New Homes Week: How To Add Character To Your New Build
A lot of us may be looking to move house or start decorating as we settle into 2025. A large proportion of those doing so will be unlocking the doors to a new build property. This year, New Homes Week has the theme of ‘community’, illustrating the feeling of togetherness and unity that such homes can bring to a neighbourhood. Yet new builds can often receive mixed feelings for their overly contemporary feel and lack of authenticity. Yet, isn’t this something that our decor can fix? Here Kate Conrad, an interiors expert and the owner of Madison & Mayfair, shares how you can add character to your new build.
Make the most of wallpaper
“The beauty of new builds means that they are a totally blank canvas for you to play with, so you can easily add your own stamp on the place.
“This means, though, that it is often going to remain feeling like a blank canvas if you do not make some changes. New builds are often craving texture due to their beige carpets and white walls, so I would recommend adding character through wallpaper.
“Whether you cover every wall or prefer to have a feature wall, it will provide an instant boost to the decor.
“Don’t be afraid to be bold – make the most of using a large surface area to be the main focal point of your decor and it will instantly give your new build a traditional feel.”
Avoid matching furniture set
“With a new build, the temptation to find furniture that’s contemporary and sleek is high, but this often prevents any unique touches reaching your decor.
“By mixing and matching your furniture, you will much more easily create a home that is full of personality.
“Shop on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and at vintage fairs for the best finds. In fact, I usually find that vintage furniture is the perfect way to create a home that is bursting with life and style, adding a more traditional feel to even the most contemporary of homes.”
Cleverly choose your curtains and blinds
“Your new build will feel noticeably bare when you initially move in, particularly at your windows. Without curtains and blinds it can feel empty and bland.
“I think this is the easiest way to add some life to your property. With beige and plain curtains, you may risk your home feeling a little lacklustre, so why not opt for something more colourful here.
“With a confident big pattern you can lift the eyes upwards to help the space feel bigger, and colour can give the room a richer feel, especially next to a source of natural light.
“And, for a more rustic feel in your new build, fit wooden blinds to add an authentic touch.”
Utilise shelves and bookcases
“A house will only feel like a home once your personal belongings are added, particularly photographs and sentimental ornaments.
“The best way to display these is often on standing shelves, wall shelves and in bookcases, adding personality to a room.
“With trinkets and decorative items, your home will feel less structured and uninspiring. You can also stand plants on shelves and add greenery to your home, which is one of the best ways to make a new build feel lived in and homely.”
Use colour everywhere
“Despite minimalism being a popular trend in recent years, in a new build it can sometimes lose its stylish effect.
“Where the base of a new build will be minimal, it can be more beneficial to add colour to your decor instead.
“I always find a sophisticated look is having a coloured sofa, perhaps in emerald green or soft blues, and a colourful textured rug, and this instantly gives your home a more tasteful touch with a burst of interior edge.
“Even colourful ornaments and accessories can be enough to enrich your new build. Particularly as we approach Spring, expect to see lots of warm and uplifting colours enter home decor stores to brighten our interiors.”
Image Source: Unsplash
