Overly Realistic Showhomes

Messy Teenage Bedrooms to Market Real Easte In a More Honest Way

Forget scaled-down furniture, interior decor, flower arrangements and fluffy towels. In a time of downturn in the housing market, one housing developer has turned things around by presenting featured show homes in a more realistic way. 

Abel Homes recreated a typical teenage boy’s bedroom in one of their new developments. The room includes a messy bed, clothes strewn all over and old training shoes. The look is completed with potato chips trodden into the carpet.

Viewers have apparently been a big fan - partly because the approach is unexpected and partly because they value the company’s honest approach.

A director of the property developer, Maggie Abel commented: “We wanted to provide a talking point, help people to visualise it as a family home and give them something to remember the house by. We certainly had fun doing it and people who have looked round have laughed.”

“I’ve always found showhomes are a bit bland and unreal, so I thought if we were doing a teenage boy’s room we shouldn’t have it too pristine,” she said.

Authentic Showhomes
There is a trend towards presenting showhomes in a more realistic, authentic way by showcasing messy, lived-in spaces.
Unexpected Interior Design
Designing interiors that defy traditional expectations and feature unconventional elements is gaining popularity in the housing market.
Memorable Visual Experiences
Creating unique and memorable showhome experiences helps potential buyers visualize the property as a real family home and builds stronger connections.

Industries Being Reshaped

Real Estate
The real estate industry can benefit from embracing the trend of presenting showhomes in a more authentic and relatable way to attract potential buyers.
Interior Design
The interior design industry has the opportunity to explore unconventional and unexpected design choices that challenge traditional notions of showhome presentation.
Event Marketing
Event marketing professionals can leverage the trend of creating memorable and unique showhome experiences to engage attendees and leave a lasting impression.
SCORE
3.2 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 11%
Activity 76%
Freshness 8%

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