New builds offer a blank canvas — clean lines, fresh paint, and modern amenities. But they can sometimes feel a little too pristine, lacking the warmth and character found in older homes. Fortunately, it doesn’t take a full renovation to bring personality into your space. With a few thoughtful touches, you can transform your new build into a home brimming with charm and soul. Here's 3 ways how:
1. Bracket Shelves
One of the easiest ways to introduce both functionality and character is with bracket shelves. These classic open shelves, often supported by decorative metal or wooden brackets, offer a versatile way to showcase your style.
Install them in kitchens to display ceramic crockery and spice jars, or in bathrooms for rolled towels and vintage toiletries. Opt for brackets in wrought iron or aged brass to bring a sense of heritage. Wooden shelves with a natural or distressed finish will complement the bracket’s charm and soften the sharpness of modern construction.
Bracket shelves not only create extra storage but also serve as a stage for curated vignettes that reflect your personality — whether that's farmhouse chic, industrial edge, or eclectic boho.
2. Soft Furnishings
In a home with new walls and unblemished floors, soft furnishings are your best ally for adding warmth and texture. The key is layering.
Start with a mix of throws in chunky knits, velvet, or linen draped over sofas and beds. Add plush rugs — especially in natural materials like wool or jute — to soften hard floors and define cozy zones within open-plan spaces. Curtains in rich, tactile fabrics like cotton slub or linen bring softness to stark windows and help with acoustics too.
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures. Layering florals with stripes, or velvet with leather, builds visual interest and creates a lived-in look that new builds often lack.
3. Solid Wood Furniture
If there’s one investment that will instantly add character to a new build, it’s solid wood furniture. Unlike flat-pack alternatives, solid wood pieces carry an authenticity and craftsmanship that elevates a space.
Choose pieces with visible grain and natural imperfections — think oak dining tables, reclaimed wood sideboards, or chunky walnut coffee tables. These elements introduce warmth and tactility and they age beautifully.
Solid wood furniture also anchors a room visually. In the clean slate of a new build, it provides much-needed grounding — it’s a little bit of history in a brand-new space.
