'My new build is a TALKING POINT'

Determined to dispel the stigma that all new builds are bland, visitors to Cotty's home are wowed by how she's added character into every room

COME ON IN!

ABOUT ME I’m Cotty Lee, a sales manager and interior designer, and I live here with my 12-year-old pug cross called Sneakers. I document my ideas on Instagram at @peak.interiordesign.

MY HOME A threebedroom, detached new build in Plymouth, Devon, which I moved into in October 2020.

WHEN I MOVED IN The house was all brand new, but it felt bland with acres of grey.

AND NOW By including lots of colour, vintage pieces and personal design, I’ve turned my house into a home with plenty of character.

STYLE TIP Search out vintage pieces in sales and online sites to add affordable instant glamour and a unique touch to your space.

After managing to get on the property ladder early, I'd spent 11 years in a modern apartment in Plymouth before getting the moving bug,' says Cotty. 'It was lockdown that did it for me. I suddenly desperately wanted more space and a garden.

I needed to stay in or near the city for work, so I looked at various options, but decided a new build best suited my needs. Something low maintenance where everything was recently done was ideal. What I didn't want was a secondhand house that would end up needing a lot of work. Being energy-efficient was also a big plus as it would be cheaper to run in the long term.

Finding the spot