INVESTA: Seven ways to add personality to your new build home

1. Texture

A new build property can often feel flat so layering textures is key. For example; pairing a velvet sofa with a rug and throw offers depth and variety for your senses to focus on.

Similarly, wallpaper, colourful artwork, or even a shelf of books are also good ways of adding interest and individuality. Taking a simple shelving unit and adding your favourite photos, ornaments, plants or books can make a world of difference and can make a lovely focal point.

Houseplants are also a great way to add character, depth, and texture to a room. Large potted plants that sit on the floor are great for awkward corners and smaller hanging plants are work well against a blank wall.

2. Pattern

Patterns can be embraced anywhere in the home depending on your individual style, whether it’s stripes, floral or geometric shapes. For a maximalist look, you can embrace the bold through upholstery, wall coverings, accessories and, for a more minimalist look, try a neutral backdrop with pattern and colour feeding through scatter cushions and throws.

3. Create a focal point

In a new build, you often lose the features an older property boasts; such as fireplaces or decorative windows. You can, of course, add these features yourself at some point but a cheaper and quicker way to create focal points is through paintwork, styling, and accessories.

When it comes to paint and colour the options are endless. Have a go playing with colour through abstract shapes, painted ceilings and block colour. Gallery walls and oversized artwork are also great talking points.

4. Lighting

New builds often have bright spotlights or one central ceiling pendant. Use different options to make the best of the light from different parts of the day. For example, floor or table lamps are perfect for creating soft lighting in the evenings and task lighting is great for desks and workspaces.

If you’re unable to add too much colour to the walls due to living in a rental property there is a great range of statement lighting which can add colour, shape, and warmth to any room too.

5. Greenery

Whether you choose to use real or faux, greenery is a great way of breaking up space and bringing the outside in. Try a fig tree in a woven basket or a vase of dried grasses or foliage.

6. Mix and match

If you have vintage pieces of furniture or items passed down through the family, embrace their imperfections and mix old and new to provide a stylish, lived-in look. Alternatively head to a market, second-hand furniture shop, or an online marketplace to pick up more unique pieces.

7. Add your own stamp

Your new home should tell a story about you and reflect your tastes. Display treasured souvenirs from your travels or favourite moments, hang movie posters, or display your record and/or book collections. Avoid being too trend-led because after all, there’s no better personality to add than your own!