New build homes are an increasingly popular choice for buyers across the UK, offering a fresh start with modern designs and energy efficiency. One of the biggest advantages is the blank canvas they provide—perfect for tailoring the space to your lifestyle and taste. However, many new builds are constructed with identical layouts and features, which can leave your home feeling a bit generic.
If you’re wondering how to make your new build home feel more unique and reflective of your personality, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll explore simple yet effective ways to personalise your new build and truly make it your own.
Table of Contents
- Explore Different Layouts
- Add Some Statement Flooring
- Use Wood Panelling to Add Some Detail
- Replace Your Internal Doors
- Add a Media Wall, a Fireplace or Both
- Install Different Light Fittings
- Choose Unique Furniture
- Create a Feature Wall with Bold Colours or Wallpaper
- Landscape Your Garden for Year-Round Appeal
- Mix Materials for Texture and Contrast
- Conclusion
Explore Different Layouts
One of the ways you can change up your new build is to see if anything can be done to change the layout. While you might not want to start any drastic work immediately, merging some rooms or converting your garage could be a good way to make your new build more tailored to your needs.
Over time, you could consider an extension to help give you more space and add value to your home. Even changing up where you place your furniture can make a difference, giving your home a more unique layout compared to the show home or brochure pictures.
Add Some Statement Flooring
Flooring can have a big impact on the look and feel of your home. While many modern new builds favour tiles throughout, you could look at more traditional flooring styles to give your home some character and make it feel more unique.
Adding some herringbone flooring is a popular flooring choice that looks classic and stylish, adding a little more interest to your space. You could also consider some other flooring choices, like slate, or adding runners to your staircases that will help set your new build apart.
Use Wood Panelling to Add Some Detail
Another way to add some detail to your new build is through panelling. Panelling is usually seen in more traditional homes but has become a little more popular recently, with people wanting to add character to their spaces.
Adding panelling to your walls is easy and can be tailored to your exact room size and shape. Head to your nearest DIY store to pick up supplies, and you could have your newly panelled wall finished in no time!
Replace Your Internal Doors
Most new builds come with standard white doors, which can give them all a ‘samey’ appearance. Replacing your internal doors with wooden or glass styles for something that looks a little different can completely change the look and feel of your home. You can sell your existing doors easily on Facebook Marketplace or other local listings sites, helping you recoup some of your costs.
Add a Media Wall, a Fireplace or Both
Media walls are a popular feature in homes, but many people are put off having them in new builds because they think they’re a lot of work or don’t have the right structure in place.
The good news is that it’s easy to create a media wall with space for a TV and a fireplace, helping to transform your living area and give you the perfect space for relaxing. Fireplaces work easily with a media wall, or you can add a log burner if you’d prefer something a little more traditional.
Install Different Light Fittings
Light fittings are another simple way to transform your home and make it look unique compared to others on your estate. Current lighting trends include bold pendants and bold statement chandeliers that will bring in plenty of light and style.
Choose Unique Furniture
While it’s easy to find inspiration for your new build from show homes, Instagram and TikTok, you may find that you end up adopting similar styles in your home. To give your home a more unique look, you could look a little further afield for furniture, looking at smaller, independent shops or even getting your furniture custom-made. Adding more unique pieces will make your home stand out, taking it away from the show home look and straight into the style pages instead!
New build properties have their benefits, but if you’re worried that yours will look the same as everyone else’s, then be prepared to make some changes. Give careful thought to each room and how you can style it so it suits your taste and has a unique spin. From different flooring styles to adding the right lights and furniture, you can have a lot of fun personalising your space to make your new build stand out.
Create a Feature Wall with Bold Colours or Wallpaper
Most new builds come with neutral paint colours throughout, which makes sense for mass appeal, but it also means they can lack personality. One easy way to transform your space is by adding a feature wall using bold paint colours or striking wallpaper.
Whether it’s a deep navy in the living room or a botanical wallpaper in the bedroom, this simple change can instantly give your home character and a designer look without a big renovation.
Landscape Your Garden for Year-Round Appeal
New build gardens often come as a blank slate—usually just turf and a simple fence. By investing time in landscaping your garden, you can extend your living space and make your home truly stand out.
Think layered planting, raised beds, garden zoning (like a fire pit or pergola area), and even installing garden lighting for atmosphere. A well-designed garden not only adds personality but can also add real value to your home.
Mix Materials for Texture and Contrast
New builds often rely on uniform materials and finishes, which can feel flat. To add warmth and character, mix materials across your décor. For example, combine metal light fixtures with reclaimed wood shelving, or pair exposed brick wallpaper with plush velvet furnishings.
This kind of contrast adds depth and visual interest, making your home feel more curated and personal rather than off-the-shelf.
Conclusion
Making your new build home feel unique doesn’t have to involve major renovations or big budgets. With a little creativity and a few strategic changes—like updating flooring, experimenting with layouts, or investing in unique lighting and furniture—you can transform a standard new build into a stylish, personalised space that reflects your taste and lifestyle.
Whether you’re just moving in or have been living in your new build for a while, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. By thinking beyond the basics and adding thoughtful details throughout, you can break away from the cookie-cutter feel and create a home that truly stands out—inside and out.
