Sometimes a new construction home needs extra attention to feel like yours. That blank canvas can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. Where do you even start?

The good news is you don't need to hire an interior designer to create a warm, personal space. When decorating a new build, focus on simple steps that add character without breaking the bank. The right interior design choices will transform your new home into one that reflects your personality.

Quick Tips for Decorating Your New Build

• Define your personal style first—save design tips and inspiration that catch your eye
• Start with neutral paint colors, then add 1-3 accent colors that make you happy
• Use statement wallpaper to create focal points that grab attention
• Choose furniture that looks good AND serves a purpose
• Mix textures to make each space feel more interesting
• Consider built-ins to maximize storage in your floor plan
• Swap out boring builder-grade light fixtures and wall lights
• Add simple trim work for instant character
• Replace basic cabinet handles and hardware

Define Your Style as Your Own Interior Designer

Not sure what your decorating style is? No problem.

Start by saving pictures that make you think "I love that room!" Look for patterns in what you're drawn to. Do you like clean lines and minimal decoration? Or do you prefer cozy cottage spaces with lots of layers?

Create a simple mood board to organize your ideas. Don't worry about conforming to labels like "modern farmhouse" or "mid-century modern." Just focus on what YOU like.

Pick a few words that describe how you want your dream home to feel. Cozy? Elegant? Relaxed? Modern? Use these words to guide your design process.

Many new build homes start with similar features, but your personal style will make your space unique. Think about which original features you want to highlight and which ones you might want to change.

Remember—your style might change over time, and that's okay! Start with what you love now.

Choose a Simple Color Palette

Colors set the mood for your entire home. In new construction, you're usually starting with white or beige walls. This gives you a blank canvas for your interior design vision.

Pick 1-3 accent colors you love. These will appear throughout your home in furniture, artwork, and accessories. Don't go overboard—too many colors can make a space feel chaotic.

Think about the fixed elements in your new house. What color are your floors? Your kitchen cabinets? That comfy couch from your old house that you wouldn't give up in a million years? Make sure your paint colors work with these elements.

When choosing paint, remember that neutrals (whites, grays, beiges) work in any space. Then add pops of color with items you can easily change, like throw pillows, artwork, or wall hanging displays.

While many home builders offer limited choices during the construction process, you can always repaint down the road to get exactly the look you want.

Try Statement Wallpaper or Accent Walls

Want a room that makes people say "wow" when they walk in? Think about adding statement wallpaper or an accent wall to your new home.

An accent wall draws your eye and adds personality to a plain space. You could:

• Use bold wallpaper on one wall
• Paint a single wall a different color
• Add wood paneling to create texture

Lots of people are putting wallpaper on the ceiling too! This can make a room feel taller or cozier, depending on the color and pattern.

Not ready to commit? Try removable wallpaper. It peels off easily if you change your mind or want to try something new next year. This gives you more control over the final touches in your home.

Wall treatments are a great way to add unique interior design features to new-build homes, which often lack built-in character. They also help define each space in an open floor plan.

Pick Furniture That Looks Good AND Works Hard

Your furniture needs to do two jobs—look great AND be practical for your space.

Look for pieces that serve multiple purposes. A storage ottoman can hold blankets while giving you a place to prop up your feet. A sleeper sofa gives guests a place to crash.

When selecting furnishings for a new build, consider your floor plan carefully. Modular furniture lets you rearrange your space when you need to. Sectional sofas can often be configured in different ways to fit various room layouts.

Comfort matters! Sit in chairs and sofas before buying them. A beautiful chair that hurts your back isn't worth it. The best interior design considers both aesthetics and functionality.

For high-traffic areas like living rooms and dining rooms, pick durable fabrics that can handle real life. Save the fancy, delicate materials for spaces that don't get as much use.

The process of choosing furniture gives you more control over how your dream home functions. Unlike the construction process of the house itself, you have complete freedom with your furnishings.

Mix Textures to Create Interest

A room with all smooth, flat surfaces feels boring. Adding different textures makes a space feel rich and layered.

