Decorations NOT to Feature In Your Model Unit

by Ruth Samuelson March 10th, 2009September 29th, 2020

Look at this thing. Just look at it.

It may remind you of a bunch of shiny hubcaps, hanging on a garage wall. Or perhaps some wet cooking bowls drying by a sink. Maybe a stadium light fixture? It’s not. It’s actually a decoration—-something to supposedly make a space more attractive.

I looked at items like this all last week. For the life of me, I don’t understand why most of them saw the light of day—-let alone were used to actually sell homes. Besides this terrible mirror, I also spotted a number of egregiously ugly items around town: Painted sticks in a vase, iridescent neon curtains, and the chandeliers—-don’t get me started. Oh, also, there was this wavy bed frame thingy:

Developers and real estate agents are always commenting on high-end finishes and how the stainless steel/granite counter look is so over. But if model units are supposed to make the first impression, I think it’s time to focus on interior design. For a crash course in how to keep it clean and simple, check out Union Row on 14th Street:

Don't rely on an algorithm to get you the news you need.

Hi, you've read five articles this month! Will you consider signing up for our newsletter?

Hi, you've read 10 articles this month! If you value City Paper, will you support it? A contribution of any amount helps keep City Paper free and keeps us publishing.

Sign up for our free newsletter