Nov 27 min read

How to bring character to your new build

I was lucky enough to head to Decorex in October, which is an industry get together in the interior design scene. It’s filled with inspirational companies showcasing new products and designs and fabulous talks from industry movers and shakers. It felt rather serendipitous that, as I began working with two new clients last month moving into their newbuild family homes, that I should happen upon a talk about ways other designers bring character into a new build home. It’s clearly a hot topic out there! So it seemed sensible to collate all my thoughts here to help any new homeowners amongst you bring your personalities into your new homes.

Photos of: Linwood, Original BTC, A Rum Fellow

Moving into and furnishing a new build is exciting but can also feel a bit overwhelming. There are some fantastic benefits to a new build in terms of energy efficient buildings, boilers that won’t need replacing immediately and roofs that don’t leak. So you can confidently focus what is left of your budget after purchasing on the interior furnishing and finishes - but do set a budget as things can easily spiral. So work out where is key to spend first.

Photo credit: Oakton Developments

You are moving into a ready made blank space. But it’s that very blankness that can cause concern as you don’t have the period features as a starting point for adding character. It means style-wise you can go in lots of directions but that in its own way can feel a little too much choice. If you are moving from a smaller space then that often means you are needing to furnish the new home and make it liveable pretty quickly. Plus, unless you have been in at the very start, you will be moving into pre-chosen flooring, kitchen and bathroom designs. So adding your stamp on the house to make it your home is all the more important.

Photo Credits with thanks to: Etsy Ben Simpson, Rose & Grey, Stone and Tile Company

There are also a few practicalities to consider before you get started. New builds can shift slightly as they settle, which can cause small cracks in the plaster. Before committing to wallpaper or heavy wall decor, give it some time (around 6-12 months) to avoid unnecessary repairs. Paint is a safe option to start with. If any minor cracks do appear, they can easily be filled and painted over. Don’t rush into permanent fixtures until this settling period has passed.

So here goes with my top tips to get your home feeling like your own:

Photo Credits with thanks to: Simon Couchman Architects, Homebase, House of Jade

The Thinking Part

First up is the planning. Get a pen and paper and make some lists!

What are you taking with you and what do you need to purchase in order to be able to move in and live comfortably? Think about timescales if buying larger pieces as lead times can vary too.
What storage do you have now and what will you need? Often with new builds storage is tight and finding innovative ways to increase storage in the home can make a real difference to how you live in the space.
What's your budget now? Although thanks to being in a new build you should avoid any costly surprises you will still want to work out your budget and what you need.
Window treatments - unless you live in a very permissive neighbourhood you might well want to get some curtains and blinds in place sooner rather than later. So prioritising the number of windows and thinking about the types of window coverings that you like is a good thing to do early.

Photo Credits with thanks to: DEN LIFE Interiors, Ikea, CateStHill

Measure Twice

Measure everything! New builds can sometimes be deceptive in size. Measure the rooms carefully before buying furniture to make sure the pieces fit well and don't overcrowd the space.
Think about where the larger pieces of furniture will go and whether that has an impact on how you will walk through the rooms/use the space. Do you need to add in extra storage? Where might that go?
Many new builds have open-plan living areas, so it's important to create clear zones for dining, lounging, and entertaining. So plan on where the funriture will sit in those spaces and from there you can start to think about rugs and lighting plus colour for those individual zones to make them feel unique yet work together.

Photo Credits with thanks to: ArkDeco, Addison Ross, Pinterest Unknown

Storage Solutions

New builds often lack enough built-in storage, so think about adding wardrobes, shelving units, and clever storage solutions like under-bed drawers or built-in furniture.

By looking at your layouts and thinking about how built in furniture might work can often be a better approach than trying to source something shop bought to fit. Think about room divider bookshelves, desks incorporated into cupboards, seating with storage beneath - there are lots of clever options out there. And adding a piece of bespoke built furniture can add a uniqueness to your property instantly.

If you’re buying items from the high street then opt for furniture that still serves multiple purposes, like a storage ottoman, extendable dining table, or beds with built-in drawers. This is especially helpful in smaller rooms.

