HG TV's Design Star Winner Antonio Ballatore and his infamous pink birds adored by the judges
I am going to give you a blank check with a challenge. Build a new model home. At first, the excitement of the design savvy begins to tingle and warm our creative juices like that first taste of a rich Cabernet, and we start thinking and acting like a design diva. We want to put our “pink birds” a la Antonio Ballatore (for those of you who followed the last season of HG TV’s Design Star), meaning our own signature that says: yeah, I did that. And most importantly, you want it, but you cannot have it. Just yet.
Think exotics. Think colors, textures, delicious open spaces, lounge-style oversized furniture, the most exquisite shower for 12, outdoor living spaces, rich hardwoods, mosaics, rich natural materials, perhaps the latest in technology, a killer loud media room (with sound insulation) on the most beautiful natural surroundings. A lake with fountains to hear the splash of the water as it falls. Beautiful big trees (but not too close in case we have another Ike).
There is a catch. It’s not for you. It is not for someone you know or will meet during design. Actually, it’s not for a specific person, even though you will eventually sell it. It is to represent the homes you intend to build in a community.
What do you do? Our thinking changes completely. We are now not building a home, but a marketing product. Something to help our clients understand what we do, how we do it, and how much it will cost to do it.
As a client, what would you prefer? Let us know.
I agree 100%. I think too many builders miss their mark by either under-improving their model homes (buyers love the bling) or over-improving their model (buyers walk away with a negative impression if they find out they cannot afford to build a similar home or cannot imagine the home at base price).
Joel, you are one of the best in the business and never make a mis-step so I cannot wait to see what you build next.
Thanks Christi!! You know I always love your feedback. I will share the results once I get a nice sampling of people’s thoughts.
I can imagine myself in a number of homes but, what I’m comfortable spending brings me back to earth. It would be great if a builder could demonstrate to the customer that he or she can have style / flair and quality without breaking the bank.
Joel, you are AWESOME. I look forward to your creation.
We will do our best. Thanks SO much for your input. I’ll keep you abreast of our decisions!