3 Easy Ways to Warm Up a New Build
By Larissa Anderson
"Are you looking for a few simple ways to create a cozy refuge in your home? " - Larissa Anderson
If you’ve ever moved into or built a new house, you know they can sometimes lack the warmth and detail that older homes offer. If you’re someone who appreciates a cozy, welcoming space, but are starting with a blank slate, there are a few easy updates you can make to warm up your space and add your personality at the same time.
ADDING RUGS FOR WARMTH
First off, I always recommend adding area rugs to each main living space. They serve a number of purposes, from adding color and pattern, to helping soften hard flooring, and most importantly in my opinion, grounding furniture and creating a visual focus area. For Kitchens, Bathrooms, Foyers, Mudrooms and Dining Rooms, I love to use washable or performance rugs. Made from easy care materials like polyester or polyurethane, they often have a water resistant barrier to prevent spills from soaking in, making clean up easy. For Bedrooms, I love using rugs made of natural materials like wool, cotton, or jute that feel soft underfoot, and instantly signal that you’re in a safe space. Many brands now provide washable options that provide more texture, or mimic a natural fiber like jute. It’s the best of both worlds!
ADDING CURTAINS FOR TEXTURE
The second addition that never fails to add warmth and interest are curtain panels. Even if they’re tonal to the walls, they still add a softness that drywall doesn’t provide. They’re also an amazing way to provide light control and add color/pattern to your spaces. One of my favorite ways to use drapes is to pair them with woven wood shades/blinds. The texture provides a modern organic vibe that works with almost any décor style. In terms of installation, I typically hang rods 2” from the ceiling (for 8-14’ ceilings), and 8-10” wider than the window frame on either side.
Favorite Drapes from TWOPAGES: Sara Le Bronze Botanical, Sara LeMidnight Plaid, Lydia Brick Jacquard White Wall
Favorite Woven Blinds from TWOPAGES: Sybil Bamboo Shade Beige or Flax, Ramie Bamboo Shade Beige
ADDING COLOR AND PATTERN WITH WALL TREATMENTS
The third option I always consider when designing a clients’ space is wall treatments. Wallpaper is making a big comeback in the design world, and for good reason. The detailed patterns and colors make spaces from small to large so much more visually interesting. One of my favorite spaces to use wallpaper in is the powder room…these small rooms are perfect for big impact. I also love combining wallpaper with millwork, be it vertical wood lap, board and batten, or fluted wood. It can be incredibly easy to DIY, with national retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s selling pre-made, primed sheets of millwork that just need to be cut to size, adhered to the wall, and painted.
If you’re trying to make your new space feel like a lived-in, comfortable refuge, try these three strategies and see how quickly your new house becomes your home.
*All photographs credit: Larissa Anderson.
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