Moving From a Victorian Pied-à-Terre to a New Build: A Personal Shift in Lifestyle and Design
A few months ago, I made a big change.
I moved from a charming, old Victorian-style pied-à-terre in the heart of Cambridge to a new build in a much more rural location. It was a shift I’d been craving — more space, a proper garden where I can grow vegetables and enjoy the sun, and a slower, more country-inspired lifestyle.
Now, let me be honest — I adore period homes. I love the quirks, the craftsmanship, the layered history of old buildings. I’ve spent years renovating them for my clients and had completely transformed my own home in Cambridge. But after doing that every day for others, I found myself wanting something different. A fresh start. A blank canvas.
Am I a Big Fan of New Builds?
Not really… but hear me out.
While I’m not naturally drawn to new builds, I do believe they hold so much potential. With the right vision and thoughtful, bespoke design, you can absolutely create something beautiful, warm, and personal. You can make it feel like you — and that’s exactly what I’m doing now.
I’m still in the process (and far from a grand reveal just yet), but I thought I’d share a few thoughts on the experience so far — and some of the beautiful new build projects we’ve completed for clients.
New Build vs. Old Home: What’s the Difference?
For starters, there’s that fresh smell — the paint, the carpets, the new flooring. It makes everything feel instantly calm and ready to live in. You don’t need to wait months for builders, dust, or demolition. It’s liveable from day one, and that’s incredibly appealing to many people — especially if you’re not up for a renovation marathon.
That said, renovating an older home comes with the satisfaction of crafting something completely tailored and soulful. When done right, it’s magical. But new builds offer their own kind of magic — the chance to layer in character and create something that feels uniquely yours.
Just don’t try to turn a new build into a Victorian terrace — it won’t work, and it will feel confused. Instead, embrace its clean lines and contemporary bones. Use colour, texture, and bespoke touches to add soul and interest.
Customising Your New Build (If You Can)
If you’re lucky enough to reserve your home before the first and second fix stages, some developers will allow you to make custom changes — and I highly recommend it. Sadly, I bought a little too late in the game to make any major tweaks, but I was able to hang a pendant over my dining table (a small win, but such an important one to me). That’s often hard to do with new builds peppered with downlights, so credit to the developer for that small flexibility.
Should You Still Hire a Designer for a New Build?
In short — absolutely.
Yes, even with a brand-new blank slate, professional design makes all the difference. I hired myself (of course!) to design my own new build. And even though it’s not finished yet, I can already feel it becoming something special.
Most of our clients come to us for full turn-key design — even with a new build. They want to walk into a home that’s beautiful, thoughtful, and completely move-in ready. All they need to bring is their toothbrush and favourite mug. Doesn’t that sound dreamy?
Final Thoughts
So while I still love old homes and all the stories they tell, I’ve found new joy in designing something completely fresh. A new build isn’t just a default option — it can be a space full of opportunity, creativity, and comfort, if approached with care.
And when mine is ready, I’ll be sharing more — room by room, story by story.
In the meantime, take a peek at some of the beautiful new builds we’ve designed and photographed. I hope they inspire you to see what’s possible when design meets intention, no matter the age of your home.
Curious how Katie can transform your space? Let’s chat about your project.
