The Benefits Of A Brand New Home’s Blank Canvas

One of the biggest draws for new build buyers is the immaculate, unlived in interior, with perfect plastering and a neutral décor to which to add your own mark. 

The problem, however, can be an absence of period features and a lack of design vision when presented with such a blank canvas. But fear not, we have some interior design ideas that should help you turn your new build house into a personalised home. 

Think ahead

If you’re yet to complete on your new build purchase, now is the time to start thinking about themes and colours. If early enough in the construction phase, there still may be time to negotiate on the style of fixtures and fittings, types of floorings and colour of wall tiles, for example. Don’t forget to visit the show home too - there will be bags of inspiration and design ideas to steal.

Start with the layout

Find your own personal feng shui by planning the layout of each room – for both enjoyment and practical living. As well as tackling this with a pen, paper and tape measure, you could use one of the many apps available that allow you to draw floorplans, place furniture and even apply colour to the walls - House Beautiful has some great recommendations for the more digitally minded. 

You can then have fun searching for and buying your big-ticket furniture items that will become focal points of each room. Add smaller pieces of furniture sparingly, starting with only what you absolutely love or need. Online platforms including Pinterest and Instagram are great places to browse for furniture stockists, from big chains to small independents.

Pick a piece, or two

If samples, swatches and colour palettes are just too overwhelming, forget them completely and instead look around for signature pieces of furniture or soft furnishings that will create a theme for you. Wall art, rugs, cushions, throws, vases, mirrors and even plants can provide an inspirational start point and steer you in the direction of colours, patterns and textures you’re naturally drawn to.

Consider character

While clean lines and modern fittings are a given in a new build, you can easily add character and create a more traditional environment with some special touches. Perhaps a Victorian-style fireplace will become the centrepiece of your living room or bleached wood panelling in the hallway will bring that beach feel you really want to recreate.

Don’t start too early 

Properties need time to settle, just like people do. There could be tiny imperfections, such as hairline cracks, that emerge in the first few weeks as the plaster dries, so don’t apply the Dulux too soon.

Delaying decorating will also give you time to live in the property, get a feel for the space and see how the light falls, which will hopefully give you a clearer idea of what would work well in the property from a design perspective. 

If you have your heart set on a brand new home that’s ready for its first owner, contact White & Brooks today or visit our ‘new homes for sale’ section online.