Hey there, home design enthusiasts! We get it, you’ve just bought that gorgeous new couch, a dining set fit for royalty, and a bookcase that screams sophistication. But…wait a minute. Why does your living room feel more like our showroom than the cosy, personalised space you envisioned?
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. But fear not, because we’re here to help you avoid the dreaded “furniture showroom look” and transform your home into a space that feels uniquely yours. Read on for some tips (and maybe a laugh or two along the way).
1. Mix and Match Your Furniture
In a showroom, everything is perfectly coordinated like it’s about to attend a black-tie event. In your home, that perfection can feel a little…stiff. So, don’t be afraid to mix things up!
Pair a rustic wooden dining table with modern velvet dining chairs, or throw a vintage armchair next to a sleek, contemporary sofa. This creates depth, texture, and most importantly, personality. After all, your living room shouldn’t look like it came out of a furniture catalog. It should look like you!
Product Example: The Petra Round Dining Table paired with our trendy Bellini Velvet Chairs gives you that perfect contrast!
2. Add Personal Touches
Showrooms are filled with perfectly arranged vases, neatly folded throws, and a suspicious lack of, well, real life. Real homes have books that are read, plants that sometimes get too much (or too little) sun, and a slightly crooked photo of your dog in a sombrero (just us?).
Personal items like books, travel souvenirs, and grandma’s knitted blanket will instantly warm up your space. So go ahead, display that slightly weird ceramic cat from your trip to Greece. It tells your story, not ours.
Product Example: Our Lori Bookcase is the perfect backdrop for showcasing all those quirky knick-knacks.
3. Layer, Layer, Layer
One of the biggest showroom giveaways? Everything looks brand spanking new and uniform. You know what looks better? A space with layers—things that have a story behind them, that have lived a little.
Mix older items with new ones. Layer different textures like a cosy throw blanket over a leather sofa, or a plush rug under a wooden coffee table. It’s like a great outfit: the more layers, the more interesting it becomes. And hey, it’s way comfier too!
Product Example: Drape our Cara Throw over the edges of the oh-so-comfy Grace Sofa for a lived-in, cosy vibe.
4. Incorporate Art (Not Just the Pre-Framed Stuff)
Let’s be real: showroom walls are all about neutral tones, generic art, and mirrors (so many mirrors). But your home? It’s a blank canvas! Instead of the pre-framed art that matches your couch a little too well, go for bold, meaningful pieces that resonate with you.
Whether it’s an abstract painting from a local artist, your niece’s finger painting (a Picasso in the making!), or a gallery wall of travel photos, art can add depth and soul to your space.
Product Example: Our Wood Wall Shelf is perfect for displaying framed art, books, and keepsakes that mean something to you.
5. Say Goodbye to Matchy-Matchy
A sure-fire way to make your home feel like a showroom is to match everything—every wood grain, fabric, and color. We say: Why match when you can clash? Not in an over-the-top, “I-can’t-look-at-this” way, but in a “these pieces work together because they shouldn’t” way.
Instead of matching your coffee table to your sofa, try a contrasting material like metal or glass. Pair a modern leather couch with a more traditional rug. Trust us, it’ll make your space way more interesting (and 100% yours).
Product Example: The Emerald coffee table’s sleek marble top contrasts beautifully with the natural warmth of the Langley Leather Sofa.
At the end of the day, your home should be a reflection of who you are—not a carbon copy of our showroom (as much as we love it). So mix, match, layer, and above all, make it yours. And if you need a little help along the way, well, that’s what we’re here for!