How to give a new build house character/taste

2 years ago

I’ve never lived in a new build before and need some help with how to make it look more interesting and less boxy as it’s really not my taste! I need to add a desk as well as a dining table to the kitchen. Any ideas would be welcome!

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Comments (3)

Juliet Docherty
2 years ago
Are those estate agent's pictures or yours? Are you intending to just add some bits and pieces or replace flooring etc? I think texture is the best way to add character to newbuild houses. Looking at homes in places that don't necessarily have our architectural heritage (such as Australia) can be useful to see how personality can be injected into plain spaces.
Jess Perry
Original Author
2 years ago
They’re the estate agent pictures as we haven’t moved in yet. I don’t think we could justify replacing the floors as theres nothing technically wrong with them. Because the sitting room doesn’t have a fireplace there’s no focal point which is a bit odd and as there’s no chimney we couldn’t put one in.
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PRO
SLC Interior Design
2 years ago
Hi

Texture, texture, texture, layer it up! Start with the walls, use a natural wallcovering (or look a like, there are some great one's out there), to add a simple texture to the walls - look for sea grass, hemp, linen etc to get an idea of these type of textures. Check your contract though, as many new builds have a clause around wall finishes for the first 2 years (drop me a DM if you want to know more).

Use a simple colour palette and big rugs! If big rugs are out of the price bracket pop along to one of the large carpet suppliers and have a rummage in the off-cuts/end of roll. You can find some pure wool bargains and get them to whip the edges for you, creating a 'carpet square', which will cover the flooring but still let it peak out around the edges. The look of a rug at a fraction of the price!

New builds here in the UK have such low ceilings, so I always recommend painting the skirting boards, walls (and radiators) and even the ceilings when using light colours, all the same colour to visually lengthen the walls a bit. Also, go for discreet ceiling mounted tracks, rather than poles which just cut the eye short of the ceiling, again visually lengthening the walls.

Hope this helps and feel free to get in touch if you require further design help!

Sarah

How to give a new build house character/taste

Comments (3)

Juliet Docherty

Jess Perry
Original Author

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How to give a new build house character/taste

Comments (3)

Juliet Docherty

Jess PerryOriginal Author

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Jess Perry
Original Author