Recreating a show home aesthetic is not for the faint of heart. From picking out the perfect color scheme to finding complementary decor, building an attractive show home aesthetic takes a lot of time, money, and effort. Recognizing this problem, innovative residential property development company Barratt London decided to take matters into its own hands to find a solution. They partnered with retail giant IKEA to share the top tips for how to achieve a beautiful show home aesthetic.

And when you have the help of a professional designer from one of the biggest furniture and decor retailers in the country, creating your dream home can easily become a reality. To learn how to achieve a modern, attractive interior design, here are eight tips for building a show home aesthetic from IKEA interior design expert Mahnaz Heidari Orojloo.

Mood boards can make your space more cohesive.

A lot goes into designing a brand-new interior. And because of this, it can be challenging to know where to start. But according to Orojloo, “A mood board can be a helpful starting place when designing your home. Keeping to a consistent style and color scheme throughout the property ensures a cohesive look and feel across the home,” he explains, sharing which platforms are perfect for finding your design style. “Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for inspiration online, and good old-fashioned interior design magazines and brochures are brilliant too.”

Balance is key.

Creating and maintaining balance is the key to creating a beautiful space. “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 colors and textures,” Orojloo advises.

“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.”

Strategically placed furniture and mirrors make your home appear more spacious.

If you have a smaller space, utilizing the right furniture and decor can help it appear more open and spacious. For example, Orojloo recommends using multifunctional furniture “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.”

Select the right color scheme.

To curate your perfect style, you should always start with a clear vision for your mood board. Then, incorporate the following steps to achieve your dream space:

1. Choose a color scheme.

2. Select key pieces of furniture and decor.

3. Incorporate textures, lighting, and artwork.

Heed the 60-30-10 rule.

When deciding on the mood you hope to create for your space, experts recommend following the 60-30-10 rule. “A lot of interior designers use the 60-30-10 rule whereby around 60% of the room has the background color, 30% is in a secondary color and 10% has an accent color,” he shares. “Lots of ideas for color schemes can be found online.”

The right furniture can help prevent clutter.

Clutter is the enemy of a happy, healthy space. So when designing your dream home, be sure to make decluttering part of the plan. To do this, Orojloo recommends utilizing storage solutions. “Storage is key. Choosing the right storage furniture, and a place for everything, can make all the difference in keeping your home organized 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!”

Less is more.

The common phrase “Less is more” is particularly true when it comes to interior design. A messy, cluttered space can look and feel chaotic. So to avoid this, Orojloo reveals that homeowners should “prioritize 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.”

Avoid short-term trends.

Design trends come and go, but a tacky interior is a lot harder to get rid of. “Avoid overly bold or niche trends that may quickly go out of style,” Orojloo advises. “Instead, opt for classic elements and use trends as accents such as throw cushions, prints and ornaments that can be easily and affordably updated.”