FT NEWS

The show flat of a residential project is designed creatively and with high functionality so as to increase the marketability of the project by the builders and developers. These homes put their best foot forward; they are designed by designers to be contemporary, comfortable, sophisticated and look more spacious by use of clever storage and visual tricks. Here are some key pointers to bring into our own homes.

1. A show-stopper entrance hallway
Create an attractive and inviting entrance area to create a good first impression. Give depth to this usually small and narrow space with materials such as textured paint, wallpaper or cladding materials. In this example, a large bevelled mirror on the wall creates a geometric pattern, and it cleverly doubles the visual space of the entrance lobby. Make it a point to install good lighting, incorporate accessories and add functionality with compact seating or a stylish console.

2. Light and reflective floors
Most show flats look bright and airy with light and reflective floors. Preferred materials for flooring usually are high-gloss vitrified tiles; their reflective surface makes the home look more spacious. For a high-end luxurious look, consider Italian marble flooring.

3. Open plan layout for small homes
Consider an open-plan layout for the living and dining areas. This kind of a layout allows a connect between the two spaces and visually unites them. See how the design is consistent in both these areas with similar wooden wall panelling, wall cladding, ceiling design, recessed lighting and finishes.

4. Plush bedrooms
Show flats always have decadent, comfortable bedrooms with luxurious furnishings. This can be achieved with a combination of soft warm lighting, carpets, wooden flooring, soft neutral colours on the walls and ceiling, an upholstered headboard and the use of rich fabrics in contrasting colours for the curtains, furnishings and cushions.

5. Super storage
Show flats show exhibit smart use of space by installing stylish and functional wardrobes and hidden cupboards where possible. In this space, a combination of lacquered glass and mirror are used to create an interesting pattern, while the reflections on the mirror give an illusion of more space.

If a corridor’s width allows, opt for cupboards like these that line the route and seamlessly integrate with the space.

6. Peppy, well-planned children’s bedroom
Show flats always use bright, colourful and playful colours in the furniture, walls, ceiling and furnishing of the children’s bedroom. These bedrooms are made very functional by incorporating a study area, providing adequate storage for books, toys and clothes.

7. A modern and efficient kitchen
Go for a modular kitchen that is fully equipped with built-in appliances, a built-in cooktop, modular kitchen accessories, gloss-finish cabinets and good lighting for the countertop and ceiling. Opt for trending countertop materials such as quartz, which is the material of choice in show flats.

8. Comfortable and stylish bathrooms
The bathrooms of a show flat usually use contrasting or patterned tiles in combination with the base tiles that add brightness to the bathroom. There is a shower area segregated by glass, a floating or free-standing vanity with storage, along with a combination of direct and diffused lighting. These bathrooms are further beautified with potpourri that introduces a sense of understated luxury and relaxation.