White walls to wonderful: How to make your new build apartment into a home

Every bit of space in a city home is precious so it’s time to get creative with how you use it, says Anya Cooklin-Lofting

While it might seem boring at first glance, a bland neutral wall means you can experiment with all sorts (Will Scott)

They just don’t make them like they used to anymore. Most contemporary new build homes are stark in aesthetic contrast to the architectural curiosities of period properties, what with the latter’s acanthus plasterwork, Deco-style arches and high, corniced ceilings. Period conversions burst with character in a way that many new builds do not and this can be off-putting for house-proud first time buyers with high aspirations for interior decoration. There are some exceptions to the rule where new build homes echo the features of more traditional architecture, but you will only find these at the very top end of the market.

Nevertheless, millennials and young professionals are clamouring for their own new, white, boxy pad in some of the metropoleis’ most sought-after postcodes, and the demand is being readily met. As the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reported, 2019 marked an 11 year high in the number of new homes constructed before the year ending June. 173,660 new homes were built during this period, which the Ministry has declared an 8 per cent increase on the previous year.

How best, though, to turn your white walled, straight-edged new build house or flat into a home? This week, I’ve spoken to three design professionals about some hacks for bringing the comfort and warmth of a home into your precious city square footage.

First, some advice from property developer, Robert Soning: “If you’ve made a big leap and downsized from a house or have moved away from a rental home to live in an apartment for the first time, make sure you prioritise soft furnishings like throws, thick curtains and rugs or a thick, wool-rich carpet. Colours also count – keep the colours in your home warm and restful and you can turn the emptiest of spaces into havens.”

At Chapter House, a recent residential development by his firm, Londonewcastle, Soning specified a range of exquisite show flats that demonstrate different styles and ways of incorporating home-making accents. One of the show flats was conceived by Apt, an architectural practice. The interior provides texture through trompe l’oeil wallpaper and a thick pile rug, warm tones in blush and terracotta soft furnishings and upholstery, and rich golden accents through mid-century style wooden furniture.

Rider has decorated her space with vintage finds (Elizabeth Rider)

Elizabeth Rider, content marketing manager at Vinterior (an online vintage furniture platform) lives in a new build flat in Stoke Newington and has given it a stamp of personality, originality and individuality. She may be biased, but believes choosing vintage furniture from sites like Vinterior can give any space a design-led edge and a more homely feel.

“People are often inclined to think that vintage furniture would look out of place in a new build but this isn’t the case,” she says. “We found vintage pieces from a number of mid-century brands. Ultimately, we selected what we found most inspiring but the clean lines of mid-century design also really complement modern surrounds. Many designs are quite compact too, so perfect for London living!”

Don’t let simple, modern architectural layouts hold you back in creating an interesting space that feels like home

According to Rider, the key is having real intention about what you bring into your home. She adds, “it starts with finding pieces that you enjoy coming home to. Go bit by bit, each piece should be chosen with real thought, we try to avoid plonking any old thing down somewhere just to fill the space. I enjoy choosing pieces together with my fiance, we try to find pieces we both love and the hunt for those finds can be good fun.”

Martin Waller, the founder of global design brand, Andrew Martin, agrees. His mantra for decorating a new home is to “take it slowly”, adding that “decorating should be a great pleasure”. No matter the architectural style or age of the property you are decorating, Waller believes that “homes are the backdrop to life so it’s essential that the whole family feels literally at home, comfortable in the idea that it reflects who they are”. As per the globally-renowned Andrew Martin style, Waller suggested adding small decorative pieces collected on your travels or from shops you love to create a personal and unique space. ”Collect things and display them together to build a physical store of memories rather than just furnishings”, he adds.

Find small objects which can act as statement pieces (Will Scott)

So, don’t let simple, modern architectural layouts hold you back in creating an interesting space that feels like home. While you build your perfect space, however, may I suggest holding a small housewarming? I always find that entertaining in a new place, even if you’ve only just moved in, will solidify in your consciousness this collection of rooms as your own. You’re the person pouring the drinks, you know where to hang the coats, and you can give pretty good directions to the bathroom. Next come the vintage accessories...