Photo Credits with thanks to: Stitched, Next, Sarah Griggs

Window Treatments

New builds often come without window treatments, so consider the level of privacy and light you want in each room. You tend to get extremes in new builds from large expanses of glass with garden doors, and smaller windows than in some older properties. So working out how to treat these windows is key to getting the mood right in your home.
Blinds work well for a sleek, modern look, while curtains can add softness and warmth. Depending on your windows, it might be worth investing in custom blinds or curtains to get the perfect fit and finish.
Another tip is to consider extending the curtain poles further along the wall so that the curtains hang wider than the windows and add some drama. It’s a great cheat to improve a small window and can really elevate a room.
Layering curtains (like lighting) is always a good idea too. It will add depth and character to your rooms. So think sheers on a window and then a curtain or roman blind in front. It gives you options day and night as to how much light is let in and out and by mixing materials it will add extra layers of texture and colour or pattern too.

Photo Credits with thanks to: Next, Soho Lighting, M&S

Lighting Design

In the same way layering curtains can add to the mood so does layered lighting. New builds often come with standard lighting packages, which can feel a bit cold. Introducing layered lighting with table lamps, wall lights (there are tons of plug in ones now on the market), and pendant lights will soften the look and add warmth to your new space.
Consider installing dimmer switches to control brightness levels. Add task lighting in key areas like the kitchen, home office, or reading nook for practical use.
Invest in a statement light or two. They act as the jewellery of the room. A fabulous light will be a focal point and set the tone for the character of the room as wel making your home immediatley feel unique. And don’t panic about having different lights in each space. Keep hallway and open plan areas cohesive in their style but you can play room by room otherwise.

Photo Credits with thanks to: Coat, NatureWall, DEN LIFE interiors

Adding Colour

There are so many ways to add colour to a space from paint to textiles, furniture to rugs and in a new build your options are open.
You are not often constrained by coving on ceilings and with new builds ceilings tending to be lower then colour drenching (walls and ceilings in same colour) a room can evoke a real atmosphere and make the lower ceilings disappear.
Or use paint as a way of adding character. So paint a colour 4/5th up a wall and then add another complementary colour to the top part of the wall and the ceiling to add some drama.
You can add panelling and when I say panelling let your imagination go wild! There are some amazing wall panels out there these days from fluted wood to 3D designs that will add real depth to the space. Use them as extra large headboards or as a statement wall and have some fun with it.
Equally some new builds have structural design features such as a double height window or steels and columns - don’t shy away from these. They can help add character too.
Then wallpaper - well my love of wallpaper is realised in a new build. There are so many options that immediately bring character to a room from pared back neutral tactile fabric styles, metallics, woven natural grasses, large pattern, small pattern, muted and bold colours - just imagine what fun you can have?

Photo Credits with thanks to: DEN LIFE interiors, NatureWall, DEN LIFE interiors

Kitchen and Bathrooms

New build kitchens and bathrooms often come fully fitted but can lack personality. Add finishing touches like stylish cabinet hardware, a statement mirror, or upgraded taps and handles can give these rooms a designer edge.
And on a practical note ensure you have enough storage in these high-traffic areas. Add additional built in storage, organisers, baskets, or floating shelves to keep things tidy and functional.

Photo Credits with thanks to: Etsy Asmiro, DEN LIFE interiors, Idyll Home

Create a Blank Canvas Plan

Don’t feel pressured to furnish every room immediately. Take time to settle in and understand how you’ll use each space before committing to large furniture purchases or bold colour schemes if you’re nervous. Focus on the key items and enjoy the process with the rest.
New builds can sometimes feel a bit sterile, so introduce texture through rugs, throws, and cushions alongside your curtains. A large, high-quality rug can anchor a room, while cushions and throws add softness and make you want to cuddle up.
Aim to use a variety of materials like velvet, wool, and linen to add dimension - I’m back to that layering of textures again to add depth you see!
Don’t be afraid to mix modern furniture with vintage or antique finds. This will give your space character and prevent it from feeling too 'cookie-cutter'.
Hang artwork, family photos, and choose accessories that reflect your personality and don't forget the plants! Plants are everything...
If your new build comes with a garden, don’t neglect this space. Invest in outdoor furniture, plant borders, and soft landscaping to make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home. And I advise on buying some doormats early on if you are on a new build estate as there is often still a lot of mud around on a recent building site which you don’t want tramped through your beautiful new home!