In general, a newly built house is a lovely place to live. You know no one has lived there before you, it’s a space that’s entirely original, and if it bothers you, it’s unlikely to be haunted either! Closing the deal and moving in means you can apply a coat of paint that the property has never seen before, and there’s something very comforting about that.
However, this also means the property is entirely devoid of character. There’s nothing special about it, at least not yet, and it’s harder to visualise how you’re going to truly use the space. No one else has lived here and set an example, and right now you’re just looking at plain walls that are entirely uninspiring – what to do?
Well, much like in a rented home, you’ll need to think smartly about the ways you can add character. To help you out, we’ve listed a few design ideas below that might just be what you’re looking for right now.
Buy Bold Fixtures, Rather Than Plain Ones
Fixtures for your new home might not have been installed already. If so, this is your chance to really make the space dynamic! Because plain, ordinary shaped fixtures are old news. They’re boring and they’re not interesting to look at, simple as.
But if you buy lights, towel rails, wall holders, bookshelves, and anything else that attaches to a wall in bold colours and cool shapes or styles, you’ve instantly given the space a real uplift. Wall lights made with art deco inspiration and platinum style plating are a real focal point for the living room!
Crochet or Knit Your Own Blankets and Cushions
If you’re a creative person that’s good with your hands, picking up either of these hobbies won’t be too tricky. But even if you consider yourself completely non-artistic, you can still try out these mediums and see what you can make.
Look up fabric stores near me, pick up some supplies and tools, and then source some free patterns and tutorials online. Follow along, take your time, and then furnish your sofa with a nice new throw or some totally unique scatter cushions.
Even if you make something you’re less than impressed with, you can keep trying and make more and more pieces. The more practice you have, the better the final result will be!
Don’t Leave Your Windows Bare
The windows so often get neglected in homes up and down the land. They’re left with just a simple curtain covering, and as a result the space looks totally flat. For a property with a lot of negative space to flip, this is the last thing you want.
But if you give them shape by layering blinds and curtains together, and use colour to bring the eye (and the light!) into the centre of the room, your new build home will be transformed.
Use long curtains for drama, blackout curtains for bedrooms, and use blinds as an undercoat to keep the rooms cool in summer and warm in the winter. That’s right, it’s not just a nice design – it’s practical too!
Value Storage Space
Storage space can go amiss when you’re too busy thinking about what will make your rooms look ‘lived in’. And when you’re simply focused on what colours work well together and if a rug would finally bring the space together, you can forget about the functionality of the room in general.
A good design incorporates this from the beginning. So value your storage space. Set up plenty of shelves, both floating and not, and use subtle drawers to keep items out of the way. A bit of clutter looks great, but don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by it.
Create Drama with Colours
A new build is a blank canvas. That means you can throw anything up on the walls to see if it sticks. And when you pair pastel brights with dark bolds, you’re going to create a sense of drama in the design for your new build. This is very on trend, and is versatile enough to work with all kinds of furniture. Try it out in your property and have some fun with it!
A new build is exactly what you make it. Design it with yourself in mind; furnish it to suit both your current life and your future plans. But most of all, make sure it’s got some character. With some uniqueness stemming from the tips above, it’ll have that in spades!
