Creating a show home aesthetic in your own living space may seem daunting, but it’s achievable with the right guidance. IKEA’s interior design expert, Mahnaz Heidari Orojloo, in collaboration with Barrat London, offers insightful tips for transforming your home into a stylish and functional haven. Orojloo emphasizes the importance of the 60-30-10 rule, a professional trick for balancing primary and accent colors to achieve a cohesive and appealing look.

Orojloo stresses the significance of starting with a mood board. “A mood board can be a helpful starting place when designing your home,” she says. The aim is to create a consistent style and color scheme that unifies the home, drawing inspiration from sources like Instagram, Pinterest, and traditional interior design magazines.

Professional show homes, according to Orojloo, blend luxury, functionality, and style. “A great show home will also feel inspirational, welcoming, and, importantly, achievable,” she notes. The key is to curate a space that balances colors and textures, making it both aspirational and attainable for homeowners.

For smaller spaces, multifunctional furniture and mirrors are game-changers. “Multifunctional furniture is particularly useful in small spaces, Orojloo advises. Mirrors, a budget-friendly option, give the illusion of spaciousness by reflecting light while keeping floors visible, creating a sense of continuity.

The 60-30-10 Rule

The journey to a stunning home interior begins with choosing a color scheme. Orojloo explains, “Think about the mood you want to create. For example, do you want the room to feel serene, vibrant, or cozy?” The 60-30-10 rule plays a crucial role here. Approximately 60% of the room should feature the background color, 30% a secondary color, and 10% an accent color. A color wheel can guide this balance of primary and accent colors.

Effective storage solutions are essential to prevent clutter. “Choosing the right storage furniture and a place for everything can make all the difference in keeping your home organized and tidy,” she asserts. Investing in furniture with built-in storage, like ottoman footstools or bed frames, alongside ample shelving, helps maintain an organized space.

Orojloo’s final words of wisdom focus on simplicity, quality, and avoiding short-lived trends. “Prioritize simplicity and quality,” she recommends. Choosing classic elements over fleeting trends ensures your home remains stylish and timeless.