Are you in the processing of moving house? If you’re torn between old properties and brand-new builds, then it can be difficult to know which to go for.
Older, period properties, with their high ceilings and original features, have long been associated with luxury, making them the most obvious choice for many affluent buyers. This often means that newer properties are overlooked, as they tend to come with less space and character. When it comes to expensive luxury properties, this doesn’t have to be the case, and today, many boast stand-out features like swimming pools, home fitness centres and private cinema rooms, along with a host of other extras that could potentially sway you.
New build homes have many advantages over traditional properties. For starters, they are more energy efficient, making them a more sustainable choice with lower annual running costs. They also tend to be set within private developments, close to transport links, and fitted with all of the latest modern conveniences. But more often than not, walls are left as plain, blank canvases, and interiors all follow the same neutral colour palette – which means there’s invariably scope if you want to make one feel like your own.
Fortunately, there are many ways that you can elevate a newly constructed property to take it to the next level. Discover the secret to achieving an elevated interior design with this guide to giving new build homes a luxury uplift.
Introduce rich colours
The easiest way to upgrade your interiors is to introduce colour. For a luxe look, use rich colour palettes – hues like gold, bronze, and terracotta are popular shades that are guaranteed to add a touch of opulence and create a sense of warmth. Bold colours such as teal and dark blue, meanwhile, will add depth and dimension which is essential in elevating the overall appearance.
There are many directions you could go in when it comes to colour, so take some time to think about what kind of design aesthetic appeals to you and the kind of ambience you’d like to create, then search apps like Pinterest for inspiration and to get those creative juices flowing.
Upgrade the fixtures
Adding some subtle luxury accents to your home will instantly enhance its aesthetic appeal and often, it’s these small things that can have the biggest impact. Consider swapping standard light fittings for delicate bulbs with opulent shades – gold metal trumpets or ornate crystal chandeliers are timeless choices that will always look sophisticated.
Gold, in general, has long been synonymous with luxury, but remember that a little goes a long way and use sparingly to avoid making your home look over-the-top and tacky. Simple ways to add gold touches include mirror frames, gold patterned wallpaper, taps, door handles, and gold-tasselled cushions.
Elevate your lighting
One of the simplest ways to add that special ‘je ne sais quois’ is with superior lighting – and we’re not just talking about the fixtures and fittings we’ve already covered.
Standard lighting, typically overhead ceiling bulbs, can be harsh and quickly spoil the overall ambience you’re striving to create, so instead, opt for ceiling lights that they can be controlled with a dimmer switch so that you can change things up to suit the mood and give rooms a soft and appealing glow in the evenings. Together with strategically placed lamps, this will create a much more satisfying and endlessly more elegant-looking space.
Choose luxury materials
Just as certain colour palettes evoke a sense of luxury more than others, choosing certain materials can add a lavish feel to any room. Natural materials like marble and wood bring the outside indoors – which is a major ongoing interiors trend – and feature striking patterns that exude elegance and high-end appeal. Add some plush, sumptuous fabrics like velvet and silk, in the form of sofa cushions or throws, to create an exquisite space that you’ll be dying to show off when guests come round.
Feature statement pieces
Now, it’s time to put the icing on the cake, and the easiest way to do so is the featuring of statement pieces throughout the home.
From bold artwork on the walls, illuminated by special mood lighting to show it off in all its glory, to a striking armchair in an ultra-modern or vintage design, adding some unique furnishings and accessories is guaranteed to give your property a much needed dose of personality – and putting these eye-catching pieces in the spotlight ensures that each area of the home feels both expressive and thoroughly luxurious.
