Maureen Whitemore
CMake it personal… our interiors expert on how to transform a new-build house into a home
reating character in a new-build property – whether it’s a family home or a retirement apartment – is a
challenge but one that can be great fun to achieve.
In my last column, I focused on the practicalities of working with your builder or developer to create the ideal skeleton in terms of living space design, electrical points and storage.
My first piece of advice, especially to anyone who is downsizing, is to look at your new-build property with fresh eyes. Trying to condense everything from your previous home is just going to create a cramped environment with too much clutter and a lot of frustration. Start by thinking about your ideal layout and furnishings, and then look
at what you have and what will fit in terms of space and also style.
This may give you opportu- nities to sell or pass on pieces of furniture that are surplus to requirements – family, Freegle and local ads are all great for this. There are then a number of areas to think about.
First, colour. Pale walls throughout are easy for a developer but not great as a backdrop to your new home. With many new-builds it is possible to wallpaper after only a few months and there’s
Clever lighting is practical and creates atmosphere
A single wall of deep colour can transform a bland space
nothing to stop you repainting one or two rooms using paint in stronger shades straight away.
Hard floors also seem to be all the rage with new-build properties but these can feel cold and a bit echoey if you’re not careful. My advice is to consider carpeting at least part of your space with a fairly neutral shade that runs from room-to-room and creates a flow. Then invest in rugs to define specific ‘zones’ such as sitting or dining areas.
Lighting is something that you can develop over time once you’re living in your new
Consistent flooring from room to room emphasises space while rugs can define specific zones
space. Think about it for every room – not just your lounge
– and consider ideas like LED strips in kitchens and bathrooms and statement lamps for your living spaces. Lighting needs to be practical but it also creates mood and designing it with different layers and options in mind
is ideal.
Finally, think furniture and
furnishings. There’ll be some pieces that you’ll want to keep and include in any room scheme as well as curtains and blinds that will need to be adapted and altered for different windows. You might also want to invest in something new to create a fresh look – and anyone who has visited the Eden Valley Artistic Network gallery in Penrith or The Great Print Exhibition at Rheged will know what great artwork can do for a blank space!
But take your time. Move things around to different spaces and enjoy the gradual process of fitting not only your
treasures but also any recent purchases into what’s going to be their new home too.
Maureen Whitemore runs Whitemore & Thwaytes interi- ors in Penrith. She has been in the interiors design trade for nearly 50 years and is on the board of the Association
of Master Upholsterers
and Soft Furnishers. See Maureen’s website at whitemoreandthwaytes.co.uk.
Problem solved
Hallways can look a little under-furnished and often have a large modern white radiator dominating the space. That heat source is crucial, especially for a warm welcome in a Cumbrian home, but there are options to make it more attractive. One is to replace the radiator with a reclaimed one or a more traditional or funky design. However there are limits on this so another solution is to go for a radiator cover. This keeps the efficiency of the heating system but disguises the radiator, fitting into the style of the room and even creating a feature. There are some gorgeous examples around including Arts & Crafts inspired covers and
the slightly retro one shown here.
CUMBRIA LIFE / FEBRUARY 2018 / 79
JOHN CULLEN
LITTLE GREENE
HAVWOODS FLOORING, KENDAL QUALITY CARPETS