From Blank to Beautiful: How to Add Character to a New Build

INTRODUCTION:
We often hear from readers asking how to use our paint colours and wallpapers in their newly built homes and flats. While moving into a new home is exciting, it can sometimes feel overwhelming and a little too plain with all the smooth walls and neutral carpets. The upside is that it doesn’t take much to create a space that feels welcoming, effortlessly stylish and unmistakably you.

This month, we’re sharing three design ideas to help you tackle your open plan kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces by simply adding a splash of colour, a patterned wallpaper and some cosy accessories. All brought to life with Mairi Helena’s signature paint and signature designs.

REFINED LUXURY

If you’re drawn to elegant, pulled together interiors, Refined Luxury is for you. Think warm layered taupe or a soft muted blue paint across the walls of the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Boost the style by adding a delicate wallpaper like Forest Light throughout the living space and pair it with a subtle patterned rug. To finish the look, swap out the builder’s hardware for brushed bronze kitchen knobs and handles and matte black accessories. Simple updates you can make to create a more elegant and polished feel in your home.


Create this look with Mairi Helena Colonsay Bay paint, Iona Blue paint, and Forest Light wallpaper and Tea towel.


RADIANT BOTANICAL

Have you always wanted a sociable, uplifting space? Create exactly this by hanging the botanical pattern of Hidden Garden on the walls in the kitchen and dining areas. Then pair it with muted sage green of Lismore Lichen paint in the connecting open living space. Don’t be afraid to be bold with curved or fluted shapes, painted wood furniture, and adding a delicate stripe to create a space full of energy.

Create this look with Mairi Helena Lismore Lichen paint, Skye Buttercup paint, St Kilda Green paint and Hidden Garden wallpaper and a cosy merino lamb wool throw.

HERITAGE MODERN

Do you enjoy mixing old and new together? If so, then Heritage Modern is an easy way to add character to a modern new build by filling it with interesting vintage furniture finds. Add a touch of warmth to the builder’s white walls with Fidra Lighthouse paint colour throughout all three spaces – kitchen, dining, and lounge. Use Shore Waders wallpaper to create a focal feature wall in the living space (also a great way to disguise the TV). Finish it off with coordinating accessories in the dining and kitchen help tie the look together.

For those want to be braver with their design, swap out the standard backsplash for a deeper navy tile (as shown) or paint nooks / radiators in one of the three accent paint colours: a classic navy Staffa Sea, a contemporary rust Mull Bracken, or a muted Iona Blue.

Create this look with Mairi Helena Fidra Lighthouse paint as the dominant colour and use Staffa Sea paint, Mull Bracken paint, and Iona Blue paint as accent colours. Feature wall in Mairi Helena Shore Waders wallpaper along with accessories Shore Waders lampshade, table runner, and napkins.

READY TO GIVE YOUR NEW BUILD SOME PERSONALITY?
Whether you’re craving calm sophistication, joyful burst of colour, or a mix of old and new, Mairi Helena’s handcrafted designs make it easy to bring warmth and individuality to your space. Explore the collection and see how pattern can easily turn the blank backdrop of your new build into a home that feels welcoming and beautifully yours.

For more inspiration, schedule a visit to our Edinburgh studio to see how we’ve paired our signature paint, wallpaper, and home accessory designs to create a personality filled space.

SHOP THE LOOK

LOOK 1: REFINED LUXURY

Wallpaper: Forest Light

Paint: Iona Blue

Paint: Colonsay Bay

Accessories: Forest Light tea towel

LOOK 2: RADIANT BOTANICAL

Wallpaper: Hidden Garden

Paint: Lismore Lichen

Accent paint: Skye Buttercup

Accent paint: St Kilda Green

Accessory: Hidden Garden merino lamb wool throw

Accessory: Hidden Garden table runner and napkins

LOOK 3: HERITAGE MODERN

Wallpaper: Shore Waders

Paint: Fidra Lighthouse

Accent paint: Iona Blue

Accent paint: Staffa Sea

Accent paint: Mull Bracken

Accessory: Shore Waders lampshade

Accessory: Shore Waders napkins and table runner

Accessory: Shore Waders lamb wool throw

Next
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Mood Makers: How Paint and Pattern Set the Tone of Your Home