Stepping into the showhome at The Limes, Buxted, prepare to be greeted with an atmosphere of elegance and warmth. Designed to inspire, the interiors balance contemporary sophistication with comfort, ensuring the house feels like a home from the very first moment you step through the door.
Interior designer at Chapter 9 Design, Polly Clare, discusses the inspiration and thought behind this beautiful showhome.
Our design vision for The Limes showhome was centred on creating a space that feels aspirational yet inviting. With an emphasis on neutral palettes to create a timeless design, we carefully selected the interiors to appeal to today’s homebuyers who value both style and practicality. Our brief was to curate a space that feels upmarket and cosy, with layered textures and thoughtful touches that bring every room to life.
Start with neutral foundations
A neutral palette never goes out of style and remains a cornerstone of modern interior design. Warm shades form the perfect backdrop for statement furniture, artwork and lighting. This calming base palette reflects the ongoing trend for “quiet luxury” and favours warm neutrals over greys, as many homeowners move away from those cooler tones.
Adding wallpaper to key spaces elevated the interiors further, creating a sense of depth and texture that instantly enhances the home’s character. Paired with elegant lighting and contemporary classic furniture, the effect is both calming and polished.
Bring people together
One of my favourite things about this house is the dining room. I can just imagine the wonderful dinner parties that could happen here. The light fitting is a standout feature, adding drama and elegance, while the furniture feels both stylish and practical. Dining rooms are making a real comeback this year as we embrace more sociable living, and this space perfectly captures that.
The kitchen and family area is also a real highlight of this home. This is very much the heart of family life, and I wanted to design it as a space where everyone can gather - whether that’s to cook, eat, entertain, or simply relax after a busy day. Open plan living has been a strong trend for some time, but now it’s all about multi-functional spaces that work seamlessly for modern life. That’s exactly what this room offers.
Balance style with practicality
While the design emphasises sophistication, practicality has not been overlooked. Storage solutions and spatial planning ensure that the home works seamlessly for modern family living. The choice of durable materials and finishes means the interiors are as functional as they are beautiful.
Create a lasting impression
The overall theme of the interiors can be summed up as timeless, aspirational, elegant, and tranquil. The design not only reflects the lifestyle of Buxted’s discerning buyers but also aligns with the biggest interior trends: quiet luxury, multifunctional spaces, natural textures, and a return to sociable dining.
Most importantly, the showhome at The Limes is designed to make visitors feel inspired and at home. It’s a space that blends beauty with everyday living – a house that doesn’t just look good, but feels right.
Design Tips to Try at Home
For those inspired by the showhome at The Limes, here’s my top three tips to re-create this in your new home:
- Start with a neutral canvas – it provides flexibility and timeless appeal.
- Layer with statement pieces – from a standout light fitting to a bold piece of furniture, contrast adds character and builds on the neutral backdrop to create something truly unique.
- Use lighting creatively – whether ambient or decorative, lighting transforms a room’s atmosphere.
With high levels of interest and homes selling quickly at The Limes, visit the stunning showhome today and get your pick of your preferred plot.