How to Add Character to a New Build Home

When you move into a new build home, you have a blank canvas to work with. With fresh walls and no inherited decor from previous owners, you’re free to shape the interiors exactly how you want.

However, new houses can sometimes feel plain or uniform, especially when everything is painted in the same neutral shade. The good news is that it doesn’t take much to inject personality into your space. Here are some ideas about texture and colour to inspire you.

Add a Wallpaper Design

When looking for new build homes, you’ll find most have white canvas walls that are perfect for expressing your personality through wallpaper. It’s a simple, effective way of breaking up blank spaces with colour and visual interest.

There are endless choices, from botanical prints to subtle geometrics in a wide range of colours. If you’re not ready to commit to a whole room, consider creating a feature wall behind a bed or sofa to add depth. Think of wallpaper as a reflection of your tastes. It can be bright and playful, or elegant and sophisticated to match your furniture.

Panel the Walls

Wall panelling has made a comeback in interior design in recent years. Homeowners are rediscovering the character and texture it adds to otherwise flat walls, making them feel richer and more welcoming.

Via traditional shaker-style panels or contemporary vertical slats, you can tailor the look to match your preferred aesthetic. Beyond enhancing the visual appeal, panelling can offer practical benefits. It adds insulation and can help with soundproofing, particularly when made from wood or MDF. Installing panels in a hallway or living room creates a more luxurious finish without the need for structural changes.

Create a Gallery Wall

A gallery wall can be the ideal solution to personalising your new build without committing to bold wall colours. Curate an assortment of framed photos, artwork, and prints to make the wall feel like your own.

Family photos bring warmth and sentiment to new areas, making them feel well-lived-in quickly. Abstract or graphic prints can add a modern, stylish edge to complement the new build’s layout. Opt for uniform frames for a sleek, polished look, or mix and match sizes and finishes for a more eclectic feel. A gallery wall works particularly well in stairwells and bedrooms to add meaning to plain expanses of wall.

Utilise Multi-use Storage

Storage is essential in any home, but it can effortlessly become a design feature in a new build where you want to maximise space. Multi-use or bespoke storage can keep clutter at bay while adding structure to a room.

For example, fitted shelving around a fireplace or a window seat with built-in storage can become a focal point while serving a useful purpose. To further enhance this area, products from Brick Anew can help modernise an outdated fireplace to match your new custom shelving. A quick DIY fireplace makeover ensures the entire feature wall looks cohesive and stylish. Similarly, Ottoman beds or coffee tables with hidden compartments combine style with function to make a living room feel more spacious.

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