When you buy a new-build home, you buy a blank canvas that’s ready to bring your home décor ideas to life. But how do you know where to start? Tips from an interior design expert always come in handy in this situation, as they can guide your decisions and help you come up with a plan.
Cassia is a collection of new-build apartments in Oakwood, made stylish by Interior Designer Joanna from Inspired Interior Design], who brought her creative vision to the design and layout of these contemporary homes.
We spoke to her to discuss what makes the apartments at Cassia perfectly suited to London life and to get her insider tips for decorating a new-build home.
Cassia interior design Q&A with Joanna
What was the interior design vision behind the homes at Cassia, and how did you tailor it to modern London living?
The vision behind the homes at Cassia was to create calm, contemporary spaces that feel stylish but also practical for modern London living. In a city where homes often need to work a little harder, the focus was on flexibility, light and creating spaces that feel timeless.
We combined clean architectural lines with warm textures and layered materials to stop the apartments feeling too minimal – something that can often happen in new-build developments. Neutral tones were used as the base, giving homeowners the freedom to personalise the space over time, while open-plan layouts were designed to work for everything from entertaining to working from home.
A lot of thought also went into maximising natural light, incorporating smart storage and making sure every space felt purposeful without compromising on comfort or style.
What are your top tips for making a new-build apartment feel personal and more like home?
Start by adding texture and layers. New-build apartments often come with a clean, functional finish, but they can sometimes feel a little uniform at first. Rugs, curtains, cushions and upholstered furniture instantly help bring warmth and personality into the space.
If you don’t want to fully redecorate, even introducing a feature wall can make a huge difference by adding colour and softness.
Artwork, books and personal accessories are equally important because they help tell the story of the people living there. Mixing a few vintage or collected pieces with contemporary furniture also creates a more relaxed, lived-in feel.
Lighting is another game changer. Swapping cooler bulbs for warmer lighting and adding table or floor lamps can completely soften the atmosphere and make the home feel much more inviting in the evenings.
What would you suggest homeowners do to maximise space and functionality in a one-bedroom apartment without compromising on style?
Multi-functional furniture is key. Pieces like ottomans with hidden storage, extendable dining tables or beds with built-in drawers are brilliant for making the most of the space without adding clutter.
It’s also important to think vertically. Tall shelving, full-height wardrobes and wall-mounted storage naturally draw the eye upwards and help create the feeling of more space.
From a styling perspective, keeping a consistent colour palette throughout the apartment helps everything feel calmer and more cohesive. Mirrors are another great trick – they reflect light and help visually open smaller rooms.
What are some of the key design details in these homes that buyers might not immediately notice, but make a big difference day to day?
Often, it’s the smaller details that have the biggest impact. Integrated storage is a big one – making sure there’s practical space for everyday items without disrupting the clean aesthetic of the home.
Lighting placement is another detail people often underestimate. Layered lighting, such as under-cabinet kitchen lighting and softer ambient options, helps the apartment transition effortlessly from day to evening.
We also paid close attention to furniture proportions and circulation space to make sure layouts feel intuitive and comfortable to live in every day.
What are some budget-friendly styling updates that can have the biggest visual impact?
Lighting upgrades are one of the easiest and most cost-effective changes you can make. Decorative lamps, statement pendants or even changing lampshades can completely transform the feel of a room.
Curtains hung close to ceiling height – or from ceiling-mounted tracks – instantly make a space feel taller and more elevated. Large-scale artwork can also create a more sophisticated, curated look compared to lots of smaller pieces. Plants are another affordable way to bring warmth, texture and life into a new-build apartment, especially in open-plan spaces.
If you had to give one piece of interior design advice to someone moving into a Cassia home, what would it be and why?
Take your time furnishing the space. The best interiors evolve gradually rather than being completed all at once.
Living in the apartment first helps you understand how you naturally use the space, what storage you actually need and how you want the home to feel. Investing in fewer, better-quality pieces that genuinely suit your lifestyle will always create a more timeless and personal result.
Style your space at Cassia – apartments in Oakwood, London
Nestled in the leafy North London suburb of Oakwood, Cassia offers a haven away from the city’s bustle, without compromising on connectivity or community. The homes here are available to buy through Shared Ownership, a government-backed scheme designed to help first time buyers onto the property ladder. Learn more about the scheme, including eligibility criteria, in our guide to Shared Ownership.
Now that you have Joanna’s insider knowledge of Cassia – and her interior design tips to inspire your home décor ideas – it’s time to bring your vision to life in a home of your own.
Get started by visiting our Cassia page to find out more about the available apartments in Oakwood.
