A show home should do more than simply demonstrate how a house can be furnished. It should help visitors imagine the life they could create there, while offering ideas they can adapt to suit their own tastes.
That’s exactly what Elivia Homes’ Latham Grove show home does - rich colours, tactile materials and distinctive finishing touches give the home a unique personality, while offering a sense of place within its rural Sussex location.
Designed and styled by Sarah Merrison Interiors, the scheme combines deep greens, mocha tones and vibrant blues with luxurious fabrics, natural textures and statement artwork. Handmade pottery and thoughtfully selected furniture add individuality, creating a show home filled with inspiration for buyers looking to make a new property their own.
For Sarah, the creative process began with one standout piece. “The creation of mood boards is always a very exciting time,” she explains. “My first port of call is an item that perfectly captures the brief. It could be a fabric, a cushion or an item of furniture that I absolutely adore and from which the vision will develop. Once I have ‘that’ item, I’m quickly away and my ideas follow. In the case of Latham Grove, I loved the recycled elm coffee tables that I found. Texture and style: tick.”
The natural character of the tables helped establish the warmth that runs throughout the show home, complementing the softer fabrics and more polished details used elsewhere.
Creating confidence with colour
Strong colour, used thoughtfully, is central to the personality of the show home. “My love of strong colour tends to inspire my design choices and can be seen throughout this delightful house,” says Sarah. “I’m enjoying harnessing more adventurous colours, as there is a growing appetite for personality in new build schemes.”
The interior styling demonstrates how richer shades can make a room feel immersive and inviting, particularly when balanced with lighter elements. “The use of strong, velvety wall colours evokes the feeling that you can almost dive into the room,” Sarah adds.
White also plays an important role, providing contrast and allowing more confident shades to stand out.
“White can be used effectively as long as it’s paired with another strong colour,” Sarah explains. “In the lovely, large kitchen and living area, I’ve teamed it with charcoal shelving.
“One of my favourite spaces is bedroom three, where a strong Farrow & Ball paint is complemented by an extra-large piece of artwork. Statement pieces should feel connected to the furniture and other features around it, rather than appearing to float above the room, with one standout piece of art providing a stronger focal point than several smaller decorations.”
Layering materials for warmth
While colour establishes the mood of each room, texture helps the interiors feel comfortable and complete.
“Adding layers injects texture and warmth,” Sarah says. “Cashmere, pure new wool and mohair throws always add a luxurious feel to the scheme, while soft cream carpets bring that sumptuous feeling together.”
Accessories have also been selected carefully, with statement pieces creating moments of interest without overwhelming the rooms.
“I enjoy using overly large ornaments to add impact and dotting items of gorgeousness around,” says Sarah. “Handmade artisan pottery was commissioned for use at Latham Grove, and something that is a one-off is very special. It’s all in the little details.”
The commissioned pottery brings individuality to the scheme and demonstrates how objects chosen for their shape, texture or craftsmanship can add personality to a room.
Choosing pieces you genuinely love
For new homeowners looking to express their own personality, Sarah’s advice is simple: choose items that create a genuine emotional response. “When purchasing an item of furniture or artwork, always ask yourself, ‘Do I love this?’ If the answer isn’t a resounding yes, then don’t buy it. If you love something, it will always work in your space because you’ll make it work.”
This approach removes the pressure to complete every room immediately. Instead, homeowners can allow their interiors to develop gradually, beginning with pieces they genuinely value. However, Sarah also advises using restraint when designing around a particular interest.
“When styling a room, it’s important not to go too far with a theme,” she says. “Perhaps you want to create a sporty theme for a teenager. Just hint at it. Don’t go too far, or you will cheapen the look. A few considered references through colour, artwork or accessories can communicate the idea while allowing the room to evolve as tastes change.”
A home filled with personality
The new Latham Grove show home brings together rich colour, natural texture, luxurious fabrics, impactful artwork and one-of-a-kind accessories. Yet its defining quality is the personality running through every room.
Rather than presenting a rigid formula for creating a stylish home, the interiors encourage buyers to trust their instincts and choose objects, colours and materials that mean something to them.
As Sarah concludes: “Ultimately, just have fun with colour, texture and art.”
Be one of the first to see Elivia’s Latham Grove show home when it launches this Winter. To plan your visit and get booked in as soon as it’s open, please call 01903 653 903 or visit the development page.
