With the housing demand in the Greater Toronto Area at record highs, new build/pre-construction homes are popping up in every city. There are new developer launches almost every week, and buyers are lined up for days to try and get their hands on one. And it doesn’t take long for these sites to sell out, sometimes within hours of launching.

 

Though there are many benefits to owning a new build, the cookie-cutter look of them is not one. It can be very frustrating if you own a new build and want to make it uniquely yours.

 

But with some strategy and creativity, and a good mood board or two, anything is possible!

 

We will be showcasing Lauren Sheriff’s (@laurenevashariff) beautiful home that was featured on hgtv.ca,  to break down a few tips on how to make your new build stand out, and be uniquely yours.

 

The more you accessorize, the more unique your space will feel. But it is about SMART ACCESSORIZING. Stick with a similar colour palette, and incorporate various sizes of decor in various areas of your room. This brings in visual elements, especially when you are working with a new build that lacks any structural charm.

 

It is better to visualize each room on paper (or computer) before starting your design process. Create a mood board for each room, with photos of spaces that you would want to base your design off of. Pinterest is the obvious go to for grabbing inspiring images, but also consider outlets like Houzz, Dwell, and Architectural Digest.

 

Once you’ve gathered your imagery, start focusing on specific elements of each image that speaks to you. From there, you can secure which colours, patterns, furnishings and decor pieces  you would like to incorporate into your room.

 

We recommend creating a formal mood board for each individual room. There are great apps out there that you can build mood boards on. One of our favourites is Design Files , which also has items available to add to your boards from all the top retailers, from IKEA to Wayfair to Pottery Barn. They also have paint swatches from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and more.

 

When you’re buying a new build, you are working with a clean slate in every room. That means that each room can have its own design identity. Most people like common areas, like the kitchen and living room, to stay neutral. But when designing bedrooms, have fun with it!

 

Wallpaper is a great option. If you do not feel comfortable having wallpaper in every wall of the room, try an accent wall. Or create a beautiful border along with wall panelling, as seen in the nursery above.

 

Alternately, stick with one colour and incorporate texture by only adding a panel wall. And accessorize with eclectic decor and/or a fun light fixture.

 

A light fixture can change the entire mood of a space, even if every other design element remains the same. Builder’s tend to provide standard light fixtures per room. And most builders will not install custom light fixtures during construction. But if they do, they tend to charge a much higher rate than the market. You also want to be in your space before purchasing your lighting. That way, you can purchase lighting that is appropriate for the rooms size, natural light exposure, design.

 

It is worth it to wait until you close and hire your own electrician to install your light fixtures.

Enjoyed the tour? Follow @two7east for more design inspiration. From tours of projects of some of our favourite interiors from Canada and around the world to the latest in Southern Ontario’s pre construction more!