Adding Character to Your New Build

A new build is a blank canvas. With no décor left behind from the previous owners, you won’t need to strip paint, de-grout tiles or replace old fences when you move in. It’s ready for you to add your own personal touch to it.

Here are some of our tips on how to decorate a new build, making it feel cosy and welcoming for you and your guests.

How to decorate a new build

The trick to decorating and adding character to a new build is good planning. If you measure and consider an aesthetic for every room before you begin buying furniture, your home is guaranteed to look well designed.

Here are our tips on how to decorate your new house.  

Choose a style

Minimalist, maximalist or something in between, there are many themes to choose from that connect functionality with style. And you don’t have to stick to a single style for the whole house – a combination could be just what you need to put your stamp on the property. 

Choose your lighting

Lighting can completely change your home’s atmosphere and is an effective way to make your new build feel cosy or light and airy. Warm lighting creates a cosy, rustic feel, while cool lighting enhances modern, open spaces. Try experimenting with layered lighting with lamps and access lights to adjust the mood for different occasions. 

Choose a colour scheme

Colour swatches are incredibly helpful when choosing your interior colours and decorating your new build. Take them home and hold them against the walls so you can see how they look in the room’s natural and artificial light. Pick a core colour and an accent tone to add depth and interest, and pair them with materials to complement your scheme, such as natural wood, soft textiles or sleek chrome finishes.  

Can you paint a new build?

Yes, you can paint a new build, but we would always advise following the steps below to ensure your painting project is a success. 

Wait 6-12 months

Houses may take up to 12 months to settle entirely, so it’s important to observe your walls and make sure there are several months of no change or new cracks before you paint. The settling materials also affect how soon you can hang pictures – avoid placing things on the walls for the first year after construction.  

Fill cracks and crinkles

Painting over shrinkage cracks won’t cover them up as you can’t fill plaster with paint. You’ll need to use a filler – a paste designed to settle into cracks and mimic the wall. Allow this to dry before you paint and you should end up with a blemish-free final product.  

Buy the best materials

Plaster holds moisture that needs to be dried out slowly. To give your home a personal touch while you wait for it to settle, you can use a microporous paint as a topcoat. This is a breathable layer that allows moisture to escape from the walls, preventing peeling or bubbling as the fresh plaster cures. 

Can you put a log burner in a new build?

Yes, you can install a log burner in a new build but be aware that if any installation damage is caused, it may void your warranty. 

While a log burner can create a cosy atmosphere, installation must be handled professionally and with care. Any structural damage can affect your warranty and will require you to cover the repair costs yourself. Review your guarantee carefully before you make major changes like this.

Things to note when decorating your new build

•    Avoid structural changes: Structural additions, such as conservatories or building trims, may put pressure on your home in unpredictable ways. This can damage the property and cause issues in other areas, such as piping and plaster. If you make these adjustments, your warranty may be voided entirely. Read your agreement thoroughly before making any changes to the footprint of your house.  

•    Keep access open: If you need to invoke the warranty, our teams will require access to the damaged or at-risk areas of your home. Avoid piling heavy furniture against the walls, or blocking the fusebox, heat pump or combi boiler. This can help you to avoid frustration if you need something fixed in the first few months.  

Ready to get decorating?

There’s no better way to make a house feel like a home than putting your own personal stamp on it. A new build home provides you with a completely blank canvas that makes it easy to do this.

Book an appointment to explore our showhomes and start planning your interior design vision today.