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New construction provides the ideal blank canvas for creating a space that truly reflects your personality and lifestyle. You don’t have to consider someone else’s design choices or deal with the stress of structural remodeling before you start decorating. However, starting from scratch can be overwhelming when faced with bare walls and empty rooms. To simplify the process, I’ve partnered with Zera, a leading brand in high-quality homes, to share some tips on how to decorate your new home.
Discover your style
Before you begin, take a moment to think about what you want your home to look and feel like. What kind of atmosphere are you hoping to create? Which decorating style brings you the most joy and comfort? Gather images, textures and materials that resonate with you and create a mood board to guide you throughout the project.Platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram and a variety of magazines are excellent sources of inspiration, but be mindful of what really suits your lifestyle. You may love the minimalist aesthetic, but if you know you’re more suited to a vibrant, eclectic environment, then be sure to stay true to your own ideas.
One of the benefits of purchasing a new construction property is that you get to choose many of the design elements before you move in, and Zera’s customization options allow you to customize the fixtures, accessories, and finishes to your liking. This simplifies the design process, but remember to choose timeless features over fleeting trends. For more inspiration on creating a stylish space, check out our article on seven fun ways to use window treatments.
Take your time and pick a color
Once you’ve decided on a style, people often can’t wait to start painting or wallpapering. However, it is recommended to wait at least 12 months to allow your home to stabilize from the construction process and dry out. Use this time to observe how the natural light changes throughout the day and consider which colors will work with each space. When you’re ready to paint, be sure to test the color locally first, as the same shade may look very different in different room orientations. For example, north-facing rooms usually have cooler light and are bluish, while south-facing rooms are bathed in warm golden tones.
Experiment with furniture and layout
Moving into a new home means you’re not constrained by the furniture arrangements of the previous occupants and are free to design a layout that perfectly suits your needs. Start by determining what activities you want to do in each room. Do you want a space for entertaining guests or do you need a cozy reading corner? Large open-plan areas can be particularly challenging, so consider how you want to divide the area and create different zones for various functions.
Once the planning is complete, create floor plans for each room, either with pen and paper or specialized software. Start with the largest and most important items – the bed, dining table or sofa. These items are usually the focal point, so placement is crucial. Then, place smaller items around them, but avoid overcrowding and leave enough room to move around.
Perfect your lighting
Lighting plays a vital role in shaping the look and ambience of a space, and can significantly enhance or detract from your interior design. Generally speaking, lighting can be categorized into three types: ambient lighting, which mimics natural light and illuminates the entire space; task-focused lighting, which is used to aid in specific activities; and accent lighting, which is used to highlight specific functions or areas.
Lighting plays a vital role in creating the ambience of your home, both by creating a stunning glow and by highlighting specific features. One of the great advantages of a new build home is that you have the flexibility to choose between pendant or downlighting, so take the time to consider how each area will be used. Once you’ve moved in, you can use floor lamps and table lamps to enhance built-in lighting and create a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Particularly in living and dining spaces, soft light sources can complement or replace main lighting to help create a different atmosphere.
Incorporate color and texture through accessories Don’t overlook the impact of small details such as soft furnishings, artwork, plants, curtains and decorative vases. These elements are crucial to shaping the character of a space and can bring in vibrant colors and textures even before you start painting or wallpapering. Keep in mind the aesthetic style you’re aiming for (mood boards are very useful here) to avoid buying items that don’t match your vision later on.
For more insights on decorating your new home, including my tips on how to quickly and efficiently energize your space after you move in, visit Zera.