New Build? No Problem! Add Character to Your Home with These Key Pieces

Moving into a new build home has its perks — fresh walls, modern fittings, and a blank canvas to make your own. But let's be honest, new builds can sometimes feel a little… clinical. If your space is missing that all-important character and warmth, don’t worry — the right styling choices can make all the difference.

At Ava & Beaux, we’ve curated a collection of timeless, elegant pieces designed to inject personality, texture, and charm into your home — no matter how fresh the plaster.

Adding Character to your Home

Traditionally, people add character to their homes through features like original fireplaces, exposed beams, vintage furniture, and ornate mouldings — details that tell a story and evoke a sense of history. Patterned wallpapers, rich colour palettes, and layered textures are classic elements often seen in shabby chic interiors, helping to create a warm, inviting, and lived-in feel. For those drawn to a shabby chic home style, mixing antique pieces with soft, worn finishes adds personality and charm. But when you’re starting with a blank slate, like in a new build, you often have to get creative with how you introduce that same warmth and depth — and that’s where thoughtful styling makes all the difference.

1. Antique Quatrefoil Mirror: Instantly Add Heritage

Nothing says character like an antique-inspired mirror. Our Antique Quatrefoil Mirror brings a vintage flourish to any hallway, living room, or bedroom. Its distinctive shape and aged finish provide contrast against the clean lines of a new build.

Style Tip: Hang it above a console table or fireplace to anchor the room and create an instant focal point.

2. Stone Lamps: Texture & Warmth

Bare walls and sharp corners? Soften them with a stone lamp. The tactile, natural finish of our stone lamps adds an earthy, timeless element that new builds often lack.

Style Tip: Place them on side tables or a hallway console to introduce ambient lighting — warm light always makes a home feel more lived in.

3. Ceramic Vases: Organic Elegance

Add a touch of artistry and softness with ceramic vases. Whether filled with dried stems, fresh blooms, or left empty, our vases introduce organic shapes and textures that help break up the uniformity of modern spaces.

Style Tip: Group different heights together on a shelf or sideboard for visual interest.

4. Artichoke Tea Light Holders: Subtle Atmosphere

Small details create big impact. Our Artichoke Tea Light Holders are the perfect accessory to dot around living spaces. When lit, they throw a soft, inviting glow that makes any room feel snug.

Style Tip: Scatter them on coffee tables, window sills, or even along the dining table for an intimate dinner setting.

5. Bamboo Christmas Boards: Seasonal Charm That Lasts

Why limit character to permanent fixtures? Our Bamboo Christmas Boards are great for entertaining, but they also double as rustic serving boards or kitchen styling accessories year-round.

Style Tip: Leave one styled with candles, small vases, or snacks on your kitchen island or dining table to keep things visually engaging even between meals.

New Build, Old Soul

You don’t need exposed beams or period features to have a home full of character. With just a few well-chosen pieces, your new build can feel like it’s always been yours — lived in, loved, and beautifully styled.