces, the colours and the materials used.

“Breaking it down in this way and looking at individual pieces will make it a lot less overwhelming than trying to recreate a whole look or style. Pinterest is also a treasure trove of inspiration.”

3. Start with your favourite room
“When deciding where to start, I always consider where I spend most of my time, like the kitchen or lounge. To me, these areas would be the first places I’d decorate and focus on. Making key rooms relaxing and comfortable will then help you plan the other rooms in the house.”

4. Make your home practical as well as pretty
“Functionality is key. Floating shelves in bathrooms and utility areas keep work surfaces clear while looking stylish. If you need hooks for coats and shoe storage, have fun choosing playful and interesting hooks rather than plain and uninspiring ones. You can also make use of shallow wardrobes to make them look built in and super functional.”

5. Shop around for furniture and décor
“It’s important to splurge on items that you will have for a very long time, like window treatments and sofas, as these items will be used everyday and need to stand the test of time. Smaller items such as rugs, lamps and cushions, however, can be bought a lot cheaper.

“H&M Home always has new, on trend furniture and accessories, and for artwork Etsy is great. There is also Jysk, a Scandinavian inspired furniture shop with reasonably priced items, that is a great alternative to Ikea.”

6. Consider lighting
“A room can feel really cold when the wrong bulbs or dull lights are used. I always go for a warm white bulb to create a more homely feeling. Try to look for ceiling lights with more than one bulb and never underestimate the power of a lamp or three!”

We have a range of new build homes for sale. To take a tour of our show homes and gain some inspiration, head to https://allison-homes.co.uk/developments/ to find a development near you.