Building a new home is a huge investment, and it’s only natural to want to get it just right! With so many decisions flying at you all at once, it can feel a bit overwhelming—especially when you’re struggling to visualise how it will all come together. That’s why making SMART choices is key! Making smart selections will not only elevate your new home design but also ensure you’re genuinely happy with what you pick in the long run. That’s why we’re sharing some super practical tips to help you confidently navigate the design process, drawing inspiration from how we’ve done just that in our latest project, Dream Home 9. Let’s dive in and turn your dream home into a reality!
INSPIRATION VS. REALITY: HOW TO STAY TRUE TO YOUR VISION
Before diving into your new home design, the first step is finding a style you truly love. Create a vision board that reflects this style—whether it’s modern coastal, timeless classic, or something totally unique. This vision board will be your guiding light throughout the entire process, helping you stay focused on what you love most while filtering out distractions.
It’s easy to get swept up in the dreamy world of Pinterest and Instagram, but when it comes to new home design, reality can feel a little… different. The trick is to stay true to your vision while being realistic about your budget, lifestyle, and the materials available. Don’t try to force every trend into your home—focus on what you truly love and what will make you happy for years to come. When you stay true to your style, you’ll end up with a home that feels both beautiful and personal, not just a mix of fleeting trends
NAILING COLOUR CONSISTENCY FROM ROOM TO ROOM
When it comes to new home design, keeping your colour palette consistent across multiple spaces can feel like a juggling act. But here’s the trick: choose a few core colours that you love and use them as your foundation. At Oak & Orange, we like to use the same tapware throughout the home to create a cohesive look. Plus, we find ways to repeat colours, shapes, and patterns across different rooms, tying everything together beautifully. You don’t have to make every room a carbon copy of the last, but maintaining that consistent base colour and thoughtful details will create a seamless vibe. Whether it’s through paint, finishes, or decor, keeping your colours connected will make your home feel polished and intentional—like a pro designed it!
A mix of shapes, sizes and colours used in the Dream Home 9 bathrooms.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE FEELING OVERWHELMED
Let’s face it: the design process can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, and it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed by all the choices. When that wave of stress hits, take a step back and breathe. Start by breaking things down into smaller, manageable tasks—like focusing on one choice at a time or tackling specific colour selections. After creating your vision board, try to steer clear of searching for new inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram, as that can lead to even more confusion and overwhelm. Instead, rely on your style and vision board to guide your decisions and keep your new home design on track. Here are some more practical tips on how to lock in and finalise your selections, so you can move forward with confidence and excitement!
See the VJ panelling used in multiple rooms. We often like to do this to create cohesion between spaces.
FUNCTION OVER FASHION: DESIGNING FOR REAL LIFE
When it comes to new home design, remember that a stunning space is only as good as it is practical! Letting those real-life needs steer your selections will not only make your home more livable but also help you trim down all those choices that can feel totally overwhelming. Think about how you and your crew will actually use each space: Do you need durable materials that can handle messy little hands? Or maybe layouts that flow seamlessly for entertaining? By keeping liveability at the forefront, you’ll hone in on what truly matters, ensuring your design reflects your style and lifestyle. So, embrace that balance between function and fashion, and you’ll end up with a home that’s as fabulous as it is functional—perfect for all your everyday adventures!
Due to the smaller format of these tiles, which results in more grout lines, we chose to use them in the laundry rather than the bathroom, where maintenance and cleaning would be more challenging.
UNLOCKING SUCCESS: HOW SAMPLES SIMPLIFY YOUR CHOICES
Colour undertones are those sneaky little hues lurking beneath the surface of every paint or material, and they can totally change the game in your new home design! Understanding these undertones is essential for creating a space that feels just right. By bringing home samples and testing them side by side, you’ll see how colours interact and how one can enhance the undertone of another. This simple step can save you from the dreaded “what was I thinking?!” moment down the track. Plus, it helps narrow down your selections significantly! You’ll quickly find out which colours sing in harmony together and which ones clash, making your final decisions feel like a walk in the park. So, pay attention to those undertones, and you’ll be well on your way to a stunning home that truly reflects your style!
DESIGN WITH CLARITY: THE MAGIC OF A MOOD BOARD
When it comes to making those big decisions in your new home design, a mood board is like your trusty sidekick! It’s the perfect tool to help you commit to your selections without the nagging doubt that can creep in. By visually showcasing everything you’ve chosen for each room, you create a clear picture of your vision that you can refer back to throughout your build journey. Instead of getting lost in a sea of inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest—hello, overwhelm!—you’ll have something tangible that keeps you focused and confident in your choices. Plus, as you gather your colors, materials, and images, you’ll see how everything works together, making it so much easier to stay on track and excited about your design.
KITCHEN MOOD BOARD + GUEST BATHROOM MOOD BOARD
And there you have it—our top tips for making your new home design journey as fabulous as it should be! By sticking to your vision, coordinating those colours, and embracing practicality, you’ll not only ease the selection process but also create a space that truly feels like you. Remember, every choice you make is a chance to sprinkle a little of your personality into your dream home, so trust your gut and have a blast with it!
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