A New Build with Old Soul

When you begin a new build or major renovation, it’s easy to get swept up in what’s new. The promise of clean lines, fresh finishes, and a blank slate is exciting. But in that process, it’s also easy to lose the sense of warmth and familiarity that makes a space feel personal.

When we style a home for a photo shoot, we don't start with accessories or colour palettes, we start with a story. Who lives there, what do their days feel like? From there, we build a visual language that supports that story. The same applies to your new home or renovation. The difference is, this story isn’t fictional. It’s yours.

1. Begin with a Sense of Place

Apart from telling your story, a well-designed home should also respond to its surroundings. Whether you’re building in the city, near the water, or on a wide stretch of rural land, your home should reflect something about its environment.

This doesn’t mean replicating historical architecture or forcing a certain look. It’s about letting the landscape and context influence your design choices so the home feels naturally settled and appropriate to its setting.

2. Materials with Character

New construction can sometimes feel flat if everything is too clean and perfect. Introducing natural materials is one of the most effective ways to bring in depth and character from the start.

We often work with unlacquered brass, limestone, soapstone, oak, handmade tiles, and lime plaster. These are materials that change with time. They’re tactile, honest, and never overly polished. When a home is finished with materials that have a bit of soul, it creates an atmosphere that feels lived-in and lasting.

3. Design for real life

It’s one thing to look at a floor plan. It’s another to walk through the space and understand how it lives. As you work through the layout of a new build or renovation, think beyond the room labels. Where do you enter the home, and what are you holding in your hands? How do you transition from cooking to sitting down at the table? Where does light fall in the afternoon? Designing for daily rhythms creates a flow that makes living in the home feel natural and intuitive.

4. Let the architecture lead

In new builds, architecture plays a critical role in giving the space personality and dimension. Even without furniture, well-proportioned millwork, ceiling details, door casings, and built-ins can create a strong sense of identity.

These elements add structure and shape to the interior. They also help avoid the flatness that can sometimes come with newly built spaces. When thoughtfully executed, architectural detailing becomes the foundation that everything else is built on.

5. Layer over time

There’s often pressure to have everything complete on move-in day. But the homes we find most compelling are the ones that evolve slowly. Give yourself space to collect pieces over time. Wait to find the right vintage cabinet for your entry. Let the artwork change as you live in the space.

Furnishing all at once may be efficient, but it can feel impersonal. Leaving room for discovery helps your home reflect your personality in a more authentic way. If you begin with a strong foundation and a clear sense of your story, the rest will fall into place.

— Lidia & Team