Have you ever toured a beautifully staged model home and wondered how the designers make every space look so polished, welcoming, and perfectly balanced? It’s not magic—it’s the result of thoughtful planning, timeless design, and attention to detail. At Richmond American, every model we stage is designed to help homebuyers imagine what their life could look like in a new space. By combining functionality, flow, and style, our designers create quality homes that feel inviting and warm.
Curious about incorporating some of those same ideas into your own home décor? We spoke to our talented in-house design team and compiled a few of their top tips for how to decorate your home just like a model!
Start with a clean slate
One of the most noticeable differences between a model home and a lived-in space is the absence of clutter. Model homes feel open and serene because every object has a purpose and a place.
To capture that same feeling, start by decluttering your rooms. Sort through your belongings and donate or discard anything you no longer need. Simple storage tools like baskets, bins, and decorative boxes can help maintain a streamlined look. When every surface is free of excess items, your space instantly feels more spacious and organized.
Modern storage features like walk-in pantries, mudrooms, linen closets, or tech centers can be tremendous assets to your decluttering efforts. Select new construction homes from Richmond American offer these options, which can go a long way toward helping you maintain an organized lifestyle in addition to having a fresh canvas from which to launch your model home-level aesthetic efforts.
Work from a unified theme
A key part of how to decorate your abode like a model home is choosing a cohesive theme or style. Professional designers typically begin with an overarching concept—whether it’s a color palette, a specific design trend, or a blend of traditional and contemporary influences.
One of our favorite approaches is “new traditional”—a design style that balances the warmth of classic décor with modern touches. Think timeless furniture pieces mixed with clean lines, metallic accents, or fresh fabrics. This combination feels both familiar and current, allowing your home to age gracefully while staying on trend.
When planning how to decorate, choose two or three main colors and one accent tone. Carry these hues through your décor choices—furniture, drapery, art, and accessories—to maintain visual harmony.
Add personal touches
Model homes never feel bare, but they’re never cluttered either. Every piece of décor—from wall art to throw pillows—is chosen with intention. The secret is to layer thoughtfully.
Mix materials (wood, marble, metal, ceramic, and fabric) and vary shapes and heights to create visual balance. For example, pair a round mirror with a rectangular console table, or cluster vases of different heights on a dining table. Even functional décor, like woven baskets or attractive storage bins, can double as design statements. When you’re deciding how to decorate your home, remember: accessories should enhance the space, not overwhelm it. Less is often more.
If you’d like your next home to have a layout that better reflects your lifestyle, our to-be-built homes with personalization options may be a good route for you to pursue. Depending on your community and region, select floor plans offer exciting structural variations—like converting a study into an extra bedroom. You may also have the opportunity to choose your home’s fixtures and finishes, creating a dream space that reflects both your lifestyle and personal style.
Illuminate your space
Lighting plays a major role in every model home design. It sets the mood, highlights architectural features, and helps define each room’s function. Good lighting combines both practicality and artistry.
Start with layered lighting: ambient (overhead), task (desk or reading lamps), and accent (wall sconces or under-cabinet lighting). Updating your fixtures can make a big difference—modern pendant lights or statement chandeliers often become focal points themselves.
Pro tip from our design team: pay attention to scale. A lamp that’s too tall or a pendant that’s too small can throw off proportions. In general, table lamps should be under 30 inches tall, while dining pendants should hang about 30 inches above the table surface.
Coordinate colors the model home way
If you’ve ever noticed how relaxing and cohesive model homes feel, it’s largely due to their color palettes. Designers typically rely on neutral tones—soft grays, warm whites, beiges, or muted taupes—to form a calm foundation.
This neutral backdrop lets you experiment with colorful accents through pillows, art, florals, and other décor. The beauty of this approach is its flexibility—you can easily swap out accent colors to reflect the seasons or your evolving style.
Want to try something bolder? Accent walls in deeper hues like navy, forest green, or terracotta can add warmth and depth without overwhelming the space.
Play with texture
Texture adds richness and dimension, helping a room feel layered and complete. In model homes, designers use texture to soften sleek spaces or add warmth to large, open rooms.
Experiment with combining materials—smooth leather with plush velvet, rough-hewn wood with sleek metal, or woven fibers with polished glass.
Throw blankets, area rugs, and textured pillows are easy ways to infuse variety. A large knit throw draped over a sofa or a patterned rug underfoot can make a neutral space feel instantly more dynamic.
Keep it simple
Minimalism isn’t about living with nothing—it’s about living with intention. The most beautiful model homes prove that “less is more.” Every piece serves a purpose, whether functional or purely aesthetic.
When deciding how to decorate, focus on quality over quantity. Choose furniture and décor that make a statement or add comfort. Leave open space where your eye (and your mind) can rest.
This approach not only looks great but also makes your home easier to maintain, keeping it fresh and stress-free.
Explore professionally curated options
In addition to personalized homes, Richmond American offers professionally curated quick move-in homes that are complete or near completion. These homes are designed using the same thoughtful principles found in our model homes, and boast coordinated finishes, designer-selected fixtures and timeless style.
Each new home provides a beautiful blank canvas for you to make uniquely your own. Whether you prefer to take the reins with your own creative flair or work with professional designers at one of our Home Gallery™, you’ll find expert guidance on how to decorate your home in a way that reflects your individual style.
Learning how to decorate your home like a model home isn’t about copying every detail. It’s about understanding the design principles that make those spaces shine: balance, cohesion, texture, and purpose.
Whether you’re styling a new construction home or refreshing a well-loved one, these techniques can help you create rooms that are comfortable, coordinated, and effortlessly beautiful, just like the models that inspired them!
Currently shopping for your next home? We offer professionally designed homes that are either complete or near completion! Our team carefully selects fixtures and finishes, using the same design principles we use for our models, to provide buyers with a brand-new home ready to be filled with furnishings and art. With a curated home, you’ll have a beautiful blank canvas to personalize with your unique style.
