5 Things to Consider When Designing Your New Build
Building a new home is one of the most exciting projects you can take on, but it’s also one of the most overwhelming. With so many decisions to make (and your investment at stake), it’s easy to focus on the wrong things, feel scattered, miss important factors, and lose all the excitement along the way.
At ONYX + ALABASTER, our team has guided countless clients through the new-build journey, and we’ve seen firsthand the difference that experience and thoughtful planning make. Tanya, our founder and principal designer, puts it simply:
“A well-designed, intentional home — even if it’s smaller — always brings a better outcome than a large house with a 'design-less' finish.”
Here are five things to consider before (and during) your new build to ensure your investment results in a home that feels beautiful, livable, and timeless.
1. Give Yourself Margin To Furnish Well
One of the most common surprises in the building process is the cost of furnishing a home after construction. Many people assume a larger house automatically equals a better house, but more square footage doesn’t always translate to better living.
The truth? Furnishing a 6,000-square-foot home can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars — far more than most people anticipate. Even budgets that sound generous can disappear quickly once you start layering in quality furniture, lighting, art, rugs, and accessories.
Instead of stretching beyond your means, prioritize intentional square footage and give yourself margin to furnish well. A thoughtfully designed, smaller home will always feel more complete and elevated than a sprawling house that feels unfinished.
2. Don’t Compromise on Architecture and Planning
The foundation of any great design starts long before the first wall goes up. Too often, homeowners purchase plans online or work with a budget architect, only to realize halfway through construction that the layout doesn’t meet their needs. At that point, changes are costly and frustrating.
Invest in a strong team from the start. Work with an experienced architect and designer alongside your builder to ensure your plans align with your vision. Cutting corners at this stage almost always results in regrets — and additional expense down the road.
3. Define Your Vision Early
It’s tempting to select finishes quickly, especially when builders put deadlines on tile, lighting, or hardware selections. But making choices without a clear vision can leave you with a disconnect between what you want and what you get.
For example, selecting basic three-panel doors, standard subway tile, and builder-grade hardware won’t achieve a French country aesthetic (for example), no matter how much styling you add later.
Instead, take time to cast the vision for your home upfront. Pin inspiration images, meet with your design team, and work backwards. Every decision, from cabinet profiles to doorknobs, should support your desired outcome. This clarity ensures your home feels cohesive and true to your style.
4. Build Your Team at the Beginning
One of the biggest mistakes Tanya sees is clients bringing in their design team too late. By then, selections are made, deadlines are passed, and undoing decisions can be costly.
The best approach? Choose your builder, architect, and designer simultaneously. When these three work together from the start, the process is smoother, and the outcome is stronger.
As Tanya explains: “If we’re involved from the beginning, we can help clients make the right selections all the way through. Otherwise, they end up paying for brand-new lights or tile they don’t even want, just to replace them later.”
Building a home should feel exciting—not stressful. Starting with the right team reduces headaches and keeps your vision intact from day one.
If you’re interested in working with a Luxury Interior Designer, we’ve prepared a guide that will help you choose the right one. Click here to get the guide, Five Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Luxury Interior Designer.
5. Don’t Overlook Landscaping
When you’re investing so much into the house itself, it’s easy to push landscaping to the back burner. But curb appeal and outdoor living are just as important to the overall feel of your home.
Landscaping should be a reflection of your interior design. At a minimum, prioritize thoughtful front-yard landscaping so the exterior feels intentional, not like an afterthought. Ideally, carry this into your backyard and outdoor living spaces as well—they’re an extension of how you live and entertain.
Too often, we see beautiful homes with little more than a few boxwoods planted out front. After spending millions on a house, the absence of landscaping makes it feel incomplete. Don’t make that mistake. Plan for it from the beginning.
Overwhelmed yet? You’re not alone.
It’s a well-known fact that people building their dream home often don’t have a dreamy experience! It’s a lot.
Building your dream home is more than a wishlist and a checklist. It’s about creating a space that truly reflects your lifestyle, supports your needs, and inspires you daily.
By allocating funds realistically, investing in the right team from the start, defining your vision early, and considering exteriors (not just interiors), you set yourself up for success.
And remember: More space doesn’t always mean more impact. An intentionally designed, beautiful home will always stand the test of time.
Ready to transform your space? Work with our team of award-winning designers.