Personalising a Volume Builder New Build: How to Make Your Home Stand Out from the Rest
Building a new home is exciting, but when it comes to volume builder homes, there’s often a sense that your home could end up looking a bit ‘cookie cutter’ just like everyone else’s in the neighbourhood. While volume builders offer great value and convenience, their homes can sometimes lack the personal touch that makes a house truly feel like yours. The good news? With a few thoughtful design choices, you can make your new build stand out from the rest—turning a standard house into a home that reflects your unique style and personality.
Here’s how to add those personal touches that will set your home apart.
1. Upgrade Fixtures and Finishes
One of the easiest ways to make a volume builder home feel more custom is by upgrading the standard fixtures and finishes. Builders often offer basic options, which may not align with your vision of a luxurious or sophisticated home. Consider upgrading kitchen taps, cabinet hardware, door handles, and light fixtures to something that better suits your style. Small upgrades like these can make a massive difference in the overall look and feel of your home.
Tip: Opt for brushed bronze or brushed gold fixtures for a modern, upscale feel, or classic brushed chrome for timeless appeal.
2. Choose a Custom Colour Palette
Most volume builder homes come with a neutral colour palette, which is great for a blank canvas, but this can leave your home feeling a little flat. Personalise your space by choosing a colour scheme that reflects your taste. Whether you love cool blues and greys or warm, earthy tones, selecting your own paint colours will instantly make your home feel more unique. Don’t be afraid to use feature walls or accent colours in certain rooms to create focal points and add character.
Tip: Keep your overall colour palette cohesive throughout your home, but consider using different shades or accent colours in key areas like the living room or master bedroom for added interest.
3. Incorporate Custom Cabinetry
Standard cabinetry in a volume builder home can often feel generic and lacking in storage solutions. By incorporating custom cabinetry in key areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, or walk-in wardrobes, you can not only improve functionality but also enhance the look of your space. Custom cabinetry allows you to choose materials, finishes, and layouts that suit your needs while adding a touch of luxury and individuality to your home.
Tip: Consider opting for two-toned cabinetry in the kitchen, with darker lower cabinets and lighter upper cabinets, for a contemporary twist that adds visual interest.
4. Upgrade Flooring
The flooring in a volume build is often basic and functional, which can leave the space feeling a little uninspired. Upgrading your flooring can elevate the entire home’s aesthetic. Whether you prefer hardwood, engineered timber, or large-format tiles, upgrading your flooring from standard builder-grade options will instantly give your home a more polished and unique feel.
Tip: Choose flooring that complements your home’s style, whether that’s sleek and modern or warm and traditional. For open-plan spaces, make sure the flooring flows seamlessly from one room to the next.
5. Invest in High-Quality Window Treatments
Builders often include basic blinds or curtains, which may not add much personality or style to your home. To make your new build feel more custom, invest in high-quality window treatments like plantation shutters, linen curtains, or custom Roman blinds. These can be tailored to your exact window sizes and preferences, adding both style and functionality to your home. Window treatments also provide an excellent opportunity to introduce texture and softness into a space.
Tip: For a luxurious feel, consider full-length curtains that kiss the floor and run the entire width of the wall. This adds a sense of grandeur and elegance to bedrooms and living areas.
6. Consider Built-In Joinery
Adding built-in joinery such as bookshelves, entertainment units, or a mudroom bench can make your home feel more bespoke. These elements can be designed to fit your specific needs, maximising storage while creating a personalised, custom feel. Built-ins not only add character but also make your home more functional, helping you avoid clutter and stay organised.
Tip: A custom-built media unit in the living room is a fantastic way to display décor, store electronics, and make the space feel curated and thoughtful.
7. Add Architectural Features
Even in a volume build, you can incorporate architectural details that give your home a custom look. Consider adding features like decorative cornices, feature walls with panelling, or a vaulted ceiling to add depth and interest to your spaces. These small changes can make a big impact and give your home a high-end, bespoke feel.
Tip: Panelling a wall in the entryway or living area adds a touch of elegance and breaks up flat, plain walls without being overwhelming.
8. Focus on Landscaping
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior when it comes to personalisation. Many volume builder homes come with basic landscaping, but this is an opportunity to add your own flair. Whether it’s creating a lush garden, adding a statement pathway, or installing a custom outdoor entertaining area, your landscaping choices can greatly impact your home’s curb appeal and how you use the space.
Tip: For an inviting outdoor space, think about creating zones—like a cosy outdoor seating area or a garden path lined with feature plants. This makes your exterior feel just as thoughtful and personalised as the inside.
Personalising a volume builder new build doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a few key upgrades and design choices, you can transform a standard home into one that truly reflects your style and stands out from the rest. Whether it’s through custom cabinetry, upgraded fixtures, or thoughtful landscaping, these small changes can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels. So, don’t settle for a cookie-cutter design—create a space that’s as unique as you are.