Image: Clair Strong Interior Design

There’s a lot to love about new build homes; they’re modern, often beautifully designed, high-spec and generally very energy efficient. But, and this is quite a big but, they can be quite bland.

Most construction companies will use the same suppliers for every home they build. That can mean thousands of properties sharing the same kitchen cupboards and bathroom suites. And, to help buyers envisage themselves in the property, they’re decorated very neutrally. Think cream walls and taupe carpets. It can just end up feeling like a plain box.

Fortunately there are lots of ways to add personality to even the most basic of spaces. Here’s my advice:

1. Emulate some of the charm of a period property with vintage furnishings

So your new build home doesn’t have a 100 year old fireplace or out of this world ceiling roses. But that just means it also doesn’t have rising damp or subsidence.

If you love the old-world charm of a period property, recreate it in your new home. There are several ways you can do this.

1. You can decorate with a few choice pieces of antique or vintage furniture (for tips on mixing old and new, see this post). I personally love the juxtaposition of a brightly coloured vintage sofa in a brand new home.
2. If you prefer modern furniture, opt for vintage accessories instead. You can find some really unique pieces, like hand-carved cat statues and art deco barware to display around your home.
3. Hit the salvage yard for architectural pieces. You can reclaim pretty much Think vintage floor tiles, light switch plates, door knobs, fireplaces and, yes, even ceiling roses.

2. Add lots of colour and texture

If your home feels like a white box, add some colour. Painting or papering the walls is the obvious first step. The great thing here is because it’s such a blank canvas you’ve got free reign.

Patterned wallpaper is really popular at the moment, and because it’s so out-there it instantly adds personality. I like to create a fun accent wall, and then paint the remaining walls in a complementary colour.

Of course you can also add colour and texture through furnishings; curtains, rugs, blankets, pillows, wall hangings – the list goes on. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colours too, because it can be really effective.

3. Surround yourself with things that are important to you

This can be any number of things, but art, books, photography and items collected on travels are the obvious ones. It might be that you’re really proud of your vinyl collection or can make a great display out of your craft supplies.

Whatever they are, filling it with the things that are important to you, will make any home feel like yours.