Ad
If you’ve ever moved into a new-build property then perhaps you can relate to feeling utterly overwhelmed by the task of making it feel like home. While on paper it can seem lovely to have a totally blank canvas space to put your stamp on, in reality it can feel really overwhelming and initially you might be unsure of how or where to start.
Having lived in two new-build’s over the past five years, I’ve gone through the process twice – and while I’ve definitely enjoyed bringing life, colour and character to the spaces over time, I thought I’d put together a quick guide to how you can make your house feel more homely by switching up (or adding in) a few simple finishes.
Blinds & Curtains
One of the main reasons a new-build can feel so empty compared to an older property is because the window dressings are completely non-existent! It’s easy to overlook how much of a difference blinds and curtains make, so ordering some made to measure blinds from DotcomBlinds could be your first port of call when you move in. Being able to draw your curtains or pull down your blind at night, giving you privacy in the process, made such a difference for us in giving our property a homely and cosy feel.
Lighting
Adding your own light fixtures to your new-build can have such a huge impact on the overall look and feel of a room. Whether you decide on a statement pendant light, a modern flush ceiling light or a couple of lamps – don’t overlook how important lighting can be in creating a homely ambience and a cosy feeling!
Rugs
Forget larger items such as sofas, tables and mirrors, in my opinion rugs are one of the best ways to ‘pull together’ a room and make it feel more homely. And don’t scrimp on the size, with rugs it’s ideal if they can sit underneath sofas/furniture etc as this extends the space. A rug that is too small can close off, shorten or make an area feel off balance.
Handles
It might sound a bit silly, but new build kitchens can really lack any kind of focal point or dimension. It’s not their fault – they are designed to be simple, clean and minimalist. But often what once looked beautiful in the show home can seem stark in reality. Other than adding in some warm wood elements (think chopping boards propped up against your up stands) and your choice of toasters, kettles and microwaves, one really simple switch is to change up your kitchen handles. We recently swapped our standard chrome handles to ones with a more refined brushed brass design and we can’t believe how much of a difference it has made. I talk more about our kitchen tweaks (and upgrades) in this post.
However you choose to make your new-build more homely, enjoy it! The process is all part of the fun!
