How to make all the selections when your builder asks for them with a week’s notice.
We’ve heard it so many times; “my new build home is at the stage where I need to choose door profiles, colour and handles for the kitchen units, worktop type and colour, and tiles for all three bathrooms, without having a clue as to the overall look I want. I haven’t even had time to consider wall colours, floor finishes and furniture, how can I possibly make choices on all that, I just don’t have a clue and it’s very stressful”.
We’ve put together a few tips on how to best navigate the decisions you have to make when you purchase a new build home, hopefully making the process easier and ensuring you end up with a style and colour scheme you like.
Start with your go to natural style. Don’t over think it, what do you genuinely like? Not what your friends and family think you should have, not what the designer for the builder thinks you should have, what do you like? Country, contemporary/modern, scandi, or industrial maybe? Use Pinterest to put a board together of just a few images, you’ll be surprised as to how quickly a pattern emerges.
Then consider colours, remember these are permanent fixtures, so need to work well into the future. That’s not to say that everything should be white or grey! Far from it.
Think tile size and layout, the most basic tiles, which are normally standard in a new build home, can look good laid in a slightly different way, that’s if your builder will do it. If not think texture in a neutral tone, always go for texture when considering neutral pallets.
Kitchen selections are relatively easy when you’ve decided on a style - remember don’t be swayed here by other people’s opinions - you know what you want, and you have to live there.
Country kitchens look great in a shaker style with cup or knob handles, maybe a wood effect textured finish. Think neutrals, as well as greens, for the colour.
Contemporary/modern looks great in a flat, handle-less finish. Matt finishes look good, but practically they may show more finger prints; black, off black, dark blue and green, as well as crisp white, would all suit here.
Scandi, very similar to contemporary, flat finishes and minimal handles, but keep the colours light; white or pastel colours look great.
Industrial or more rustic designs - consider mixing wood and painted finishes. For example, if you have high level cupboards these could be painted and the lower level cupboards/drawers could be in a wood finish, such as dark or brushed oak. Handles could be black. Alternatively pantry units could be made a feature, if you have room for them, this will of course depend on the floor plan of your new build home.
Worktops - this can be a limited range depending on your builder. There are a few things to think about here; Stone - great for a hardwearing kitchen, but can be loud with pots and pans. Lighter surfaces with some detailing like veining, will hide dirt far better than a plain top. Avoid dark or black surfaces, these are terrible to keep clean. Wood tops, quieter than stone and great for country and scandi aesthetics, but do need regular upkeep with oiling.
Dekton - lots of choice and great designs, by far the more superior product but unlikely to be included in the builders standard range budget. Some new home builders do offer an option to add to pay more for these premium finishes.
Tiles - depending on your builder, you maybe able to ask for the tiles on the splash back to be omitted, so that once you move in you can do your own thing, allowing you to customise it as you would like. Generally we would suggest to go for something timeless, no high gloss or sparkly speckles, these quickly date. Instead go with a tile that has some visual texture. It doesn’t have to feel textured, just look as though it is. This will prevent your tile from looking flat. Warm neutrals are replacing grey based tiles, which look very cold and utilitarian. Warm neutrals are also very easy to work with when you begin to decorate.
Sinks, Taps and Toilets!
Sinks - These are also pretty simple to choose. We would say, first and foremost, think practicality. For example - cloakroom/powder room sinks need to be big enough to wash your hands and contain the water, don't go too small here. Belfast sinks - wonderful to look at and great for a laundry, but we wouldn't suggest them for a kitchen sink, it's far too easy to smash things - we know this from experience.
Taps - Chrome believe it or not is coming round again, it's the most cost effective option, and goes with most things in your kitchen and bathroom. Brass looks good , especially in country kitchens and adds a point of difference - word of caution on this, don't pick the cheapest it may not last as log as you think. Gunmetal and bronze are also great colours for kitchen taps and add a contemporary feel.
Toilets - If you get to choose here, then it has to be hidden cistern all the way. People have concerns about them going wrong and fixing them - but as designers we have never had a problem. They save space, they are easier to clean and also look good. However if this isn't an option with your new build home, pick a cistern that's slimline and simple. Wall hung loos are great for small spaces as your eye travels under them, giving the illusion of more space and the floor is far easier to clean!
Flooring - if you are lucky enough to have a new build home that includes flooring, here’s a few things to think about…
Hard floors downstairs; in our opinion, in a full on family home, it’s the best option, especially if your home has underfloor heating. A hard flooring in your lounge/living room will also work perfectly with a layered area rug. LVT is very popular and we understand why. Think about laying the flooring in the rooms in one pattern of the same specification of flooring, and do the the hallway in another - this way you get a change between spaces, but the floor is the same throughout. If you choose tile, go for the largest tile on offer, this will make the space feel as big as possible. Pick a grout colour as close to the tile as possible as this will make the grout line less of a feature and prevent your eye being drawn to it.
Carpets work brilliantly upstairs as they add that layer of luxury and softness. Think about lower pile hardwearing carpets for the high traffic areas such as the stairs, they will fair better over time, runners with taped or whipped edges look great for a point of interest. We would always suggest a wool mix carpet as opposed to full manmade fibre if you can.
Built ins - where possible, if there is an option, always opt for build it robes. They are far more practical than freestanding. Yes it’s an extra expense when there is a lot of cost, but it’s worth doing before you move in, even if your new build home doesnt offer them, you can still organise it yourself before you move.
Think about adding mirrored doors to smaller rooms as it will make them feel bigger. Mix up shelves, drawers and hanging space. Choose handles and colours that are in-keeping with your original design idea from the beginning. Always go back to this at every stage to ensure your home feels cohesive.
We really hope this has helped with your selections, never be tempted to rush decisions - think of each room as a whole and the look and feel you want it to have, not about the individual items or finishes. We always design the room as a whole and how each piece will look with the next.
Wishing you all the best in your new build home and the happy memories you no doubt will create.
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