Skip to content
Moving into a new build is an exciting milestone. Everything is fresh, clean and untouched, but that blank canvas can lack personality and the homely feeling we all strive for. With the right interior choices, however, you can redesign a standard new build into a home that has warmth and is specifically yours.
If you're looking at how to decorate a new build home, here are the 10 steps we would recommend that you follow to introduce character through colour, texture, furniture, lighting and accessories. From choosing statement mirrors to adding layers of soft furnishings, small changes can make a big difference.
1. Start with a clear interior style
One of the easiest ways to make a new build feel more cohesive is to decide on an interior style before you start buying furniture and accessories.
New builds tend to have neutral walls and simple architectural details, which gives you plenty of freedom to discover your own aesthetic. Decide whether you prefer a minimalist look, a warm and earthy interior or classic elegance.
You don't need to rigidly follow one style, but having a general direction will make it easier to choose pieces that work together.
2. Introduce warmth through natural materials
New builds can feel quite uniform, as most rooms have the same flooring, walls and fixtures. Introducing natural materials is an easy way to add warmth and character.
Wood is useful for creating a softer, more homely feel. Look for wooden furniture, woven accessories and natural finishes that contrast with the blankness of a new build.
Our collection of washed wood mirrors features a natural grain and varied finishes that add texture. The washed wood is light, with an elegant feel, helping to create an interior with more depth.
3. Use mirrors to transform your rooms
A well-placed mirror can do much more than provide a place to check your reflection. It can become a focal point, reflect natural light and help a room feel more open. This makes mirrors useful in new builds, where you may want to give plain rooms more visual interest.
We offer mirrors in a wide range of shapes, sizes, materials and finishes, from minimalist black metal to warm and washed wood. For a statement look, an oversized full-length mirror such as a Full-Length Arched Concrete Luciana Mirror is perfect for adding a sense of personal flair.
Think about the position of your mirror, as when placed opposite or close to a window, it can reflect daylight into the room, making the room brighter. Furthermore, placed at the end of a hallway, a large mirror can even make the space feel more spacious.
4. Don't be afraid of colour
While neutral walls are a common feature of new builds, that doesn't mean your home has to remain neutral. Nothing is stopping you from introducing colour through paint, furniture, curtains, cushions or artwork.
Choose two or three complementary colours and repeat them throughout the room, creating a sense of cohesion without looking overly coordinated. For a sophisticated interior, warm browns and soft creams can work particularly well with natural wood.
5. Layer different textures
One of the biggest differences between a house that feels newly finished and one that feels genuinely lived in is texture.
Combine smooth surfaces with softer, tactile materials. Think upholstered furniture, chunky throws, cushions, rugs, curtains and textured accessories. These layers can make a room feel much more comfortable without changing the underlying structure.
The aim isn't to fill every surface; instead, introduce different textures gradually so the room feels layered rather than cluttered.
6. Make your hallway a feature
The hallway can be easily overlooked when decorating a new build. To improve your entranceway, add a large mirror to instantly give the entrance more presence while also being a practical addition for when you're getting ready to leave. An arched or irregular-shaped design can be a nice contrast if your hallway has predominantly straight lines.
Pair your mirror with a console table, lamp and a few carefully chosen accessories to create a put-together entrance.
7. Choose statement furniture
You don't have to replace every piece of furniture to make your new build feel distinctive. Instead, choose a few statement pieces that give the room personality. A sculptural coffee table or accent chair can anchor the rest of your furniture.
When choosing furniture, consider proportions as well as appearance. Large rooms can benefit from more furniture, while smaller spaces may need more carefully scaled pieces.
8. Get your lighting right
Good lighting can completely change the atmosphere of a room, particularly in the evening.
Rather than relying solely on the main ceiling light, introduce several different sources around the room. Floor lamps and table lamps allow you to create a softer atmosphere when you don't need bright overhead lighting.
Position lamps near seating areas and side tables, and use mirrors to help distribute light around the room. Our collection makes lighting another way to introduce decorative detail into your interior.
9. Add personal touches
If you're wondering how to make a new build homely, this is arguably one of the most important steps.
A home shouldn't look like a showroom. Display photographs, artwork, books, plants, and ornaments that mean something to you. These details are what reflect the people who live there. Don't feel pressured to complete every room immediately, either. Allowing your home to evolve over time can result in a much more personal interior than buying everything at once.
10. Think about the whole home
Finally, try to consider your new build as one complete space rather than as separate rooms. This doesn't mean every room needs to look identical. Instead, carry certain elements throughout the property, such as a particular wood finish, colour palette, or accent.
For example, you might use a wood mirror in the bedroom, an arched mirror in the hallway and a round design in the living room. Our extensive range makes it possible to use mirrors throughout different areas while choosing designs that suit each space.
Create a new build that feels like yours
A new build gives you the perfect blank canvas, but it doesn't have to stay that way. By introducing texture, colour, statement furniture, layered lighting and personal accessories, you can add character without undertaking major structural changes.
Focus on creating an interior that reflects your taste rather than following trends.
And when it comes to adding an instant focal point, don't underestimate the impact of a statement mirror. We offer a variety of styles to help bring personality, light and character to your new home.
