How to add character to a new-build (without it looking naff)
A home with bags of character is the dream for many, and period properties, with their wealth of charm and original features, often top the lust-list.
A recent survey, by discountflooringdepot.co.uk, found an incredible 82% of Brits would rather invest in a period home than a brand new one, given the choice.
The issue with new-builds, it seems, is character, or a lack-of, with over half citing a desire for original features as the reason for the new-home non tolerance.
But are we writing off just-builds just a little too soon?
There’s no doubt homes that have recently been constructed come with a whole host of benefits – modern conveniences and energy efficiency to name a few.
So, if we could just inject some of that coveted charm, we might well fall back in love with box-fresh homes.
“New build properties may offer modern convenience, but they often lack the soul and character that comes with the charm of older homes,” explains Sarah Bratt, interior designer at My Bespoke Room, which specialises in personalising new-builds.
Sarah says injecting character into a new build is often a delicate balancing act. “You want to add period charm and personality whilst still needing it to feel authentic to the space,” she explains.
But there are some ways to create character in a newer home that is more bland than beautiful.
From statement splashbacks to door drenching and playing with patina here’s our expert-backed tips for giving a perfectly nice property a bit of personality.
Think twice about panelling
While often seen as a quick fix for “character,” Sarah warns put-on panelling can look jarring in a modern new build.
“Instead, opt for contemporary alternatives like shaker style or even slatted wood and acoustic panels, which not only add visual interest but also help with sound absorption,” she suggests.
Consider window dressings
Rather than sticking with standard blinds, Sarah suggests opting for floor-to-ceiling curtains, patterned Roman blinds, or shutters.
“They instantly make a room feel more finished and add softness and character,” she explains.
Rethink upper kitchen cabinets
Swapping out some cabinets for open or floating shelves creates space to show off your personality.
“Think beautiful glassware, statement mugs, trailing plants, or even your favourite cookbooks,” Sarah suggests.
Introduce a statement splashback
Sarah advises considering adding in a statement splashback to the kitchen. “Timeless options like subway tiles or fluted finishes work really well in modern homes,” she says.
“You can go bold with colour or keep it neutral and let the texture do the talking.”
While we’re talking statements, you could consider being brave with one wall too. “Statement walls are always a great option for adding character and personality,”
Sarah continues. “And when it comes to new builds, the bolder the better! Think stunning wall murals and wallpaper, or a rich, moody colour.”
Creating a brick or stone feature wall is another great way to add a little charm to a new build.
“They instantly add texture, warmth and a sense of history,” Sarah adds. “A great option for this is using brick slips for that authentic look of an exposed wall.”
Pimp your pipework
While this may seem a somewhat controversial idea, if you’re into a more modern look, Sarah suggests exposing some pipework in kitchens or bathrooms.
“It can bring in a cool, urban edge that contrasts really nicely with clean modern lines,” she adds.
Add finesse with furniture
Adding character isn’t always about the architectural features, you can create the same sense of history and classic charm by introducing older or vintage décor.
“Blending modern furniture with vintage or antique finds helps tell a story,” Sarah suggests. “A vintage armchair, old dresser, or even a second hand mirror can give your space a more layered, collected feel.”
And the mixing of pieces doesn’t stop with old and new.
“Combining styles like mid-century modern furniture with bohemian textiles or Scandinavian minimalism with industrial accents, really helps to personalise your new build and make it feel more you.”
Don’t forget about finishing touches
Finishing touches will help make your new build home feel more personalised and full of character. “Hanging artwork, for example, whether it’s local art, photography, or prints you love,” explains Sarah.
“It makes the space feel more personal and less like a show home.”
Lighting is also another quick change that has a big impact. “Use a mix of lighting – floor lamps, table lamps, wall lights—to make the space feel warm and inviting,” she continues.
“And don’t be afraid to choose lighting with a bit of personality such as vintage chandeliers, industrial pendant lights, or artistic lamps.”
Finally, add a little life with plants. “Big or small, plants instantly lift a space,” Sarah says.
“They bring in colour, movement, and even a bit of structure.”
Switch up standard features
Another way to add character is to swap out standard features such as radiators, door handles and light switches for more stylish ones.
“Enhancing these details can make up for a lack of architectural features such as cornices and ceiling roses,” explains Ryan McDonough at MyJobQuote.co.uk.
Drench your doors
An overlooked feature which can completely transform your new build are the internal doors. “It’s safe to say standard new build doors can be a bit uninspiring,” explains Sarah.
“Try painting them the same colour as your walls for a colour drenched effect or swapping them out for something more interesting, like French doors or ones with glass panels to let the light through.”
Sort your storage
It’s a well-known fact that new build homes can be lacking in storage, but this offers a great opportunity to infuse more character.
“Built-in shelves or bespoke cabinetry can mimic the character you often find in period properties whilst solving your storage problems,” Sarah says.
Create charm outside
Don’t forget your outside space.
“Adding a bench, some potted plants, or even a winding stone path can help your exterior feel more inviting and make a great first impression,” Sarah suggests.
Play with patina
The key to adding character to a new-build, according to Ayisha Onuorah, interior designer and founder of Ayisha Onuorah Design, is to layer in materials that age beautifully – think warm woods, natural stone, cement tiles, and anything that wears in rather than wears out.
“Add pieces with patina, unexpected colour pairings, even clashing patterns that feel collected rather than curated,” Ayisha continues.
“These are the kinds of details that create soul over time, so the space starts to tell its own story – one that actually feels lived in, not staged.”
“I always tell clients: ‘bring in the patina’,” she continues.
“You don’t need a Victorian fireplace to create soul; you can incorporate unlacquered brass, weathered woods, vintage textiles, even a well-loved leather chair.
