There’s nothing to compare to the excitement of moving into a new build home, from the anticipation of creating the home of your dreams to watching the walls take shape week by week.
But while you may have had some input into the build, when you finally hold the keys in your hand you’ll be faced with a blank canvas and this can be a bit daunting. Where do you start when it comes to putting your own stamp on your new home?
Reflect your history
Your house may be brand new but there’s no reason why you can’t create a modern twist on your favourite home style of the past, from vintage 1970s chic to upcycled cottagecore or Victorian glamour. Combine new with old and give centre stage to a family heirloom or an attractive piece of second hand furniture.
Catherine’s hallway featuring Clifton from our Heritage Collection
Catherine had always loved the elegance of Edwardian tiled hallways so she used Clifton from our Heritage Collection to bring this classic pattern to her home and made it her own with an antique console table and vintage chair.
Get creative with colour
Don’t feel restricted when it comes to colour. There’s no reason why you can’t ditch the boring white on ceilings and woodwork. This season’s colours are inspired by the soft earthy tones of nature and blend together perfectly so you can get creative on walls, doors and window recesses for a unique look that reflects your personality.
Laura’s sitting room featuring Savannah Oak in a small plank herringbone from our Art Select range.
Michael’s sitting room featuring Morning Oak Paraquet from our Art Select range.
Like Laura, you could paint one wall in a soft natural plaster pink as a canvas for a gallery of your favourite artwork or, as Michael has, create a sense of drama and a cosy atmosphere with deep blue hues alongside luxurious fabrics. Alternatively, use contrasting colours to create two tone walls, colour blocking or a statement arch effect. Or be bold and brave with a feature wall in one of the stunning wallpapers available right now, from traditional florals and tropical prints to landscape murals.
Michael’s sitting room featuring Morning Oak Paraquet from our Art Select range.
Add character with flooring
To add interest and personality, look to introduce texture and pattern with flooring and fabrics. Whatever your chosen colour scheme, our range of wood and stone designs will offer you the perfect floor. For example, to accompany a fresh industrial style, try a floor with a complementary grey hue such as our Grey Limed Oak or balance an off-white natural palette with the honey hues of Warm Brushed Oak in either a straight lay or herringbone pattern.
If hot intense colours are your thing, why not cool things down with a contemporary stone design such as slate, concrete or marble. With our smaller tiles you can even opt for a herringbone pattern to add an interesting sense of movement. Or take a look at our range of geometric tiles, from the historic patterns of our Heritage Collection to the modern 3D impact of our Kaleidoscope range.
Pull it all together
A moodboard is a great way to bring together all the different elements of your design before you commit to any purchases. Collect together samples or photos of your favourite pieces, from paint and flooring to fabric swatches, lighting, soft furnishing and accessories.
With our Floorstyle app you can upload a photo of your room and experiment with flooring designs to shortlist your favourites. Then, simply order free samples and add these to your moodboard.
Once your moodboard is complete, it’s a good idea to assess your scheme in different areas of your room at different times of the day as changing light qualities can have an effect on how colours look together.
