New build homes are blank canvases, which also means they’re the perfect space to make your own, but their minimalist and neutral finishes combined with a lack of historical character, can make them feel sterile and impersonal. Decorating a new build is a unique opportunity to create a space that reflects your style, meets your needs and is full of everything you love right from the day you move in.
Their newness can make it hard to not prioritise functionality over aesthetics. But with careful choices, you can add depth and character to transform a new build home into a warm, inviting and visually interesting home.
One of the biggest draws of a new build is just how practical they can be. But that built-in efficiency shouldn’t stop you from creating a beautiful and inviting home.
Clever storage is right at home in new builds. Dual-purpose furniture will not only bring in character but also provide much-needed storage space. From ottomans with hidden compartments to coffee tables with shelves, there are so many clever options to balance everything you want from your home. You can also add some easy character with built-in bookcases, whether full height in alcoves or more modern half height wall mounted options. Key pieces like this will also help to keep your home organised and clutter-free.
Invest in the best pieces possible as durable materials will withstand everyday wear and tear. This means high-quality fabrics for sofas and chairs, sturdy wood, or glass for tables, and scratch-resistant worktops. The longer lasting these high-use pieces are, the longer your home will remain beautiful and functional.
The goal for new build décor is often to create a home that feels cosy and inviting in contrast to the blank slate you move into. Making something unlived-in feel homely is absolutely possible with some easy decorating ideas:
New build homes can often take any colour palette. Take advantage of the white walls when you first move in to get to know how the light works in each room, especially if you’d like to make some bright or bold colour choices.
For something more relaxing, muted greens, greys, blues and neutrals will always look clean and fresh while also offering comfort and relaxation.
But colour doesn’t just come from how you paint the walls; pops of your chosen colour palette can be injected through accessories such as cushions, throws, and ornaments.
We often don’t have a blueprint for where the furniture should go in a new build or can be tempted to just arrange furniture around the edges of a room where they fit. Instead of jumping headfirst into filling up your floor space, embrace the empty floors and arrange your furniture in a way that suits your needs and promotes conversation and togetherness.
Nothing will make a home feel more like yours than ensuring you personalise the space with personal touches. Display family photos, travel souvenirs and treasured heirlooms to add your history and individuality to your new home, instantly achieving a warm, lived-in feel.
Greenery will always bring life and freshness to a home. From a vase of flowers to the large feathery fronds of a palm, you’ll enhance aesthetic appeal immediately. Plus, plants can improve air quality and help boost your mood. Whether you’re into large potted trees or small succulents, flora can be incorporated into every room to add texture and interest.
Layered lighting will always create an intimate atmosphere. While a good developer will have already ensured that lighting options optimise the space with well-positioned spotlights, pendants and even skylights, it can be elevated by carefully choosing optimal bulbs and incorporating accent lighting with table lamps, candles and even upgrading to dimmer switches.
The right statement pieces make any room, and it’s no different when it comes to new build house interior design. These focal points are the elements that bring a room together and set the tone for your home.
One or two statement pieces in each room can instantly elevate a new build space, whether due to design, colour or size. Whether it’s a bold chair, impressive dining table or a unique mid-century piece, having something unexpected as the centrepiece of your décor will add an anchor point to any room.
Art is personal. It’s one of the reasons that it can transform a room as it adds gravitas and shares a little bit of who you are. Whether you’re into minimal lines, abstract paintings or serene watercolours, artwork will immediately add depth, personality and structure to a living space.
Unlike the addition of ambient lighting, feature lighting can add atmosphere to a room through fixtures that suit the mood and purpose of the space. Whether that’s a statement lampshade, a low-hanging pendant trio over the kitchen island, or an oversized floor lamp, feature lighting is a simple way to draw the eye, create different lines, and introduce a more lived-in feel that is still undeniably modern.
Layering different materials creates a rich and inviting atmosphere that will add instant warmth and character to your new build décor.
The simplest way to mix textures is through clever fabric choice. It’s brilliant for immediately adding tactile, inviting qualities to your home. Combining different fabrics through layering is a very simple way to add contrast and interest. Whether you go for the same shades in a mix of weights and fabrics or bring in pattern clashing, cushions, rugs and blankets will add depth, balance, and dimension while also maximising comfort.
Natural materials such as wood, stone and rattan will always be timeless. They also can be used to make quite the statement, adding warmth, texture and a sense of tranquillity, especially in a home. Evoking a familiar sense of home, they can also be used throughout your home from floors and walls to furniture and accessories.
For a touch more contrast, glass and metals can be used to add some modern sophistication. The key is to use them sparingly, using their solidness to provide edge and contrast to any softer elements. Plus, glass and mirrors will open up spaces, either by creating visual trickery or creating the illusion of more space, which is always a great choice in any home.
Embracing the new build blank canvas is exactly how to create a space that not only meets your needs but also evokes a sense of comfort and belonging from the moment you step through the door – in a place you’re proud to call home.
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Whether you want to register your interest, ask a question or to arrange a viewing, get in touch today.
info@hurstwoodhomes.co.uk
0161 220 1999
