THE NIGHT GARDEN Opposite

Painting a fireplace in navy blue can lend gravitas to a dining area. Lighten the scheme slightly with an intricately patterned floral wallpaper that introduces softer shades. Monroe wallpaper in Night Flower, £88/roll; Hicks’ Blue absolute matt emulsion, £43.50/2.5L; both Little Greene

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It’s a myth that dark colours make a room feel smaller, and when the same shade is continued from the walls onto the ceiling, it can actually add to the illusion of height. Painting pipework and the fireplace surround in the same colour completes this seamless look. Stiffkey Blue modern emulsion, £45/2.5L, Farrow & Ball