COLOUR CONFIDENCE
Finding your perfect palette is all about going with the hues you love and that make you happy. You’ll also need to factor in what the room will be used for, the natural light available and the mood you want to create - calm and relaxed or vibrant and energised. The following pages offer plenty of inspiration...
INTO THE BLUE
This striking look is a brilliant example of building up a colour story. From the intense cobalt blue wall, to the paler shade of the sofa and the watery blue rug – the hierarchy here creates balance and harmony.
Mya three-seater sofa in Velvet in Indigo Blue, £699, DFS
TURQUOISE SEA
Tiles offer a great way to introduce colour – either in small amounts to add interest or over a large area to create a bold statement. These hexagonal ones with their glossy, uneven finish look really appealing and this fresh aqua shade works particularly well in kitchens and bathrooms.
Onda Hexagon tiles, £147/sq m, Fired Earth
GREEN WITH ENVY
Strong colours can still be restful. The layering of these vibrant greens creates a warm, enveloping effect that works surprisingly well in a bedroom. Westex Westend carpet in Pine, £45.99/sq m; Christie bedframe, from £369; both Carpetright
IN THE RED CORNER
This deep wine-red shade adds drama and warmth and is a good choice for a cool, north-facing room. It works equally well in a small or large space, especially when combined with dark wooden floors. Century collection Red Mahogany C9 paint, from £29/0.94L, Benjamin Moore
RETRO VIBE
Dark woods are making a comeback, along with tan leather furniture. These earthy colours look fantastic with splashes of gold and mustard and set the scene for an elegant retro look.
Sterling shelf unit, £1,397, Maisons du Monde
LIGHT WORKS
A key factor to consider when choosing colour is the amount of natural light available. Dark walls can work well in a room flooded with natural light, and are the perfect backdrop to pale-coloured furniture.
Cooper sofa, from £1,339 for a three-seater; footstool in House Velvet Petal, from £399; both Sofa Workshop
RUSSET SHADES
Deep berry walls and burnt orange linen bedding are a rich and sophisticated combination. The biscuit-coloured headboard stops the scheme looking too heavy, while the hit of navy blue is inspired. Pillow bedstead, £599; Design Project No. 210 lamp, £140; Rayna Terrazzo side table, £69; washed cotton throws in Auburn and Plaster, £80 each; Décor bedspread in Night Sky, £65; Burnt Orange washed linen pillowcases, £15 each; double duvet cover, £80; double fitted sheet, £50; all John Lewis & Partners
REGAL RED
If you have high ceilings and a picture rail, create a sense of grandeur by painting the wall above it in a complementary shade to the one below. White woodwork will keep the look fresh.
Scarlett Ribbon and May Queen period collection matt emulsion, £21.50/2.5L, Crown Paints
WINNING COMBINATION
This pinky-red shade is a soothing choice for a sitting room. Pale wood cools it down and stops it from being overpowering, while a dark sofa adds contrast and depth to the scheme. Keops sideboard, £865; Rattan armchair, £314; Maurice rug, £175; Oval mirror, £44; Okinawa coffee table, £161.50; Gold-tone tube vase, £44; Bronze-tone tube vase, £38.50; all Maisons du Monde
WALL TO WALL
A paint effect is an inexpensive way to inject colour and personality. Choose shades you love and play with different finishes and effects. Keep darker colours at the bottom and lighter ones at the top. Addiction feature wall matt emulsion, £14.50/1.25L; Rose Gold metallic emulsion, £14/1.25L; both Crown Paints
WARM TONES
Blush shades instantly say cosy. A raspberry-coloured sofa and big squashy cushions add to the comfort. Woodburning 2840 stove, around £1,499, Morso
COLOUR WASH
Painting the tub is a great way to update a bathroom, along with adding tiles in complementary shades. These ombre mosaics give an almost tweed effect while the plainer tiles below anchor the scheme. Alchemy tiles in Pink Gin Chevron, £248/sq m. Onda tiles in Hibiscus, £54.72/sq m. Canterbury bath painted in Pompeiian Red, £1,800; all Fired Earth
SUNNY SIDE UP
Yellow adds instant sunshine! Keep it sophisticated by teaming with biscuit and pink tones and grounding with smart accessories, such as these tan and black leather chairs. Mustard Jar matt emulsion, from £18/2.5L, Crown Paints
PALE & INTERESTING
Neutrals can have impact! Layer them together and combine different finishes and textures. Portobello solid oak Vintage bedside table, £162.50; Horizon oak room divider, £219; Anastasie white faux fur throw, £110; all Maisons du Monde
PERFECT BALANCE
Muted tones work well with monochrome floors and walls. This cinnamon-coloured sofa adds depth and a strong focal point, while the black and white rug brings cosiness. Freja sofa in Oyster Wool, £1,249; Kiln cabinet, £529; Tabak coffee table, £199; Illias rug, £399; Aphrodite lamp, £129; Victoria velvet cushion, £32; all Swoon
Set the mood with a range of different lighting options
DARK MATTERS
So simple, but so showstopping – this stunning floor and metallic bath shine out against deep charcoal grey walls. Walls in Perse Grey 141 architects matt, £55/2.5L, Paint & Paper Library
STATEMENT FLOOR
A great way to add drama to a pared-back space is with a striking floor. This amazing black and white vinyl looks amazing and is really practical – and it’s a good price too! Cubes vinyl flooring in black and white, £15.99/sq m, Carpetright
DOUBLE UP
Liven up a monochrome scheme with graphic pattern. These matching blinds look fabulous side-by-side. MissPrint Ditto Liquorice roller blind, from £29.95 for a made-to-measure design (40 x 40cm), Blinds2go