Try mixing:

• Soft cotton throws with plush velvet pillows
• Smooth leather with nubby woven fabrics
• Natural materials like wood and stone with metal accents

The concrete foundation and standard building materials in new construction often create very similar surfaces throughout the house. Adding texture through your interior design choices helps counteract this uniformity.

Don't be afraid to combine patterns too. Just vary the scale—pair large patterns with smaller ones so they don't fight for attention.

Remember that texture isn't just about what you can touch. Visual texture from plants, baskets, and artwork adds depth too. 

Add Built-In Shelving

Built-in shelving looks custom and expensive, even in an otherwise standard new construction home.

Built-ins use vertical space efficiently, giving you storage without eating up floor space. They're perfect for showing off books, family photos, and treasured items.

Consider adding built-ins based on your floor plan:

• Around your fireplace
• In awkward nooks or alcoves
• Under stairs
• In home offices

Add small LED lights as additional light sources to highlight what's on your shelves. This creates ambiance and draws attention to your favorite pieces.

The process of adding built-ins allows you to customize your space based on how you actually use your home. Many new build homes have similar layouts, but built-ins can add original features that make your space unique.

Swap Out Builder-Grade Light Fixtures

Even if you picked a great builder, most new build homes come with basic, boring light fixtures. Swapping them out makes a HUGE difference in your interior design.

The entryway and dining area are perfect spots for statement lighting. A dramatic chandelier or pendant light creates an instant focal point.

Think about different light sources throughout your home. Wall lights add ambiance, while overhead fixtures provide task lighting. Ambient lighting creates mood and highlights certain aspects of your design.

Make sure the size of your light fixtures matches your space. A tiny pendant in a large room looks lost, while an oversized fixture can overwhelm a small area.

Consider where your light sources will be placed based on your floor plan and how you'll use each room. Good lighting design means having multiple light sources at different heights.

Coordinate your lighting choices with other hardware in your home, like doorknobs and cabinet handles. This creates a cohesive look.

Don't forget about lightbulbs! The right color temperature can make your space feel warm and inviting or cool and energizing.

Add Crown Molding or Wainscoting

Nothing says "custom home" like trim work. Crown molding or wainscoting makes standard walls look special.

Crown molding goes where your walls meet the ceiling. It draws the eye up and makes rooms feel taller. It comes in many styles, from simple to ornate.

Wainscoting is paneling on the lower part of your walls. It adds character and protects your walls from scuffs and bumps. It's especially good for hallways, dining rooms, and entryways.

You can even add wall molding—those trim pieces that look like empty picture frames. It's great at filling up blank walls and adding embellishment to wall art or wall-mounted fixtures.

These projects need precise measurements and cuts. The construction process for adding these details isn't complicated, but attention to certain aspects like corners and transitions makes a big difference in the final result.

The best part? These improvements can add real value to your home when it's time to sell.

Replace Basic Hardware in Kitchens and Bathrooms

Hardware is one of those customized options that many builders charge a premium for during the build process. Doing it yourself after you move in gives you more choices and helps you save money on your new house.

The handles of kitchen cabinets are like jewelry for your kitchen. Choose knobs and pulls that reflect your style—sleek and modern, vintage-inspired, or somewhere in between.

Popular finishes include:

• Matte black for a modern look
• Brass for warmth and character
• Bronze for traditional spaces

Make sure whatever you choose matches other elements in the room. If you have stainless appliances, consider hardware with similar tones.

In bathrooms, don't forget about towel bars and toilet paper holders. These small details add up to a finished look.

Create a Custom Home That Feels Like YOU

The ability to make it your own is one of the best parts of buying a new construction home, but doing so takes time. Don't rush to fill every space right away. Live in your new build home for a bit to understand how you use each room and give it a chance to settle.

Focus on one space at a time. Start with the rooms you use most, like the kitchen and living room. This approach gives you more control over the design process and helps you avoid getting overwhelmed.

Remember that the best homes aren't perfect—they're personal. Let your space tell your story through items you love, not just what's trendy right now. The final touches you add are what turn a house into your dream home.

Nashville New Construction Resources

• The Pros & Cons of Buying a New Construction Home
• Who Do I Hire to Build a House?
• Designing Your Dream House: 4 Interior Design Tips for New Construction Homes
• Search Nashville New Construction Homes For Sale