How to add character to a new build: 10 ways to enrich your home’s personality without breaking the bank

When faced with the harsh reality of the UK housing market, not everyone can live out their dreams in a grand Georgian house or converted school building. But for those who are lucky enough to own a new build – don’t let this burst your bubble – for while their white walls and flat surfaces can impede your vision and leave you feeling stumped creatively, it’s not the end of the world. Quite the opposite. With our interior design expertise, we’re going to show you how to add character to a new build regardless of budget, and that it’s not so hard to do so.

We’ll also let you in on a little secret: although many prospective homeowners feel that new builds are devoid of any personality, thanks to their “empty” architecture, this leaves you with so much room to play with design, styles and perspectives. Think of it as a blank page, and an exciting opportunity to make your mark.

With that said, here’s an actionable nuts-and-bolts guide to bringing visual intrigue and dimension into your modern interiors. Let’s solve your new build conundrums, from boxy flats to cookie-cutter homes with no unique features.

How to prep for your new build transformation

Before zooming in on specific examples of ways you can add character to a new build property, it’s worth zooming out on the bigger picture. After all, a designer’s mindset can limit or expand the options available to them and their home, starting with ambition.

So, here are a few important elements to chew on while you prepare for your house/flat transformation.

The curse of the blank canvas

The first hurdle you’re going to have to overcome in the journey of adding character to your new build is the initial decision paralysis. When faced with a boxy, featureless home – not to mention those with large, empty walls – it can be difficult to exert the imagination and create a sense of unique style.

It doesn’t help that in the internet age, you can hop onto social media and see practically millions of different images of contrasting styles that each have been executed gorgeously. It can drive you nuts! Which leads us to an important question: How do you get over your commitment issues and build up a space infused with your unique taste?

Well, the answer might lie in a savvy combination of window shopping, research and maintaining personal restrictions. The first two are straightforward; think about rooms that you have walked into and felt instantly at home and then try to isolate the elements that evoke this comfort, look for them online and curate a mood board with your favourite furniture pieces, colour palettes and accessories. But what about the restrictions?

Sometimes it can actually help to impose limitations on your search – after all, it beats the panic that comes with reimagining an entire home from scratch. These limits might be:

• Existing fixtures like fitted kitchen cabinets
• Logistics and dimensions
• Pet friendliness
• Amount of natural lighting
• Budget

Take the pressure off by sticking to these considerations as your priority over specific style elements, and you might just notice things falling into space. With limits set, you’re forced to be creative!

Declutter to let the space breathe

It’s time to break it to you – one of the main things that might be tripping you up, both physically and creatively, might be the mess. Sorry, not sorry!

One of the biggest inhibitors of the imagination is clutter. With distracting items, furniture pieces you plan to upcycle or giveaway and random bits and bobs in the way, it can be more difficult to reimagine the space. So definitely give it a good tidy before starting a deep brainstorming session.

Work out which interior styles speak to you

As we’ve established already a new build’s lack of the defining details customary to period homes doesn’t have to curtail your creativity, or indeed, the fun of putting an interior look together… which is where exploring your favourite aesthetics comes into play.

You may have noticed that in recent years styles such as mid-century modern and industrial chic have made their way into the forefront of the home décor scene, while more niche trends like dark academia remain in more intimate spaces like the bedroom rather than the full house.

Whichever takes your fancy, know that the small or awkward layout of your home – be it a living room or kitchen – won’t have a bearing on your choice. Thanks to the blank canvas of your modern home, you have a perfect foundation to build up an interesting and personality-filled scheme either room by room or across your entire property.

Don’t forget to budget accordingly

With every interior design project comes a budget – the pair are practically joined at the hip! The first step in any redesign is to establish a clear budget. Just as it's easy to overspend when thrifting, embarking on a redesign without a budget can lead to unnecessary expenses. It's a good idea to set a strict budget, and even better to allocate specific amounts for each room to make it easier to stay on track.

And, if you’re feeling indecisive about it, remember that you can limit the boldest design choices to smaller spaces; we’re thinking about your bathroom décor or even ideas for the conservatory if you have one.

10 foolproof ways to add character to a new build

Now we’ve gone through the fundamentals and you’re ready to start your home transformation, let’s venture into how to add character to a new build with these 10 tried and tested methods.

1) Make a powerful first impression

Decorating your home isn’t strictly about the interior; the entrance is equally important as it sets the tone for visitors. Try switching out the door for something more bespoke or go down the DIY route by repainting it – it’s shocking what an impact a simple colour change can make! Complement the door with exterior trim, vintage door handles and seasonal blooms in pots, then add a tasteful house sign in Lakeland Slate to finish the look.

2) Pick furniture that speaks volumes

Selecting the right furniture to add character to your new build isn’t as simple as plonking a collection of antiques into the rooms. Nope, you have to be more careful than that.

Buying antique furniture doesn’t guarantee a characterful home. However, that doesn’t mean you should steer clear of homeware with a history altogether, as some styles can blend well with modern buildings and add a perfect touch of imperfection.

Iconic mid-century pieces are always a safe choice for busy rooms like the living room. As are quirky seating arrangements like our leather and Harris Tweed Chesterfield from our premium sofa range. But practically any interior style will work if you’re careful in the planning.

