Top Tips for Preparing for Your Design and Colour Consultation When Building a New Home

Building a new home is an exciting journey, and one of the key milestones is your design and colour consultation. This is where you get to bring your dream home to life by choosing the aesthetics and design details that reflect your style. However, with so many choices available, it can feel overwhelming. Here's a helpful guide to make sure you're prepared for your consultation and make the most of this exciting process.

Before your consultation, spend time researching home design styles and colour schemes. Look through magazines and Pinterest to gather inspiration. Consider what overall look you want to achieve in your home – modern, classic, minimalist, or eclectic – and what kind of atmosphere you want to create in each room.

Tip: Create a mood board of designs, materials, and colours you like. This can help guide your conversation with the consultant and ensure you're on the same page.

Your home should not only look beautiful but also be practical for your lifestyle. Think about how you live and how each space will be used. For example, if you have young children or pets, you might want durable, easy-to-clean flooring and stain-resistant fabrics. If you entertain often, think about how the layout and finishes will enhance your social spaces.

Tip: Make a list of practical needs for each space, such as storage requirements or durability, and keep these in mind when making design decisions.

At Hive Homes, we will happily provide a range of standard inclusions and upgrades. Ask your consultant for a list of the available materials, fixtures, and finishes before your consultation. This will help you understand what’s included in your build and where you might want to invest in upgrades.

Tip: If possible, visit the builder’s showroom to see the materials and colours in person. This can help you visualise how they might look in your home.

It’s easy to get carried away with high-end finishes, but remember to stay within your budget. Before your consultation, determine how much you're willing to spend on upgrades. This way, you can prioritise areas where it’s worth investing in premium options, such as kitchens and bathrooms, while staying within your budget.

Tip: Create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves to help you decide where to splurge and where to save.

While trends come and go, your home is a long-term investment. When choosing colours and finishes, consider timeless options that will still look great in years to come. Neutral tones and classic materials can create a versatile backdrop, allowing you to easily update your home’s look with décor and furniture changes over time.

Tip: Use bold colours or patterns in areas that are easier to update, such as feature walls, cushions, or rugs, rather than permanent fixtures like kitchen cabinets or flooring.

If you already have key pieces of furniture, artwork, or décor that you want to incorporate into your new home, bring samples or photos with you. This will help the consultant match colours, finishes, and styles to your existing pieces, ensuring a cohesive look throughout your home.

Tip: Take note of the colours, textures, and styles of your favourite pieces to help guide your design choices.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions during your consultation. Whether it’s about the durability of materials, the cost of upgrades, or how a particular finish will age, your design consultant is there to guide you. Make a list of any questions or concerns you have ahead of time to make sure you cover everything during the meeting.

Tip: If you’re unsure about a decision, ask to see examples of homes where certain design elements have been used. This can help you visualise the final result.

As you’re selecting colours and finishes, always consider how they will work with your home’s layout. For example, open-plan spaces benefit from cohesive colour schemes, while smaller rooms may require lighter colours to create a sense of space. Think about how natural light enters each room, as this can affect how colours look at different times of the day.

Tip: Hive Homes supply a copy of your floor plan to the consultation to help visualise how your selections will flow from room to room.

If you're building with a partner or family, involve them in the decision-making process. While you might have a vision for the home, it’s important that everyone feels comfortable and excited about the final result. Discuss preferences ahead of time to avoid last-minute disagreements during the consultation.

Tip: If children are involved, consider giving them input on their bedrooms to make them feel included in the process.

Lastly, trust the expertise of your design consultant. They’ve likely worked on many homes and can provide valuable insights into what works well and what might not. Be open to their suggestions, especially if they offer practical solutions or alternatives to your ideas.

Tip: Use your consultant’s advice to refine your vision, but don’t be afraid to stick to your preferences if something is important to you.

Preparing for your design and colour consultation can help you feel confident and excited about making decisions for your new home. By doing your research, setting a budget, and keeping your lifestyle in mind, you'll be well-prepared to create a home that reflects your unique style and needs. Happy designing!

**Need more tips or ready to start your building journey? Reach out to us at Hive Homes, and let’s bring your dream home to life with ease and transparency.