10 ways to add character to a new build home
New build houses are perfect for those wanting a hassle free home, as they’re ready to move in to and unpack straight away, without the mess and stress that can come with buying a home that requires work. However, if you own a new build home, have you ever found yourself staring at four featureless walls and wondering how you can inject a bit of character into your house?
Here I’m sharing my 10 tips to add character to a new build home to create a space you’ll love.
Image via Pinterest
Image via Instagram @maisondeslesage
1. Get creative with wallpaper
A quick and easy transformation, wallpaper has the power to add pattern and colour to an otherwise empty space. Try adding a feature wall behind the bed, or go bold with pattern and colour in a cloakroom toilet. Don’t forget, though, that you’ll need to wait for the drying out process to be complete (this can take up to a year).
Image via Pinterest
Image via Instagram
Image via The Modern House
Image via Flooring Village
3. Paint your woodwork
Can’t change your skirtings? Try painting your woodwork all the same colour instead, and that doesn’t mean just white. Opt for the same colour as your walls to create a cocooning, cosy ambience, or stick within the same tonal range, going slightly darker on the skirtings and door frames, for a more calming feel.
Image via Pinterest
Image via Howdens
4. Add coving to your rooms
A very simple way to add character to an empty room is to install coving or a cornice to the top of your walls. This provides a decorative border between the walls and the ceiling, which in turn gives the illusion of height, by drawing your eye upwards.
Image via Funky Chunky Furniture
Image via The Library Ladder Company
5. Panel your walls
From simple wainscoting and Shaker style batten and board, to more modern wood slats, panelling is everywhere at the moment. And it’s here to stay, thanks to its ability to transform a blank wall, adding depth, height and texture to an otherwise empty space. There are even companies that provide full DIY kits for a panelling project, supplying you with the materials, tools and instructions all in one box.
Image via The English Panelling Company
Image via Pinterest
6. Upgrade your radiators
Switch out your panel radiators for something much prettier in the form of a column radiator. Traditionally found in period properties, this timeless design will work equally well in a new build home. Don’t forget to invest in some pretty valves too, as the small details are just as important.
Images via Big Bathroom Shop
Image via Radiator Valves 4u
7. Create a focal point
New build living rooms generally lack a focal point such as a fireplace, so why not ask a builder to create one for you? Opt for built-in units either side, to provide balance and symmetry, as well as plenty of space to display accessories, books and artwork.
Images via Pinterest
8. Dress your windows
Layers curtains and blinds or shutters to add texture and depth to a window. Hang curtains as high to the ceiling as possible to create the illusion of height, whilst also hanging them as far off the window as space will allow to give the illusion of wider windows too.
Images via Pinterest
9. Layer your lighting
Getting the lighting right in a new build home can make all the difference between sterile and stark, to warm and cosy. If you are faced with lots of spotlights, simple additions such as floor lamps and table lamps will help to soften the lighting. I particularly love a chunky table lamp with a large tapered shade to add some drama to a room.
Image via Pinterest
Image via The White Company
10. Hang some artwork
From picture ledges to gallery walls, adding some framed art or photos will help to add interest to an otherwise empty space. Try arranging oversized frames with a small aperture in a group above a sofa, or alternatively try a picture ledge with a mix of different height and style of frames.
Images via Pinterest
If you own a new build home and struggling on how to decorate it, I can help with ideas and advise you on everything from paint colours and panelling, through to creating a focal point in a living room. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I offer a variety of design packages to suit, and although my interior design service is based in Hampshire, I am available nationwide via virtual consultations.
