Adding character to a new build home
Looking to add character and rustic style in your new build home? Persimmon homeowner Karen (@_stoneleigh) has created a stunning characterful style in her new home, and shares her tips for how you can too.
A new home by the sea
After retiring from careers in the police force, Karen and her husband decided to relocate to a new home with their two German Shorthaired Pointers, Storm and Skye.
“We wanted a home near the beach, and liked the style of Persimmon houses,” says Karen. “We moved into our three-bedroom Rufford in September 2016, and now live just a few minutes from the sea.”
The lack of work needed and affordable prices were what attracted Karen to a new Persimmon home over an older property.
“Older properties we looked at were either needing a lot of work, and those that had been refurbished were too expensive and not exactly to the standard we were looking for,” says Karen.
“By purchasing a new build, we had more flexibility and a blank canvas.”
Image: Karen has combined fresh, neutral colours to create a look that feels both traditional and new.
Blank canvas to character home
While the property is less than 10 years old, Karen’s tasteful style makes gives the home a beautifully rustic look. The stunning space has been brought to life by interior décor choices that make the home feel lived in and characterful, yet still with the clean lines and practicality of a new build.
“We’ve tried to create a rustic appearance by adding a cottage feel to our new build property, whilst keeping the neutral colours that we like,” says Karen.
Some of this was achieved by making initial alterations to the rooms, which the couple was able to do thanks to the flexibility afforded by the pricing of their Persimmon home.
“Some of my favourite projects we’ve carried out include adding stone brick slips to some of the walls to add to the rustic theme. We also had limestone tiled floors laid to give some more character, and added an Aga and log burning stove in the kitchen.”
Image: The addition of stone brick slips on the walls, along with the limestone floor tiles, really creates the feeling of being in a cosy cottage.
Easy ways to achieve a rustic look
It’s not just larger projects like these than can completely change the look and feel of the house – integrating wood elements is a simple way to add texture and dimension, along with plenty of character.
“We added plantation shutters to all the windows throughout the house, along with panelling to the hallway and main bedroom,” says Karen.
Colour of course plays a big role in any interior design, and a rustic theme is no different. Karen favours the classic neutral colours offered by Farrow & Ball.
“I tend to use Farrow & Ball colours throughout the house, on both walls and panelling,” she says. “Some of my favourites are Lime White which we used in the kitchen, Slipper Satin for the panelling in the hallway, Ammonite on our bedroom panelling, and Manor House Grey for the unit in our utility room.”
Image: Karen's combination of window shutters and wooden panelling in pale shades is a simple and effective way to add character and depth to a room.
Styling your space
When it comes to pulling the look together, nothing is more satisfying than finding those perfect furniture pieces that really convey the rustic style – or getting crafty to create your own!
“For rustic furnishings, Barker and Stonehouse have a fantastic choice,” says Karen. “We love the limestone side table that we found there.”
Karen also has a good eye when it comes to spotting stylish pieces at bargain prices. “The console table in our hallway was a charity shop find,” she adds. “To put our own stamp on it I used Frenchic paint, which is fantastic to work with.”
A final word of advice from Karen for anyone looking to add a rustic look to their new Persimmon home?
“Take your time, do things gradually and get a feel for how the light flows through the house.”
Image: This beautiful hallway console was a charity shop find which Karen upcycled.
