adding character to a new build property

New builds come with their own set of advantages - clean lines, blank-canvas walls, and the joy of being the very first to live there. But let’s be honest: they can also feel a little soulless at first. Unlike period properties rich with quirks and original features, new homes often lack the layers of history and charm we tend to associate with character.

But here’s the good news: character can be created. With thoughtful touches, clever design, and a bit of British flair, you can transform even the starkest of spaces into something that feels storied and deeply personal. As professional interior designers we believe a home should tell a story. So, here’s how to infuse your new build with the sort of lived-in warmth and timeless style that feels truly you.

layer with heritage-inspired colours

Start with colour - specifically, colours that nod to British heritage. Think muddy greens, chalky blues, warm neutrals, and faded rose. These tones evoke English countryside manors and townhouses steeped in history. Brands like Farrow & Ball, Edward Bulmer, and Little Greene excel at hues that feel like they’ve always belonged. The secret to these heritage colours is that they are often subdued and earthy, reflecting the natural pigments and materials that were available in the past.

Don’t be afraid to paint ceilings or woodwork too. A rich, enveloping tone on all walls, including skirting and architraves, can make a modern boxy room feel far more considered and cocooning. We get lots of inspiration from the historic houses of Kent, Surrey, Sussex and beyond.

embrace architectural details

One of the quickest ways to add period charm to a modern home is through architectural detail. Think cornicing, ceiling roses, picture rails, panelling, or even a simple dado. These elements create the illusion of age and craftsmanship.

Wall panelling, in particular, is a Willow & Bert favourite - it adds texture, draws the eye, and provides the perfect backdrop for curated artwork. Whether you opt for classic shaker panels or something more Georgian, it immediately makes a space feel elevated and layered.

mix old with new

This is where the magic really happens. Marrying modern finishes with antique or vintage finds helps ground your interiors and adds soul. A sleek kitchen can be softened with a scrubbed pine table or vintage copper pans. A new hallway gains character with an antique mirror or a worn Persian runner. We recommend frequenting antique fairs, online vintage markets, and even salvage yards. And remember: patina is your friend. The odd chip or scratch is what makes a piece sing.

opt for timeless, not trendy

When choosing fixtures and fittings - whether it's taps, handles, or lighting - look to time-honoured styles. A classic Belfast sink, aged brass hardware, or fluted glass pendants never feel out of place and lend a quiet elegance. Traditional details can still feel fresh when paired with simple contemporary lines. For instance, a modern shaker kitchen with unlacquered brass taps and a butler’s sink? Perfection.

Soft furnishings with story

Textiles are your secret weapon for softening the hard edges of a new build. Choose fabrics for bespoke curtains and blinds that have texture and history - linen, wool, ticking stripes, and faded florals all bring a sense of British nostalgia.

Layer throws, cushions, and curtains in a mix of prints and weaves. We love block-printed linens, classic checks, and vintage-inspired florals for that lived-in, collected-over-time feel. And don’t shy away from a little frill or trim. Details matter and custom soft furnishings will set your space apart from the modern high street offerings.

Personal touches and artful curation

A new build offers a blank slate, but your belongings are what give it heart. Curate your shelves with a mix of books, artwork, ceramics, and treasures picked up from travels or passed down through family.

Art doesn't have to be expensive - a cluster of vintage botanical prints, or even pages from an old book, framed simply, can add heaps of character. Always hang pieces slightly lower than you think - it brings warmth and intimacy to modern rooms with high ceilings.

Warm up with lighting

Lighting can make or break the atmosphere. In many new builds, the lighting scheme leans overly bright and uniform. Counter this with layers of light - table lamps, wall sconces, floor lamps, and candles. Soft, golden light adds instant charm. Choose fixtures that echo vintage or industrial styles, in aged brass, porcelain, or cast-iron finishes. Don’t forget dimmer switches - they’re essential for that gentle evening glow and something we regularly advocate in our interior design consultancy.

Work with the bones you have

Not every new build can (or should) pretend to be a Georgian rectory. Sometimes it’s about highlighting the best of both worlds. If your home has big windows or open-plan living, embrace that modern ease - but soften it with classic furnishings and tactile materials. A large open space can still feel intimate with the right zoning, rugs, and furniture arrangement. And clean lines can work beautifully against the characterful textures of heritage-inspired design.

At Willow & Bert, we believe a home’s charm doesn’t rely on age—it comes from attention to detail, thoughtful layers, and pieces that feel like they have a past. By blending the old with the new, and adding subtle nods to classic British design, you can create a home that feels both grounded and fresh.

So whether you’ve just moved into a pristine new build or are looking to inject more personality into a renovation, character is something you (& we!) create, not something you're handed.

Until next time,

Chloe