After years as a model home merchandiser, I can tell you that there is no one way to create an award-winning model. Just like in any good recipe, there are standard ways to measure the components. Recipes have fluid ounces, temperature, and time., design has proportion and scale, rhythm, and balance. And success is a result of knowing what to include and what to leave out.
Every model home starts with 3 things:
A Product
A Builder
A Potential Homeowner
First, answer a few key questions to help you make decisions throughout the process. “Who is the client” answers questions about demographics, the likely size, composition, and habits of the future homeowner. “What is the product” can inform decisions about style and material selections. “Who is the builder” helps match the model to the company’s branding.
Instinctively, you know that large single-family homes in the suburbs will have different materials and finishes than a 2 bedroom condo in the city. When you understand the product, the branding, and the target market, you can choose materials, finishes, and furnishings that create a winning model.
How to select the right materials
I’ve always loved specifying materials for new construction, both interior, and exterior. The options are vast and that allows you to add character to a home. Materials should be cohesive and tell the builder’s story and what kind of homes they build. For most models, Upgrade options are a fantastic way to demonstrate sell higher-end finishes and should always be included.
Your choice of standard and upgraded options depends on your approach to marketing (your brand), however, a successful model will have a mix of mid to high level finishes to create an aspirational environment and show your home at its best
Mid-level cabinets, flooring, and plumbing fixtures are a nice compliment to higher-level countertops, hardware, and lighting is a great place to begin.
The background finishes set the tone so pay special attention to doors, hardware, and trim. These 3 things are key to making the best first impression.
Interior Design that wins awards
Space Planning
The saying “you know it when you see it” is especially true for a perfectly finished model. Rooms should be spacious yet welcoming, aspirational, and liveable. Furniture placement is important, with traffic patterns and overall flow, scale and balance the primary concerns
Architectural Highlights
Market-focused design will highlight the architecture of a home and add custom details like fireplace mantels, and wall trim. Show off the homes best features with thoughtful paint colors, trim details, and furnishing
Memory Points
A buyer-centric model home will include memory points specific to the demographics and psychographics of the most likely buyers. Thoughtful, creative bedrooms for children, a well-appointed office, and gourmet kitchen details will let your buyer know you are building for them.
Model home merchandising is just as much art as it is science.
This marketing-focused design is integrated into model homes and sales centers, community amenity areas, and clubhouses.