How to Inject Character Into a New Build
Fresh construction, enduring charm—good design is in the details.
09 June –
How to Inject Character Into a New Build
Contents
While new builds offer a blank canvas and modern convenience, they can sometimes lack the warmth and character of older homes. In this post, we’re sharing timeless design strategies that bring soul and personality into fresh construction—infusing depth, warmth, and lived-in beauty throughout.
Designing a new build offers the rare opportunity to start fresh—but it can also pose the challenge of creating a home that feels warm, layered, and full of character. While fresh construction delivers modern functionality and clean lines, it often lacks the architectural charm found in older homes. The key is knowing how to add personality through thoughtful, timeless design details that bring balance and soul to your space.
In this post, we’re exploring Shea-approved ways to add charm to a new build, with examples straight from our design portfolio—from incorporating raw materials and paneled walls to using leaded glass, arched doorways, and intricate flooring patterns like herringbone. Whether it’s the softness of café curtains or the artisanal touch of millwork, these ideas will help your home feel curated and enduring, not cookie-cutter.
01
Raw Materials
Natural elements that ground and warm a space.
When designing a new build, raw materials are essential for introducing character and a sense of timelessness. Incorporating natural elements like stone walls, wood beams, or a carved stone tub can soften clean architectural lines and infuse the space with organic warmth. Cut wood—whether stacked for styling, used as open shelving, or displayed in sculptural form—adds rustic charm and tactile interest. Linen curtains bring a relaxed elegance and gentle movement to windows, while textured travertine or hand-carved sinks offer artisanal contrast against sleek surfaces. Unlacquered brass fixtures are one of our favorite ways to introduce character. They provide a subtle yet striking layer of visual depth, developing a warm patina over time that enhances the overall sense of age and craftsmanship. These finishes evolve beautifully, offering dimension and authenticity. Incorporating natural, unrefined materials is one of the most effective ways to make a new construction feel curated, welcoming, and enduring.
The examples below are from our Water’s Edge project. Explore the entirety of the project here.
“Water’s Edge is a perfect example of how raw, natural materials can infuse a brand-new home with character.”
Shea McGee
02
Classic Elements
Historic charm reimagined for modern living.
Incorporating classic design elements is one of the most effective ways to bring warmth, charm, and a sense of history to a new build. These timeless details—think café curtains, plate racks, checkerboard flooring, and custom millwork—add depth and character that elevate even the most contemporary spaces. Features like picture rails, Dutch doors, and wainscoting or beadboard paneling evoke heritage craftsmanship and create visual interest through thoughtful layering. Even small touches, such as vintage-inspired hardware, contribute to a collected and enduring aesthetic. By weaving these traditional accents into the design, you can create a home that feels both fresh and rooted in timeless style.
The examples below are from our Spec Home project. Explore the entirety of the project here.
Classic Styling Elements
Even small things, like a vintage-inspired crock with wooden utensils, go a long way for adding character to a new build.
03
Architectural Features
Structural details that define a space beautifully.
Architectural features are the foundation of a well-designed home—and in a new build, they offer the opportunity to introduce charm and dimension from the ground up. Thoughtful details like arched doorways, pitched ceilings, and intricate millwork create visual interest and soften the clean lines of modern construction. Built-in bookshelves, ceiling beams, and transom or oval windows add both function and character, while window benches and bay windows invite warmth and natural light. These classic design elements not only enhance the home’s structure but also bring a sense of permanence and custom craftsmanship that elevates every room.
The examples below are from our Maryland Heritage Remodel project. Explore the entirety of the project here.
“This oval window adds quaint, storybook charm—it’s a small detail that makes a big impact on the overall design.”
Shea McGee
04
Statement Flooring
Patterns and materials that ground with charm.
Flooring is one of the most impactful ways to add charm and visual interest to a new build. From timeless hardwood patterns like herringbone and chevron to classic tile layouts such as checkerboard and basketweave, thoughtful flooring choices help define each space with character and intention. These patterns bring movement and depth underfoot, elevating even the simplest materials into something special. Whether it’s a bold tile moment in a powder room or a richly layered wood floor in the entryway, statement flooring adds a sense of craftsmanship and history that anchors the home from the ground up.
05
Collected Styling
Vintage finds and pieces that reflect personality.
Styling is where a house truly becomes a home, and collected decor plays a vital role in making a new build feel layered and lived-in. Incorporating vintage pieces, heirloom accents, and one-of-a-kind finds adds depth, personality, and a sense of history to even the most modern space. Whether it’s an antique rug in the entry, a well-loved cabinet in the dining room, or meaningful artwork styled on open shelves, these elements infuse charm and tell your unique story. Collected interiors not only reflect your personal taste—they soften new construction and create the warmth of a home that’s evolved over time.
The examples below are from the wine room of our Hilltop Estate project. Explore the entirety of the project here.
You May Also Like
