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esigning your garden according to a colour scheme adds instant visual appeal. Whether you are starting from scratch or adding colour to an existing space, getting the right combination is key. Choosing on-trend colours such as coral pink, chalky blue and dove grey feels very modern, too.

Giving your garden a makeover is just the same as revamping your interior, and the same rules apply. You need to get a feel for what colour will work best and use that as your starting point.

There are many easy ways to introduce a quick colour lift to your garden. Try updating a wall or fence with a makeover in a contemporary shade, or giving your garden furniture a facelift with a fresh coat of paint.

Small fixes include adding a splash of colour with a display of flowers in coordinating shades, planting up coloured ceramic pots or adding soft furnishings that match your chosen palette, such as canopies, cushions and throws.

You can also introduce patterned outdoor rugs and one or two quirky ornaments to the mix for a very individual touch. Repetition of colour is a useful device to unify the garden and pull together a theme.

Adding a bold colour pop will also make your garden come alive and give it a modern edge that will feel cool and contemporary.

The most effective way to do this is by choosing just one dominant colour. It can be tempting to cram in a mishmash of different tones, but it will make for an unsettling mood. Try to keep things simple with a more subdued approach if you want a relaxing outdoor space. The fewer the colours you use the more stylish the result.

DColour is an easy way to add drama and cheer things up. Calming and relaxing, blue is the perfect colour to create the right feel for a seating area. You can also use bright colours to lighten shady areas of the garden. Use it on big areas such as fences and sheds, and as a complementary shade on planters, birdhouses and trellises to pull the look together.