Blog>Ideas>11 ideas to decorate your new build home
Last updated: 22 November 2023
11 ideas to decorate your new build home
Want to make your new build home feel like yours? Not sure where to start? These 11 ideas to decorate your new build property have got you covered.
If you live in a new build home, you’ll have a completely blank canvas to play with. But sometimes, this can be a little bit daunting and it’s tricky to know where to start. These ideas to decorate your new build will help you to quickly make your house feel like home.
1. Experiment with different colour ideas to decorate your new build
New build properties in the UK are often lacking in colour and tend to sport a lot of cool grey tones. Balance these out by adding bright pops of colour or, if you prefer, warm neutrals such as chocolate, fawn, and beige. This property boasts caramel walls, a tan rug, and rust-coloured dried flowers to make it feel warm and inviting.
2. Create a focal point with a feature wall
Rooms in new build properties can feel boxy, so adding a focal point is key. Creating a feature wall can be a fun way to achieve this, whether you choose to put up wallpaper, play with colour blocking, or even commission a painted mural. This homeowner has opted for a wallpaper bedroom feature wall depicting a starry night sky – perfect for stargazing all night long.
3. Add texture with panelling
Wall panelling is a popular interior design trend that’s been around for centuries. It can be a fantastic way to add texture and character to a new build, and comes in styles to suit every taste. This homeowner has chosen the perfect blend of traditional and modern with simple board-and-batten MDF panelling at half height, painted a deep sea green.
4. Customise your new build with shelves or bookcases
Shelves or bookcases can help you to customise your new build by putting your belongings on display. We love these kitchen shelves made from scaffolding planks. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing adorned with beautiful black-and-white crockery, but they’re a handy storage solution to boot.
5. Incorporate vintage or upcycled new build house decorating ideas
New builds are typically full of straight edges and harsh angles. Incorporating upcycled and vintage items in your decor can help you to ground your space with perfect imperfections. For instance, this old chest of drawers has been freshened up with chalk paint, giving it a shabby chic, distressed finish ideal for balancing out the sleek lines of a new build.
6. Layer your lighting
In the UK, new builds typically come with a host of downlights. Make sure to layer other softer lighting ideas on top, such as floor lamps, table lamps, and statement pendant lights. This living room boasts a stylish floor lamp, turning this sofa into the ideal spot to retreat to with a book in the evenings.
7. Prioritise personal new build decorating ideas UK
New builds are usually very safe and neutral in their decor so that they appeal to as many homebuyers as possible. That means you’ll need to work even harder to make it feel like yours – place photos around your space, put up pictures you adore, display your favourite books, and draw focus to items that really mean something to you. This homeowner has divided up their open plan living space with a freestanding bookcase, putting all their sentimental objects in pride of place.
8. Prioritise soft furnishings and cosy new build decorating ideas
Balance out your new build’s straight lines and clean edges by incorporating soft furnishings, throws, and plump cushions. Think all things cosy! This rustic bedroom is nailing it with that fluffy rug, woolly rocking chair, and cosy throw – and we can’t not mention that cosy gas fire too!
9. Dress the windows in your new build
On a similar note, dressing your windows is key to making your new build feel like home. Here, the homeowner has teamed blinds with flowing curtains, countering this kitchen’s hard surfaces with soft fabrics. We especially love that they’ve gone with pink – it’s a surprising yet pretty colour choice that adds personality to this otherwise monochrome kitchen.
10. Splurge on new build decor ideas to fill your empty walls
Until you put things on your walls, they’ll remain a blank canvas. So, prioritise filling them with oversized paintings, pictures, or mirrors to get rid of empty space and give your walls an identity. This living room features both framed prints and a stylish set of mirrors, adding new dimensions to what could otherwise be a boxy space.
11. Explore traditional ideas to decorate your new build
Traditional touches like picture rails and coving can look just as great in new build homes as in period properties. So, seek out contemporary versions of your favourite traditional details. This teenager’s bedroom boasts a chair rail that divides the walls into aesthetically pleasing portions, as well as adding texture and interest.
Key takeaways for decorating a new build home
Prioritise personal touches to make your new build property feel like home
Give each room a focal point, for instance with a feature wall or oversized wall art
Incorporate soft furnishings and textures to balance out your new build’s straight lines and harsh angles
Ready to turn your new build decorating ideas into a reality? Find a trusted handyperson near you to help.
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