10 Ways to Add Character to a New Build Property
You may have noticed a shift in interior trends lately, moving away from plain and simplistic design, to schemes packed with beautiful florals, lots of frills and plenty of panelling (hands up who added panelled walls to their homes over lockdown!?). With the trend for ‘cottagecore’ and more traditional interiors ever-growing comes the desire to add personality and character to homes that don’t naturally hold these qualities. We’ve therefore compiled a useful guide to help you add character to your new build or more modern abode. Follow our simple guide and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to add instant personality to your home.
1. Make an Entrance
Just because your house comes with a front door, it doesn’t mean you can’t change it! It’s the first thing that you see when you arrive home and should be welcoming, not only for you, but for your friends, family and neighbours too.
“It’s so important not to overlook your front door, after all it is the first thing anyone will see when visiting and can make a real impact to your build right from the start. ”
A wooden font door is the perfect way to add character to a more modern property, simply paint your door, following Thames Valley Window Company’s advice below, in a colour of your choice to add an instant touch of character.
“When painting a wooden door, it’s important to start with an exterior primer. When it’s time to apply colour, we suggest using a durable and microporous paint, as this will allow the timber to breathe and won’t fade or peel over time. Front doors are exposed to the elements, so you need to choose a paint that can handle exposure to water, wind and snow. A front door is also a highly trafficked area, so you want to opt for a paint that’s durable and won’t chip or mark easily – we recommend using a semi-gloss finish which is a little more forgiving than a standard gloss paint.”
Red Brick Exteriors
Opt for contrasting tones of deep navy, which pairs so elegantly with gold hardware, or choose a more muted creamy tone, with a warm base to complement the red exterior.
Brown Brick Exteriors
Browns carry a natural earthy tone; a dark and rich green is the perfect pairing with this brick type.
Cream and White Exteriors
Pink, blue and green pair well with shades of off white, why not be bold and create a show-stopping entrance with a pop of colour.
Complete your door with brass or gold handles, knockers and letterboxes for a traditional look
2. Ironmongery & Hardware Changes
When buying a newly built property, you’ll discover your door handles will likely be quite modern, and usually quite inexpensive. Changing to a more traditional oval style in a brass or gold finish, will add a touch of vintage charm to your interior. Not something to overlook!
3. Step On It
For country cottage vibes, a sisal carpet is the perfect choice thanks to its durability and its long-standing use in rural homes. It is however worth noting that it’s not very easy to clean stains, so perhaps isn’t the best choice for dining rooms, or for households with little ones. For a more elegant feel, perfect for those wanting to create a Victorian look, lay a parquet floor in your dining and living spaces. A practical and stylish choice, a parquet floor is guaranteed to transform any plain room into a space that oozes individuality and charm.
“The complexity of installation meant parquet flooring was traditionally a sign of wealth, but modern milling methods now make it a truly beautiful option for all.”
4. Add Pretty Panels
Dating back to the 13th century, panelling was first developed to provide insulation, covering up damp that seeped into homes from cold stone walls. Later it became more decorative, and in some cases turned into a fine art with ornate detailing. Available to purchase from DIY retailers, homeowners can now acquire easy-to-fit shaker panel kits and wall panel slabs, for an effective and easy way to add character to your home.
5. Paper Your Walls
It’s funny how trends circulate. Who remembers walking around their grandparents’ house when they were younger thinking this is SO dated!? Well, thanks to the recent trend for ‘cottagecore’ and more traditional interiors that provide us with much needed comfort, there’s now a huge array of floral wallpapers to choose from.
Pair with panelled walls to help to break up busy patterns and add a touch of floral delight to your new home for an easy way to add individuality and flair to your interior.
6. Heritage Paint Ideas
Using colours from defining periods in British history, rich heritage paints are ideal for adding character to interiors.
@maison_flaneur
7. Choose Ornate Lights
Add personality to your home and ditch your standard light fittings, opting for more traditional choices.
8. Bespoke Furniture
A room can often appear soulless or boxy in new build properties, so add bespoke fitted units that fit snugly with the alcoves in your home to break up this uniform feel and emit a more traditional finish. Style with a few decorative accessories for an eclectic and on-trend look.
9. Light a Flame
The ideal cosy touch that exudes traditional charm, adding a wood burning stove to your interior is guaranteed to add atmosphere to your home. Nothing beats cosying up in front of the fire! Now to find a good book, suggestions welcome!
10. Window Shopping
The final touch and one of the most important! Windows really dress a room and get set the tone of your scheme. A plain blind won’t add any character to your home, so opt for shutters or long floral curtains, to complete your characterful abode.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading how to transform your new build property into a space that oozes charm, character and individuality! Let us know how you get on by tagging @livforinteriors on Instagram.