Page 11 - Condo Living

Left: The foyer is a must-see with its very art deco looking
setup. The patterned wallpaper and gold scales table give
you a luxe feel upon entry Below (Top): “Grand but cozy,
spacious and bright,” Chat Fores describes her recent
showroom project Below (Bottom): The loft’s living room is
kept in its own pocket in the first floor of the unit. The TV is
perfectly streamlined, making it look like its part of the wall

This particular showroom is the interior designer’s
recent project. However, unlike the showroom
pop-ups we see in malls, this particular space is
actually up for sale. The unit is located right inside
the built property so you can grasp exactly what
you’ll be buying, from the unit to the amenities. Plus,
purchasing the unit means you get all the custom-
made furniture and accessories by Chat and her
design team. “The decor was purchased from different
suppliers, both local and international, for a varied
look,” points out Chat. She adds that she doesn’t like
getting common pieces for these projects so the model
units can stand out from the rest. “I make it a point
to research and go on trips to look for appropriate
pieces,” she adds.
The interior designer cites that they have two
people in mind when making a model unit: the target
market of the condo and herself. “If I find it livable and
can imagine myself living in there, then I know I did
good work.” Indeed, showrooms aren’t just supposed
to look great, they have to be functional too that the
future buyer can actually live in it. If a showroom
looks nice but doesn’t look comfortable for you to
live in, go scout for one that will. Showrooms are the
first glimpse of your investment, so if that investment
doesn’t look or feel great for you in terms of look and
function, ditch it and find another one.
“Model units are meant to give clients ideas and
not to deceive,” shares the interior designer when
asked if model units oversell a space. “Model units are
meant to inspire clients and dream of what they can
do to their unit purchases and even their own homes,”
she adds. She even cites properties that show you the
bare unit to see what you’re really getting. While you
do get a blank box upon turnover and nothing like the
showroom, that box is up for interpretation and ready
for renovation. It’s a blank canvas you can turn into
your own, personal dwelling.

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