Personalise your blank canvas with George Wimpey

Designing and decorating the interior of your new home can be a daunting prospect, but starting from scratch is something that professional designers face on a daily basis.

That is why George Wimpey has teamed up with interior design company Connections In Design to let purchasers in on some trade secrets and help stamp their own personality onto their living space.

Marie Wilkinson, regional sales and marketing director for George Wimpey North West, comments: "Buying a brand new home is perfect for people who enjoy transforming their living space into an expression of their own personality. Starting afresh allows you to be completely creative and means that you don't have to work around the previous owners' style choices. Just a few tricks of the trade will help buyers become their own interior designers, which is why we are working with Connections In Design to give purchasers a head start."

According to Pat Nightingale from Connections In Design, creating your new look is easier than you think: "Begin styling your blank canvas by cutting pictures out of magazines and collecting fabric samples for inspiration. Choose your colour scheme from this selection and then use it throughout your home. As the summer months approach, soften the division between the inside and outside space by blending your colour scheme into the garden with plant pots and lighting.

"One of the most popular trends at the moment is minimalism which is easy to achieve and cost effective. Keep walls neutral, furniture simple and straight lined and artwork striking and modern. Add splashes of colour with accessories which can be updated easily as fashions and tastes change."

For inspiration, George Wimpey North West's design ideas can be viewed at the Wordsworth show home and Cambourne show apartment at Chatsworth Gardens, located off Thingwall Road in Wavertree Garden Suburb.

For further information on properties across the region, visit George Wimpey's information centres, which are open seven days a week from 10.00am to 5.00pm or log on to Georgewimpey.co.uk.

Top Tips For Styling Your Blank Canvas

1. Colour - Starting from scratch gives you the freedom to choose any colour as it won't clash. However, the colour will appear different in natural and artificial light so before you paint a whole wall and regret it, make sure you buy a sample pot and paint a large piece of cardboard. Move the board around the room and if in doubt, choose a lighter shade. Creating a focal point with bold wallpaper or paint on just one wall of a room is very effective.

2. Flooring - Consider what the space is being used for. Your hallway will need a tougher flooring than your guest room as it will obviously be subjected to a lot more wear and tear. If you have a room that leads straight into the garden, it's wise to consider wooden flooring as it's easier to keep clean than carpet. If your room is small, a dark floor can make it appear bigger. Request a large sample from your supplier so you can see how the light will affect the colour.

3. Lighting - Lighting is hugely important for creating ambience and structure. Create a warm and inviting atmosphere in rooms you want to relax in, like the lounge and bedroom, by using cosy lamps instead of the main lights. If you wish to highlight the corner of a room, choose oversized light fittings. For an intimate atmosphere, hang a modern glass chandelier low over the dining table.

4. Wall art - Rather than traditional framed artwork, wall art gives a fresh and modern feel to any space. There are many different options, from sculpted brass to tiled glass, with the added benefit that you can move it from room to room if you get bored of the view. If you're feeling confident, you could even pick up the paint brush and create your own masterpiece using a blank framed canvas.

5. Fabrics - Luxurious material is still a key style this season with florals and oriental designs proving to be a key trend. Creating a subtle look along these lines can be created through silk inspired bed throws and cushions, or bold coloured flower or leaf designs for curtains and table runners. Layering contrasting patterns and prints is also a clever way of adding that interior designed touch.

6. Mirrors - Reflective surfaces create light and give the appearance of more space. There are plenty of styles to choose, from huge floor length mirrors positioned on the ground and tilted back onto the wall to smaller port hole style Convex mirrors which give an unusual look. Placing mirrors next to lights or windows also maximises the feeling of openness.

7. Wood - Natural wood can come in a range of finishes and designers love working with raw materials. If you're styling a smaller area then keep your furniture light whereas larger spaces can take darker shades, helping to create a chic city style set up. By pairing your wooden pieces with bright greens you can help bring the outside in and create your own indoor oasis.

8. Metallics - Brass, pewter and bronze, either polished or distressed, are also popular this spring and help add further warmth to the home whilst evenings can still be a little chilly. Tall vases, picture frames or candle holders all add an element of opulent glamour to any room scheme.

9. Positioning - Think carefully before you position your furniture and if you're starting from scratch, consider items that will double up, for example as storage or an extra bed. Corner sofas are a great way of making the most of space and look modern. Symmetry also works well, for example in the bedroom, position a side table on each side of the bed with matching lamps on each.

10. Focal point - Finally, always try to create a focal point to any room to draw you into the space. A great way of doing this is to highlight a personal memento, a photo album or travel book to add your own personality. It's also the perfect conversation opener when guests visit!