© Evening Times
Originally published: 29.08.2006

THE new show apartment at Route1West in Anniesland is a worthy match for the charm and pace of Glasgow's colourful West End.

This new showhome has already found favour with Glasgow-based TV interior designer, Anna Ryder Richardson, who launched the development for Redrow. She described the two-bedroom property as big, bold and brave – and it’s easy to see why when you look at the colourful red and white interiors style. “It's amazing, absolutely gorgeous,” said Anna. “It’s big, spacious, modern but not too modern and Redrow has been brave with touches of colour. I love the red.” She added: “I love the feeling of space. It is a very well thought-out apartment, there’s plenty of room everywhere – even in the corridors which is unusual in any new development.

“My favourite part is the open-plan lounge and dining room which is a very good size and I particularly like the fact that the kitchen is an integral part of this space but can also be separated off by a very contemporary set of sliding doors. “There’s a bit of rebellion going on at the moment against being totally open plan and this is the best of both worlds – if you’ve cooked a great meal and want to settle down and relax, you can shut away the mess and not worry about it.”

Anna also loved Redrow’s use of a neutral backdrop of whites, ivory and taupe, with splashes of red as the accent colour to create impact. “The red is just enough. A touch of red is very ‘now’ in interiors as well as the fashion world. It gives the property a very contemporary feel,” said former Changing Rooms designer Anna, who’s just finished filming the next series of Baby’s Room for Sky TV’s Discovery Home & Health channel.

Redrow’s interior designers have dressed the two-bedroom show apartment to reflect Route1West’s central location and the city lifestyle on offer. It shows a modern lifestyle for young professionals so it appears uncluttered and spacious – contemporary but not minimalist.

Design classics have been used, such as the Barcelona chair, and statement pieces from Italian furniture suppliers. The rich combination of deluxe materials, good quality furnishings and fresh whites and delicious reds results in a highly desirable show apartment – perfect for those in need of some colour therapy or seeking interior design inspiration. The unusual art work on the walls has been inspired by Glasgow's distinctive sky lines and sights to give a fresh aspirational feel to the apartment. Individual style statement pieces include a curvaceous glossy red vase adorned with fresh flowers in the main living area and a pair of red Perspex ultra-modern candlestick holders in the dining room. Both add interest and drama while keeping the overall look fresh and clutter free. Colours across all rooms in the show apartment take in whites, ivory, taupe, but always with a trademark red accent. The red accent is used throughout and this thoroughly modern use of colour both has a visual impact and immediately suggests modern living.

The apartment’s open-plan lounge and dining room area are a good size. A clever feature of the property is the fact that, while the kitchen is an integral part of this space, it can also be separated off by a set of sliding doors. Moira Gillespie, sales manager for Redrow Homes (Scotland), says: “Our interior designers have really captured the spirit, aspiration and soul of Glasgow and Route1West's apartment lifestyle – we're confident that home hunters will be impressed.”

All of the properties enjoy the easy to maintain, energy efficient benefits of a brand new home, thanks to features such as PVCu double glazed windows, very economical heating and modern standards of insulation.

Prices currently start from around £185,000 for a generously sized two bedroom apartment. Route1West is open seven days a week from 10am to 5.30pm when home hunters can get full access to the show apartment. Further information about call 0845 676 0517 or go to www.redrow.co.uk Alternatively, e-mail scotland.sales@redrow.co.uk