3 Things the Vegas Show homes always do right (and three things they do wrong!)

I always enjoy a good builder’s convention and there is none better than the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas. I usually try to go every other year and have attended 8 times since 2009, twice when it was in Orlando. As I discovered the best way to experience all the events and displays I came to appreciate the Show Homes they allow you to tour. The past couple of new construction homes in a mountainous development outside of the gleam of the Las Vegas strip have echoed a similar style and presence of opulent living. Here’s what I enjoyed seeing and what I hope will have changed by the time I attend again next year!

What they get right-

It’s a Dream Home

No one wants to fly all the way to Vegas, stand in line for a Home Tour ticket, board a bus to be driven outside of the city and then walk into a basic spec home you could see in your own hometown. They do a good job of offering a space that skirts the line of fantasy.

Outdoor Living is emphasized

Without the weather restrictions of the Midwest, the Las Vegas climate calls for a lot of outdoor kitchens, infinity pools, balconies and glass railings to emphasize the view.

Decadent Owner Suites

While I would expect a 3-17 million dollar home to blow me away with their kitchen I actually think the owner’s suite gives you more for the money. Blame the minimalism of kitchen design, where it seems the more money you have the less details they put into cabinets and counter tops (it could be more of that “quiet luxury” phenomenon every is talking about, where expensive things don’t actually look expensive…)

The Show Home usually has a meandering wing of the house that includes a sitting room with a built-in espresso machine, giant changing room style closet with laundry, sleeping area, bathroom guaranteed to have multiple shower areas and maybe even multiple toilets. This entire suite is probably more expansive then most people’s entire homes but it is always fun to see (by the way- that’s not a mirror in the picture below, it’s a window to the outdoor shower that is every bit as luxurious as the indoor one).

What they got wrong-

Excessive Minimalism as an oxymoron

The style of these homes are meant to be designed with clean lines and modern finishes. Concrete, glass, large scale tile, straight edge counters and leather furniture are the staple materials. But what happens in these large open areas when you need more than one or two of something for function? The simplicity of the light fixture is minimal enough but the repetition of it feels more maximized.

Behind the scenes kitchens

While I love a good butler pantry, many of these kitchens are becoming just for show with all the actual appliances being housed in a smaller version of a full sized kitchen behind the real kitchen. Most of these homes also have one or two outdoor cooking areas as well. The one in the picture below looks more like a functioning kitchen than the one inside that is supposed to reflect the heart of the home.

Open Concept with too many places to sit

This is a common scene. When you are there it makes a little more sense but as a photo it feels similar to the previous lighting picture. There are so many chairs- too many chairs! An open concept design like this doesn’t allow your eyes a break, and without a punch of color or an ornate architectural piece to contrast with all the straight smooth lines, you actually achieve the opposite of your intent: a clean and modern space that looks busy and cluttered.

Of course, these are just my opinions. I am not a particular avid designer of this style but I have worked with a few of these clients and I appreciate any well done space. The struggle with these homes is the touch of sponsorship that goes into them. It is a show after all. There are products to be placed in hopes of making sales. I’ve collected this outlook from a few tours over the years now, in which it seems to be leaning even more in this direction. I’m hoping for a shake-up to come to Vegas new construction. I would love to walk into the next Show Home and be totally surprised.

Next Up! Coming or Going- the lighting trends from the builder show homes!