Stepping into the show home at Kingsgate Place, you are immediately met with an atmosphere of calm, quiet elegance. Set within a pretty coastal development framed by sandy beaches, sweeping golf-course views and the charm of a historical seaside town, the home draws deeply from its surroundings. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to feel both aspirational and warmly familiar, the kind of home that welcomes you with an invisible hug the moment you walk through the door.
Elivia Homes’ Kingsgate Place is a bespoke collection of 24 homes in the historic town of Broadstairs, including 17 exceptional detached residences, with prices starting from £725,000. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a community that supports modern family living, Kingsgate Place is designed to adapt beautifully to every chapter of life.
We spoke with the interior designer behind the new Kingsgate Place show home, Susan White of Phoenix Interior Design to learn more about the vision, the influences and the little touches that make this show home truly unforgettable.
Inspired by the local landscape
The design journey began with the town itself, its serene coastal views, refined seaside heritage and its natural palette of blues, caramels, soft sands and warm woods. These elements shaped the entire scheme.
“The inspiration came from the elegance of this historical seaside town – the beach, the sea, the golf course, the tranquillity of the area…” Susan explained, “We wanted to grasp those lovely little touches of quiet sophistication and bring them into the show home.”
Subtle nods to the coast appear throughout with bespoke artwork, warm ivories, blues and tactile materials that echo natural textures. The result is a home that feels connected to its surroundings without being too obvious about it.
Timeless design for every season
Rather than follow seasonal trends, the Kingsgate Place interiors were designed with longevity at its core. A timeless palette of ivories, creams and soft charcoals sets the tone for a home that feels beautiful year-round.
“It isn’t a fad interior, it’s all about comfort, calmness and belonging.” Susan added, “Oversized mirrors, bespoke artwork, layers of texture and thoughtful placement all help create that timeless sense of home.”
Every piece was chosen with purpose, from the Cotswold-style tables in the hallway to the faux botanicals and reflective finishes that bring balance and softness to each room.
Designed for modern life
The development’s position, natural lighting and architectural style guided many of the choices.
“We always consider the home’s orientation, how the sunlight moves through it, how the family might use each space. Some rooms could feature darker wardrobes; others needed more warmth and light. It’s all about textures, layers, scents and moments that evoke emotion.”
Sustainability also played a key role. Kingsgate Place features pieces from brands that give back, such as sofas from companies that plant a tree with every purchase, curtains made from recycled marine plastics, locally sourced accessories and handmade touches from artisan creators.
A theme of understated elegance
The whole home follows a theme Susan describes as:
“Homely, understated elegance. The journey has to be beautiful, you want visitors to smile the whole way through.”
Expect soothing palettes, art deco winks, curved forms, vintage-inspired touches and tactile ceramics with charming imperfections. Oversized arched walnut mirrors, curved boucle sofas, ebony sideboards and marble surfaces create a refined yet relatable atmosphere. A handmade mural welcomes visitors in the hallway, subtle and serene, featuring treetops in soft ivories and greys that create a special moment upon entry.
Every room tells its own story, but the aesthetic remains cohesive: warm, calming, beautifully layered and easy to imagine living in.
Favourite spaces: Blending practicality and joy
When asked to choose a favourite room in the show home, Susan lit up.
“It’s the smallest room… but the children’s room. It just makes me smile every time. It’s so cute, fun and different. Designing children’s rooms warms my heart. I also really love the open-plan kitchen, dining and utility area. It’s truly the heart of the home and it is so well appointed. I could see myself living exactly like that. Doors opening to the garden, a fabulous multifunctional layout, marble and walnut touches…it’s a space made for gathering, cooking, chatting and just being together.”
The area is enriched with subtle vintage references, including cocktail trolleys, curated and quirky artwork, and beautifully balanced materials that seamlessly blend stone, wood and metal in a feng-shui inspired mix of fire and water.
Tips for recreating the look at home
For homeowners wanting to bring elements of the rural beauty of Kingsgate Place into their own space, Susan offered some thoughtful advice:
- Don’t be afraid of colour: Consider how natural light interacts with it, light affects everything, including your mood and wellbeing.
- Invest wisely: Choose pieces you’ll live with for years. Comfort, ergonomics and correct proportions matter more than trends.
- Buy from the heart: Don’t underestimate the emotional connection to objects you bring home. Trinkets, art, ceramics – each should spark joy or memory.
- Think about function: Take your time. Live in the space before filling it and let your home evolve naturally as you do.
Creating an emotional experience
Above all, the aim of the Kingsgate Place show home is emotional resonance.
“I want visitors to feel calm and relaxed, warm inside – as if they’ve been given a gentle, invisible hug. Every room has its own personality, its own energy. I want people to walk away thinking I can see myself living here. This feels like home.”
With high ceilings, large rooms and carefully framed viewpoints from every doorway, the show home invites you to look up, look around and imagine your life unfolding within its walls.
Kingsgate Place isn’t just a house, it’s an experience. One that celebrates the beauty of everyday living, the charm of a coastal village and the elegance of thoughtful design.