COLOUR HAPPY

In today’s climate, it’s more important than ever to feel safe and upli!ed at home. Here, Sophie Hannam o"ers #ve joyful colour schemes to dial up your decorating and help your space feel serene

Five uplifting decorating schemes to liven up your walls and brighten the mood

COOL & CONSIDERED

To create a sense of tranquillity in your home, look no further than the colour blue. From rich navy to peppy duck egg, try layering up a range of colours from the spectrum for a scheme that feels cohesive. ‘ If you’re looking for ways to bring some calm, positivity and restfulness to your interior, there’s no be!er place to start than looking at blue and green pale!es,’ explains Farrow & Ball Brand Ambassador Patrick O’Donnell. ‘ They’re the colours of the outdoors – the sky, sea and "elds – so remind us of our connection to nature.’

SPRING AWAKENING

To give your home a gentle refresh, try replacing standard o!-white or creamy shades with a barely-there pink to create a warm base for other ice- cream colours such as coral, yellow or powder blue. This pale"e will also enliven a dull room that has li"le natural light. ‘Colour trends have shi #ed from grey tones to a more restful and cosseting pale"e,’ Patrick says. ‘ There is a particular demand for pinks, especially at the duskier end of the spectrum. We have also noticed a revival of yellow – a previously much-ignored shade.’

EARTHLY PLEASURES

The colour of life, renewal and safety, green seems like the most logical tint to turn to in these turbulent times. Opt for cool-toned greens to create a classic look that’s perfect for period homes. Or incorporate pops of contrasting earthy shades – such as clay, ochre or brown – for a twist on tradition. ‘ Reaching to nature for inspiration has made sure that a wide variety of greens are becoming a popular choice for home decor,’ says Crown Technical Consultant Judy Smith, ‘from rich and calming khaki shades, through to trendy neo-mint.’

Referencing many 1930s buildings, Middle Buff by Little Greene is a yellow-hued neutral that looks great alongside rich blues. When paired with teak furniture it really comes into its own.

Shallows, Jack Black, Smalt and Air Force Blue, all by Little Greene. TOP LEFT Layer up blankets and cushions in similar blue hues, like this selection from John Lewis & Partners, from £25.

Gentle pastel tones of blush, blue and yellow, which echo the shades of springtime flowers… could anything be more uplifting? In this image, the soft, faded tints of the antique maps are complemented by a velvet chaise longue in egg-yolk yellow.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP We’re big on pink in this blush scene, featuring the Layla sofa, starting from £899 for a small at Marks & Spencer; Peaceful Soul paint by Valspar is the background for this living room, displaying pops of yellow and coral, plus a statement chair in dramatic black.

Take inspiration from the colours of nature – verdant green, soft brown and rich red – to create a mature, soothing scheme. Here, Velvet Evening paint by Crown, £21.50 for 2.5l, creates the ideal backdrop for a chest of drawers and gilt frame.

The bright orange of Heat makes a pleasing contrast to cool Pleat, both Little Greene. LEFT Neptune’s Cactus shade creates a traditional feel on classic panelling.

Inspired by the natural colour of faded textiles, French Linen, £41.95 for 2.5l from Annie Sloan, is a perfect base colour. The day bed is peppered with cushions in Annie’s fabrics, which start at £34.95 per m.