The deal is closed and you’ve got the keys in hand – congratulations! The next step is to make your new house feel like a home.

A new build is convenient, up-to-date, and squeaky clean. It doesn’t have to lack character, and there are lots of easy ways to quickly give your newly-constructed home a homey, lived-in feel.

Home decorating experts continue to see a rising popularity in home decor trends like these:

• Sophisticated lighting- sculptural pendant lights, oversized chandeliers, and artistic floor lamps
• Biophilic design–bringing the outdoors in with indoor plants, living green walls, natural stone and wood finishes,  plus large windows to maximize light and outdoor views
• Textured walls–think textured wallpapers, textured paint finishes, plaster and stucco walls
• Quiet luxury–understated decor that emphasizes quality and authenticity
• Multifunctional spaces–such as, a home office that doubles as a guest room

1. Landscape the Yard

Digging in the dirt of your new home’s front or back yard is a great way to beautify and connect with the property. Plant some fresh flower beds, shrubs and herbs to personalize the area while making your home more inviting. Professional planting guides like this one offer helpful tips on the types of flowers, trees, and bushes to plant, and the best time to plant them, in Colorado.

If you don’t have a green thumb, keep it simple with some large potted plants at the front door or on the back porch. Add some patio furniture and you’re well on your way to creating an outdoor social space. Inspirational images on Pinterest and driving around your neighborhood are other good ways to get ideas and to learn what plants do well in your area.  Colorado gardening can be tricky. While grass can be a common ‘go to,’ in the Centennial State, many homeowners find that xeriscaping offers beauty and easy maintenance and requires little or no irrigation. Turf grass is another option to get that green look without continual watering.

2. Display Personal Photos and Art

Add a touch of love to any room by hanging personal photos and artwork on the walls. Your  creatively- displayed family and pet portraits  will make you (and your friends) smile, while a favorite quote or piece of artwork lets you express your unique personality.

Better yet, make a focal feature out of a family heirloom or vintage piece of furniture.

3. Customize Small Features

It might be overwhelming to decorate the whole house at once. The good news is a little goes a long way when it comes to customizing your new home.  Switch out off-the-shelf features for custom fixtures, shutters, blinds, lighting, cabinets, or doors for a statement-making upgrade.

You can also play around with different finishes. Ty Strugalski, Campbell Homes’ Interior Designer, had this to say about her method of decorating a home.  “I like to mix new trends with classic styles, different textures, and try to find color palettes that are close to traditional but not quite.  Pushing the envelope is fun and can turn out amazing just as long as you don’t push it too far.”

4. Add Color and Texture 

Often, a new home will be decked out in neutral colors like white, beige or gray. To make your mark both literally and figuratively, paint a wall or two with a bold and inviting color.  For a more subtle treatment, use an accent color to brighten up a door, window frame or molding.

Bright or patterned cushions, rugs, bedspreads, throws and curtains can transform even the starkest of rooms into a warm and cozy haven while going easy on your wallet. Looking for ideas?  Visit our Pinterest board for color trends and ideas.  https://www.pinterest.com/campbellhomesco/a-punch-of-color/

5. Make it Official! 

Send out “We’ve Moved” announcements or throw a housewarming party! Sharing the space with friends is a perfect way to make your home feel like “yours” and a fun way to start creating memories.  Visit our Pinterest board for customizable announcement card ideas.  https://www.pinterest.com/campbellhomesco/weve-moved/