When purchasing new items, you can balance them with a few vintage or antique pieces, but be conscious of their style and size. Ornate pieces might not fit well in smaller rooms and lower ceilings of newer homes due to their physical size or too-traditional finish, like glossy mahogany. It's better to look for vintage-adjacent pieces that appear visually lighter and slimmer like our classy ladder bookcase, or pieces with visible legs that give the illusion of space thanks to the gap underneath.

3) Pay homage to period features

People say fake it til you make it, and this works to an extent when adding character to your new build. While detailing like fireplaces, alcoves, shutters, moulding and panelling can all certainly be added to modern homes, it’s important to check whether they’re in fitting with the room. For instance, if you have an especially angular room opting for a brick, stone or plaster fireplace might be more in keeping with the architecture than an ornate mantel you find online.

If budget is a concern, it’s a much better idea to evoke the feeling of such features rather than replicate them entirely. This means complementing UPVC windows with nostalgia-inducing classical curtains or installing budget crown moulding and baseboards to create that Victorian vintage feel. You could even buy a dresser or sideboard that mimics the shape of a fireplace and then style it like one with candles, ornaments and books.

4) Create focal points in well-frequented rooms

A room without a focal point can feel aimless and lack cohesion. Establishing one is a surefire way to anchor the space and give it a needed sense of purpose. This could be a statement piece of art, an eye-catching rug, or an unusual piece of furniture. If your new build lacks architectural features like a fireplace, create your own focal point. Hang a large, framed piece of art above the sofa or use a striking light fixture to draw the eye upward. Layering different elements, such as a gallery wall with various sizes of artwork, can also create an engaging visual centrepiece, especially when combined with a well-placed mirror.

5) Add texture to all surfaces

While period homes often benefit from unembellished, pared-back detailing and colour schemes, implementing this in new builds can sometimes draw attention to their lack of distinctive architecture, and with that, depth.

Texture brings warmth and dimension to any space, counteracting the sometimes sterile feel of new builds. Consider a luxuriant rug in the living room, woven baskets for storage, or textured wallpaper for an accent wall. Mixing fabrics like Harris Tweed, leather, velvet, and wool in your furnishings and decor will also contribute to a rich, tactile experience. Even small additions like a chunky knit throw, carefully chosen cushions or a set of plush curtains can make a big difference.

6) Don’t neglect corridors, stairs and landings

Get ahead of the crowd and use corridors, stairs and landings to create a cohesive flow between rooms. These transitional spaces are often overlooked but can significantly enhance the character of your home.

Consider adding a runner to your stairs or hallway, or painting skirting and walls eye-catching, complementary colours to create visual interest. Artwork, mirrors, or a collection of framed photographs can also bring personality to these spaces. Lighting is crucial here; wall sconces or pendant lights can provide the best of both functionality and style.

7) Play with colour

Colour is one of the most powerful tools in your design arsenal. It can set the mood, highlight architectural features, and tie together disparate elements. When choosing colours for your new build, think about the atmosphere you want to create. See how different the sage green wall made this bedroom feel?

Soft, neutral tones can create a serene and timeless look and look delightful with oak pieces, while bold, saturated hues can add energy and drama – these latter being particularly effective in small spaces. Don’t be afraid to use colour to highlight certain areas or features; a painted ceiling or a brightly coloured piece of furniture can become a delightful focal point.

8) Add a new dimension with optical tricks

Optical illusions can enhance the perception of space in your home. Glass doors, for example, can create a sense of openness and light, making small rooms feel larger. For a cosy, intimate atmosphere, you could also try painting the ceiling a darker colour than the walls. This will make the ceiling feel lower and the room more enveloping. Finally, mirrors are another fantastic tool; strategically placing them can reflect light and create the illusion of more space.

9) Think outside the box

Innovative design often comes from thinking beyond traditional uses and applications. For example, wallpapering the ceiling can be an unexpected twist that adds a unique character to a bedroom. You get a focal piece to look up at whilst whitewashed walls keep it light and airy, and best of all, it’s utterly unique. Upcycling and repurposing items can also add a personal touch and a sense of history to your home, allowing you to look for creative ways to use everyday objects in new and surprising ways. Credit to Caroline Winkler and her small bedroom makeover tutorial over on YouTube for this wonderfully innovative idea!

10) Accessorise wisely

From coffee table décor to embellishing your TV stand, there isn’t a surface that you can’t decorate to add a bit of oomph to your home. And due to the simple lines and flat surfaces of many a new build, there’s a lot of value to derive from it.

While there’s certainly a charm to symmetry, grouping accessories, fixtures, and furniture pieces into vignettes of 3, 5, 7, or 9 creates visual appeal. Odd numbers are often preferred by interior designers because they are more attractive, memorable, and visually stimulating than even-numbered groupings.

So, if your decorations don't look quite right, try removing one to make an odd number or rearranging them into two odd-numbered groups. You'll be surprised at the difference it can make to the visual experience!

Good luck!

It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to add character to a new build, just a bit of effort and tons of creativity. From the addition of upcycled furniture to bespoke pieces built to exacting standards and paired with classic panelling, you can lend a surprising level of artistry to the most boring of newly built properties. This way you can curate a home that lives and breathes your sense of style, without feeling inauthentic, stale or dull.

Be resourceful, stay inventive and don’t be afraid to go bold – your new build is a blank slate ready to be filled.