Design tips and shoppable picks from a new build full of character
When Megan Robson (@kitandco_) and her family moved from a Grade-II listed Georgian flat in Edinburgh to a new build in a nearby seaside village, it presented a creative challenge. Megan was used to the elegance and grandeur of a period property and she was grappling with the prospect of decorating without it.
"I’m completely obsessed with the charm and character of old properties," she says. "Our last apartment had the most magnificent proportions, with intricate cornicing, marble fireplaces and original flagstones – the type of character you don’t have to create, just enhance, which is always easier – so it took me a while to reconcile to the idea of living in a modern home."
But spaces that put your ingenuity to the test can often produce the most original results, and Megan took the project in hand.
"It was a clean slate," she recalls. "White walls, floating floors, no carpets or tiles – it felt chilly and sterile. But I felt ready to embrace the challenge of creating an interesting home in what was, essentially, a blank box."
Below, Megan shares her top tips for adding character to a new build, and we've sourced all the shoppable paint colours, wallpaper, furniture and accessories to recreate the look.
Sitting room
Megan's sitting room showcases her decorating sleight of hand – wherever those characterful original features are quite obviously absent, she has created a distraction in the layers of colour, pattern and interesting objects.
"Layering together patterns and colours allows you to overlook the shortcomings of proportions, or lack of architectural details or period features," she says.
In a new build, rooms tend to be large and often open plan, and while that provides a wonderful sense of space, it can all feel a bit undefined. Megan has used a sofa to divide her sitting room into two zones to create purpose and cosiness.
Country Living Kirkton 3 Seater Sofa
Odin Brass Drinks Trolley
Tangier Mustard Stripe Scrunchie Lampshade
Vogue September 1938 Framed Cover
Rattan Scalloped Tray
Astrea Curtain Fabric
Hallway
Colour played a significant role in Megan's previous home – "I had used heritage colours with soft, chalky finishes" – but she understood that her new build needed a different approach. "I felt that bolder colours would be the key to bringing life into the space. And honestly, I think that’s the secret to making such a modern property feel so homely," she says.
Megan chooses one or two focal points of colour in each space. In her open-plan entrance hall and dining room she has used powder blue architraves and red striped curtains by Tori Murphy. "This can instantly inject personality into the space and create a striking visual impact."
Sleeper Stripe Cotton Claret Curtain
John Lewis ANYDAY Skye Jute Rug
Vintage Ceramic Ceiling Lamp
Montacute Carver Chair
£300.00 at thewainhouseco.co.uk
Print Room Yellow
Farley Limestone Seasoned Finish Parquet
Kitchen and utility
Megan's country-inspired utility room showcases the power of a light touch when it comes to introducing period features into a contemporary space.
"Whilst intricate cornicing and marble fireplaces are harder to integrate into a modern home, smaller more decorative pieces such as aged brass taps, marble worktops or sink skirts can all add character," says Megan.
Hedera Wallpaper by Sanderson
Cream Scallop Lampshade
Woodhouse Check Cotton Fabric Mustard
Farrow & Ball Light Blue No.22
Taino Bar Stool in Natural
Soft Blue Gingham Tablecloth
$206.00 at maisonmargauxltd.com
Main bedroom
Much of Megan's home could be described as quintessentially British in style, but her collection of art and richly patterned soft furnishings are a window into her travels. Many of the pieces on display were sourced during holidays in Africa and Europe, and this personal element is a nice way of tempering the impersonal nature of new builds.
Megan's gift for mixing patterns is on full display in her bedroom. Her approach is quite instinctive and summed up by her decorating maxim; "Enjoy colour. Mix patterns. Embrace joy!"
Izzie Headboard
Glass Ceiling Light in Antique Brass
Archana Quilt Large Sage
$333.00 at couvertureandthegarbstore.com
Bathroom
A simple yet impactful move was the introduction of tongue-and-groove panelling throughout the house. "It instantly added depth and character."
Megan has also played to her love of nostalgia. In her bathroom, she has used Molly Mahon's playful strawberry motif conjuring a sense of whimsy and British charm. "I've always had a fondness for patterned wallpaper and chintz," she says.
Marlborough Terracotta Parquet
Sulking Room Pink
Marigold Wallpaper Pink/Green
Children's rooms
Megan's irresistible take on decorating for little ones is proof that a child's bedroom or playroom can be in tune with the broader design of a home without sacrificing a sense of invention and playfulness.
"I really wanted the children to have a creative space where they could just be kids," she says.
Vintage-inspired toys and decoration offer a more sophisticated avenue for parents, and you can indulge in a bit of design whimsy safe in the knowledge that playrooms do, after all, hold a temporary spot in your home.
Country Living Kirkton Cuddler
Strawberry Wallpaper Grass
Teal Single Metal Bed Frame
Anglepoise Type 75 Margaret Howell Edition Desk Lamp
Personalised White Vilac Ride On Toy
£130.00 at notonthehighstreet.com
Wool Throw in Mustard
You Might Also Like