“It’s about contrast; that softness and imperfection adds instant depth to all those crisp, clean lines.”
Layer with intention, not imitation
Skip the faux beams and mass-produced ‘period’ details that try hard to mimic history.
Instead, Ayisha recommends bringing in pieces that feel collected over time such as a sculptural light fixture that makes a statement, art that clashes slightly with the sofa in the best way, or curtains hung dramatically high to mess with the scale a little.
“It’s about creating a space that suggests a story rather than forcing one,” she says.
“So, the goal isn’t to fake age – it’s to build personality, piece by piece, in a way that feels natural and effortless.”
Play with proportion
Character often comes from playing with proportion such as bringing in pieces that feel deliberately oversized or unexpectedly bold for the space.
“Think a huge pendant light in a modest hallway, an exaggerated stone sink in a pared-back bathroom, or an oversized artwork leaning casually against a wall,” Ayisha explains.
“It creates visual tension, which makes the space feel curated rather than cookie-cutter.
“That slight sense of ‘off-ness’ – when done with intention – brings charm, confidence, and a bit of drama.”
Inject some colour
When you first get the keys to your new build home, you’ll usually find the décor is quite neutral with lots of whites and greys.
So, adding colour is one straightforward way to inject character.
Ryan suggests using yellows, oranges and earthy tones to add warmth and make a space feel more homely.
Decorate new plaster with pattern and paint
Freshly plastered walls can feel a little flat compared to walls in older properties that have exposed stone, traditional panelling or picture rails.
But there are plenty of ways to add features to your walls without mocking period character.
“Colour-blocking techniques and modern slatted panels can be used to break up plain walls, adding texture and personality,” Ryan suggests.
“Wallpaper can also be used to add colour, pattern and texture.
“You could go with bold patterning to add individuality and make the space feel less bland or choose a woven or embossed wallpaper to create a more tactile, organic finish to walls.”
Find a focal point
It’s unlikely you’ll have a fireplace in a new build, so you need to think about creating an alternative focal point. “This could be a sculptural light fitting or bespoke furniture,” suggests Ryan.
“Built-in media and storage units can not only add interest but are incredibly practical for modern living spaces.”
Focus on craftmanship
2025 trends celebrate craftsmanship, with handmade items becoming a focal point of interior spaces. “Handmade items are becoming a focal point for interiors this year,” explains Molly Woodward-Moor, interior designer and creative director at Stone Superstore.
“They emphasise deliberately imperfect details, hand-painted patterns, and glazed finishes that embody a unique, one-of-a-kind quality.
“Artisanal tiles and décor bring character and individuality to interiors, particularly those that are lacking in personality.”
Make use of tiling
Tiling can be a fantastic way to inject character into a home and we often see a lot of new builds lack tiling in both the kitchen and bathrooms, typically having just a splashback behind a sink.
“Tiles with bold, intricate patterns can be a great way to create a statement in a space and this year, we’re seeing tile trends that are the perfect way to add character to a space,” Molly adds.
“As we’ve already started to see this season, checkerboard tile patterns are making a huge comeback, offering a nostalgic nod to classic interiors with a fresh twist,” she continues.
“Whether used in classic monochrome or modern colour combinations, checkerboard designs bring a sense of structure and drama to kitchens, bathrooms, and entranceways.
“Opt for matt finishes to keep the design grounded and modern, or use glazed or polished surfaces for more of a traditional, maximalist look.”
Molly says terracotta-inspired tiles will also bring warmth, texture and an authentic natural touch to new-build interiors.
“From deep rust tones to soft, sandy hues, these tiles form a connection to nature within your home, creating a grounding and relaxing undertone to your decor scheme,” she explains.
“Perfect for kitchens, garden rooms, or feature walls, their organic appeal feels timeless yet modern.”
Embrace artisanal details
Think deliberately imperfect details, hand-painted patterns, and glazed finishes that embody a unique, one-of-a-kind quality.
“Artisanal details bring character and individuality to interiors, perfect for feature walls, vintage-style bathrooms, or classic kitchen backsplashes,” Molly says.
She suggests pairing handmade tiles with modern furniture to create a juxtaposition of styles, allowing their detail and character to shine.
“Or lean into the rustic feel with traditional design elements such as shaker cabinetry and antique furniture finds,” she adds.
Incorporate natural materials
Natural materials such as wood and stone have a timeless feel and can instantly add character to any space.
“These types of materials are timeless and never go out of style, making them a perfect ‘neutral’ foundation for a new-build home,” says Molly.
Molly says the versatility and timelessness of natural materials allow you to build upon them, and adapt to evolving trends.
“For example, if you enjoy experimenting with new trends or frequently like to update your space, a wooden floor provides a neutral yet warm base that effortlessly complements any style,” she adds.
Consider installing a fireplace
In new build designs, fireplaces are often overlooked, however, the desire for timeless styles and authentic materials is on the rise.
Videos using the hashtag ‘stone fireplace’ have reached over 9 million views on TikTok, with a new generation discovering the cosy comfort that the design can bring to a space.
“People are looking for an updated approach to give their fireplace a timeless elegance, whether it’s tiling an alcove that sits a log burner or a traditional open-hearth fireplace,” Molly explains.
“Large-format stone tiles or slabs that create a feature around the fireplace work well in modern spaces,” she continues.
“These larger tiles reduce the visual clutter and create a more seamless, elegant look that feels chic and understated.
“Limestone, slate, and porcelain tiles are top picks for fireplaces, offering versatility in design, whilst being durable and easy to clean.”
Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at From runway to room: 7 chic interior design trends inspired by the catwalk or Wabi Sabi interiors: 11 ways to get the calming look in your home.
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