My family used to have an obsession about looking around show homes.  Whenever there was a new housing estate board go up, we would be rootling around looking for when the show home would be open for business.  One of the joys of a Sunday car trip was to seek out new show homes to look around and copy various themes in our own modest abode.

However, to get that show home feel for ourselves is not so difficult.   Hundreds of homes magazines line the shelves of stores and they inspire us with the latest trends – but with new homes having to be slimmer, taller, less ground space offered, it is more imperative to utilise the space effectively.  Ensuring our furniture can go up the stairs, fitting cabinets into bathrooms and ensuites to hide the clutter.  Shoe and bag storage in cloakrooms and training children to put their stuff away all help to maximise every square metre of space.