After gaining inspiration from social media, a Leicester homebuyer turned to Instagram to show how she and her family have put their stamp on a new build property at Barratt Homes' New Lubbesthorpe development.

Charlotte Hitchings (32), an Executive Assistant, and Pete Hitchings (33), Incubator Manager at Loughborough University, secured their third home together at the Tay Road development in Leicester with their sons Eddie (four) and Will (two). 

To showcase the unique characteristics of her family's four bedroom home, Charlotte decided to set up her own Instagram account @the_family_den to share her interior inspiration and is gaining an ever-increasing number of followers. 

She said: “I definitely have an interest in interior design and always have. It's only recently that I've really had an opportunity to explore this more, and to support my journey I am now studying for a Diploma in Interior Design during my spare time.

“Flicking through a homes and interiors magazine, other Instagram accounts and Pinterest are some of my favourite pastimes and I love that I get to share my ideas with other people now.

“For me, Instagram is a chance to show how our house can look when it's at its most perfect. In reality it isn't always tidy or 'Insta-ready' but documenting those moments where it all comes together just right is something I really enjoy. Proof that I can have a tidy home sometimes, even with two young children!”

The flexible layout of the detached Cambridge style home has allowed the couple to tailor the property to their needs by turning the separate dining room into a playroom for their sons whilst still having a 'grown up' lounge space for themselves.

Inspired by fellow lifestyle blogger and Barratt Group customer @lydias_layton_life, Charlotte has made the most of social media to source tips and guidance on home décor.

She continued: “I think the use of Instagram for new homes is so popular as it's like a free home magazine that you can tailor to your own style and house type.

“It's got a seemingly endless supply of inspiration and ideas and when you feel all out of interior design choices, a quick search for a few hashtags and you are suddenly overcome with creativity.

“I think influencers have definitely played a part in its popularity although I prefer to follow the accounts of those who aren't as well known as the finished article feels more attainable then.”

Since moving into their property, the Hitchings family have been able to enjoy woodland walks and plenty of green space at New Lubbesthorpe whilst being just a 5.6 mile drive from Leicester city centre.

With an Aldi and Waitrose within two miles of the development, as well as Forest House Medical Centre, two dentists and a Post Office also close by; Charlotte and her family have everything they need within arm's reach.

Jan Ruston, Sales Director at Barratt Homes North Midlands, said: “Expressing interior design trends on social media is growing in popularity and it's lovely to hear Charlotte has made the most of her new family home at New Lubbesthorpe. 

“New build properties are the ideal blank canvas for homebuyers to make their mark and Instagram is an excellent platform for sharing tips, tricks and inspiration.” 

New Lubbesthorpe currently has four bedroom houses available from £298,995 and two bedroom apartments available from £195,995. 

For more information on New Lubbesthorpe, call the Barratt Homes sales team on 033 3355 8472 or visit the website at www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/leicestershire/h685401-new-lubbesthorpe/.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

1. For further information about Barratt Homes please contact Mark Sheppard or Hannah Blencowe on 0116 247 1777 or mark@unsworthsugden.co.uk or hannahb@unsworthsugden.co.uk.

2. Barratt Homes is part of Barratt Developments PLC, a FTSE100 company

3. Barratt was awarded a maximum five star rating for the 11th consecutive year in the 2020 Home Builders Federation Customer Satisfaction Survey

4. Site managers working for Barratt Group won 92 awards for quality workmanship in the 2020 NHBC Pride in the Job Awards. Barratt has won more Pride in the Job awards than any other housebuilder for the last 16 years