Having launched its gorgeous new show home at Blackmore Meadows in Stalbridge, Bovis Homes has just released some hints and tips on how to achieve the show home look! We talk to Grace, a stylist from Claude Hooper Interiors about how they styled the show home…. What was the inspiration behind the design? “The show home is in a charming rural location and so we were definitely inspired by nature and tried to carry this theme throughout the property.” How have you achieved this look? “We’ve used calming greens, and flora and fauna designs to enhance the natural light, which floods into every room. The show home’s theme is achieved by using a clever mix of leather, wood and relaxed linens, with a dash of pattern in woven accessories and soft furnishings. We’ve also used big botanical prints, plants and rattan baskets.” What colours have you used? “We’ve dressed the show home in a muted palette based on heritage colours to mirror the surroundings and create a contemporary, yet timeless look. We’ve focussed on light and bright greens, with floral prints.” How do you create a feeling of warmth? “Feature wallpapers and the use of beautiful textures provide warmth and depth, adding to its cosy feel. And lighting is key, lamps and beautiful light fittings soften everything.” What item of furniture is important to get right? “All of it! But a large wooden table with a bench and chairs is essential for family life and entertaining, especially in an open plan living space. Once you’ve selected that you can work around it, the table is definitely the heart of the home!” Is it important not to be too radical? “In bedroom two, we kept to a neutral base but used unusual furniture to give it an inspired, yet classic feel. Don’t be afraid to be different, good design doesn’t have to be safe.” What top tips can you give us: “I would suggest: • Choose neutral furniture and wallpaper as it means you can add colour in the accessories. • Black framed artwork creates an expensive interior look and heritage Farrow & Ball colours can add impact. • Using subtle floral wallpapers works really well with light colours. Then bring your own colours in through the textiles and finishing touches. • Rattan baskets are great for storage and we used plants throughout to create a nice botanical scheme. Not only are they good for the environment, but they’re a real joy to maintain. • Select a neutral sofa and then complete with textured cushions and throws, while bringing in lots of colour in the artwork. • Wood panelled wallpaper gives great dimension, especially when teamed with linen fabrics for curtains and heritage wall colours. Have a look in the show home to see how well it works! • Half height paint colour in the bedroom adds a simple yet contemporary feel to the room. Are you pleased with the result? “We’re very proud of the final scheme and it really shows off the great layout. The study demonstrates a practical space to work from home and the kitchen shows both practicality for family living and a wonderful entertaining space for family and friends.” Emma Smith, sales and marketing director at Bovis Homes, commented: “The new show home at Blackmore Meadows looks absolutely gorgeous! The interior designer has done a fantastic job in creating a modern country look, it’s timeless and makes you feel right at home straight away.” The Aspen comprises an open plan kitchen and dining area with striking bi-fold doors that lead out to the garden. There’s also a separate living room, study and downstairs toilet/utility room, while upstairs there’s a master bedroom with an en-suite shower room, along with three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Blackmore Meadows features a beautiful collection of three and four bedroom homes on the edge of Stalbridge, from £305,000. The homes have been sensitively designed to complement the surrounding area, showcasing two thatched properties and local stone. Nestled in a pretty rural location off Lower Road, overlooking the countryside, the development is under a mile from the town centre and is also within easy reach of Sturminster Newton and Shaftesbury, just 10 miles away. To book an appointment, contact the sales team on 01963 836000 or visit Bovis Homes for more details.