How to Add Character to a New Build Home, Cheap!

New builds are great for a number of reasons. There’s less maintenance, less risk,  and on the whole, less to worry about. But as with moving into any new home, sometimes they feel a tad… well, characterless. It’s important that when you enter a new space you make it your own, and you’ll be pleased to hear that adding a bit of warmth and personality to your home doesn’t require emptying your pockets! Read on to reveal how to add character to a new build on a budget.

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1. Embrace Colour

Colour isn’t just for the eccentric, it can instantly turn your new build into a home. Here’s how you can embrace colour and add some personality into your new home…without sending your budget into a spin.

Colourful Walls: There’s no quicker, more budget-friendly way to add character to your new build than by paint. Choose a bold coloured paint or wallpaper to create a focal point in your living room or bedroom. Whether it’s a deep green or a bright yellow, a pop of colour can make all the difference.

Furniture: If bright walls aren’t your thing, consider adding colour through furniture. Statement sofas, eye-catching chairs, or colourful coffee tables can liven up your living space just like that.

Accessories: Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Cushions, throws, rugs, and art in bold, contrasting colours can be added to your décor. Don’t be scared to mix up colours and patterns to find your style.

2. Statement Lighting

An empty, uninspiring room can quickly turn into a space filled with personality by simply changing the lighting. 

Lamps: When it comes to adding character, Floor and table lamps are your best friends. Look out for unique bases or colourful lampshades to add some pizzazz.

Second hand finds: Charity shops and online marketplaces often hide unique and affordable treasures. Keep an eye out for vintage finds like chandeliers  and remember, with a fresh coat of paint or some DIY, you can turn these almost anything into a statement piece.

Bulbs: Sometimes, it’s the bulbs themselves that can be the star of the show. Edison bulbs, for example, offer a vintage, industrial look. Or opt for colourful, energy-efficient LED bulbs to add a touch of whimsy.

Statement lighting will add character to your new build home in an instant

3. Vintage and Second Hand Finds

Here’s how to add that vintage charm into your home without emptying your pockets:

Charity shops: Dive into local charity shops and markets for hidden gems. The of the hunt itself is part of the fun, and you’ll be amazed at the items you can discover on a budget to add character to your new build.

Online Marketplaces: With the rise of online marketplaces, vintage finds are easier than ever. Sites like Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace offer a vast array of affordable vintage furniture, décor, and accessories. Pro tip: Set up alerts for specific items or styles you’re seeking.

Upcycling Projects: Embrace your inner DIY enthusiast by upcycling vintage furniture or décor. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or minor repairs can breathe new life into old pieces. Plus, you’ll create something entirely unique in the process.

4. Houseplants

Adding character is about more than furniture and paint – it’s also about creating an atmosphere and house plants are an easy way to do just that. Not only do they purify the air and bring nature indoors, but they also add a touch of personality and cosiness to your space. And you don’t need a green thumb or a big budget to enjoy the benefits.

  • Start with low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos vines. They’re fine in almost any light condition and can handle a little neglect.
  • For a pop of colour, consider flowering plants. You can find budget-friendly options like marigolds, petunias, or African violets.
  • Repurpose old containers or second hand pots for a shabby-chic look. Mix and match containers of different shapes and sizes for a more dynamic display.
Add character to your new build home by taking a visit to the garden centre!

5. Textiles

If you really want to know how to add character to a new build, look at the smaller details. Textiles, for example, have the ability to turn a plain room into a cosy haven or a vibrant gathering place. Here’s how you can work your magic with fabrics:

Curtains: Opt for curtains with bold patterns, rich textures, or subtle sheens to set the tone for your space. Whether you’re into boho or minimalism, there’ll be a fabric for you……

Rugs: A well-chosen rug can be a room’s centrepiece. Look for rugs that not only add colour but also texture. Layering rugs can create depth and intrigue, too. Plus, they feel great underfoot!

Bedding: Don’t forget about the bedroom! Crisp white sheets and neutral bedding create a tranquil atmosphere, while vibrant duvet covers and patterned pillows add a bold and energising touch. Who knew your bed could be such a blank canvas!

Choosing the right curtains, cushions, rugs & bedding are sure to add character to your new build home

Embrace colour, dabble with lighting, explore vintage finds, bring in the greenery, and cosy up your space with textiles. These are your tools, and adding character has never been more budget-friendly. Whether it’s through an accent wall, a thrifted lamp, or a touch of nature, it’s all about turning your new build into a space that you’ll love.

Discover more tips and explore budget-friendly homes designed for city living at Pocket Living.

Haule’s tips for furnishing your first home with vintage finds

This Second Hand September, we’ve teamed up with Haule, an online marketplace for vintage and second hand homeware, to talk about furnishing your first home. Second Hand September was created by Oxfam in 2019 and has inspired thousands of people to shop in a way that is kinder to people and the planet. 

We invited Haule to give some advice on furnishing your first home using vintage and second hand items. Read on to find out what they have to say.

A blog by Haule

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working-from-home-in-a-smaller-space

Working from a Pocket home

Although working from home isn’t a new phenomenon, the pandemic has made remote working a central part of many of our lives. With that said, procuring the right working from home setup is essential to productivity and wellbeing, as small adjustments can help prevent strain, injury and fatigue.

Working from home in a smaller space poses its challenges, but there are many ways you can optimise your living space to accommodate a work station, even if you don’t have a home office. Read on to learn our top tips for working from a Pocket home.

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Handmade mugs inspired by Mapleton Crescent SW18

It’s unusual for a building to have a matching set of mugs.  Then again, Mapleton Crescent SW18 isn’t your typical building.  Tall, green and slender, its façade will shimmer with bespoke green-glazed terracotta tiles.  These tiles were designed with the help of Loraine Rutt, our consultant ceramicist, working closely with architects Metropolitan Workshop.

 

20170526_121144  MapletonTiles04

 

Loraine is a fine art ceramicist and we spoke to her to find out more about her involvement in the project – and why she was inspired to make a limited range of mugs to celebrate the building.

“When architects Metropolitan Workshop proposed a terracotta façade for Mapleton Crescent SW18, they asked me to advise on creating a glaze that would feel ‘handmade’, rather than factory-produced, bringing a human scale to this tall building.  They wanted to give life and movement to the building that would catch the eye of locals and residents, and continue looking good with minimal maintenance.”
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Homes with a view in Lambeth

Sail and Juxon St SE11, all set for Spring!

 

It’s the first day of Spring, and for the first time in what seems like months, London’s city makers are starting to think about spending time outside again.

So it’s great timing that our gorgeous new buildings in North Lambeth, Sail and Juxon St SE11, have outside space to suit all residents.

When you walk through the covered entrance at Juxon St SE11, you enter a wonderful walled courtyard garden with benches underlit by LEDs and pretty young trees.  It will be a great place for residents to meet, mingle and hang out.

 

Juxon entrance   Courtyard
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It’s all about good design at Western Road UB2, Ealing

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The back of Western Road UB2 overlooking the garden

 

Our latest Pocket building on Western Road in the heart of Southall is complete with Pocket owners settled in and enjoying their homes. I am sure you will agree that this is one handsome building!  There are 36 one bedroom homes at Western Road UB2, all sold for £165,000 and designed for us by the architectural practice JTP.

 

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