A new build property provides the perfect blank canvas for creating a home that reflects you, your personality and your lifestyle. You don’t have to inherit someone else’s tastes, and you won’t have any difficult structural issues to contend with before you start decorating.
But, knowing where to begin with decorating a new build home can be tricky when you’re faced with plain white walls and empty spaces. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the ways you can add a homely, personable feel to your new build house.
1. Find your style
Before you start painting walls and buying furniture, think carefully about how you want your home to look and feel. What style of decor do you like? What atmosphere do you want to create?
You could even collect images, textures and materials that take your fancy and create a mood board that you can refer back to as the project progresses. You can get some great inspiration from sources like Pinterest, Instagram and magazines.
2. Introduce some colour
You’ll find that most new build properties are rolled out in white to offer you the blank canvas to work with. But, bright white is a very difficult colour to live with – it can seem harsh and stark in the bright sunshine and then dank in north-facing rooms.
Adding a softer colour can make your new build home feel cosier and less clinical. It will also be more forgiving against any existing furniture you bring in. If you’re unsure what colour to opt for, think about what shades make you happy. Browse through images online and even take a look in your wardrobe to see what colours you’re drawn to.
3. Play around with furniture and layout
Buying a new build means you won’t have preconceived ideas about furniture arrangements from previous occupants. This means you have the opportunity to create a layout that works perfectly for you and your needs.
Start by thinking about what activities take place in your home day-to-day and how you plan to use each room. Would you like a separate area for meal times? Do you want a special nook where you can curl up with a book? Do you need space to workout or let your children play?
4. Get the lighting right
Lighting can have a massive impact on how a space ultimately looks and feels, and it can make or break your design plan. The great thing about a new build property is that you can choose whether you want pendant lights or downlights. Once you move in, you can then add floor and table lamps to complement the built-in lighting and create a cosy, relaxed atmosphere.
5. Dress the windows
Another slightly overwhelming decision you have to make when moving into a new build is how to dress all the bare windows. Do you want curtains, blinds, or shutters?
When deciding how to dress your windows it’s important to consider the property itself and how they will look overall. Given that most new build homes have a fairly modern design, you might want to opt for a more modern window option. For example, rather than curtains, venetian blinds might suit the house better.
6. Pictures
As well as repainting the walls, adding some pictures can go a long way to making your home feel more homely. They can also be a great way of showing off your personality, as well as tying your home together with an overarching theme.
Don’t want to hang pictures on your walls? Why not opt for a picture shelf? That way, you can change your art display to suit your mood, no nails or command strips necessary!
7. Upcycle and add some vintage
To give your very new new build home an eclectic touch, why not add some old? New builds present the perfect opportunity to mix the old with the new, giving your home that cosy, rustic feel.
One of the best ways to do this is by upcycling old furniture. You can purchase old, run-down furniture online from places like Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Then, all you have to do is give it a new lease of life by upcycling it. You can do this with anything from vases and lamps to benches and dressers. And, it provides a cheap way of getting some great, stylish furniture.