GO CRAZY FOR COLOUR!

And opt for joyful spaces

Most of us have spent far more time at home during the past 12 months than we would have ever thought possible, which has meant a lot of time looking at the same four – often white – walls. This has led to an upsurge in our appreciation of colour and now we’re seeking out brighter and bolder shades to lift our homes, and our spirits. Here are 10 fantastic ideas for bringing a little more zing into our lives.

1 BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

Don’t be afraid to try unexpected combinations – there really are no rules when it comes to mixing and matching. Here, a strong blue sings out against a softer terracotta, while toning accessories tie the whole scheme together. Patrick sofa in Bahama cotton matt velvet, £2,440; Dahlia footstool in Bahama cotton matt velvet, £490; both Sofa.com

If you’re not quite ready to take the plunge with vibrant walls, brilliant white is a great option for ensuring colourful furniture and accessories take centre stage. Find a similar armchair at Rose & Grey, and a similar pendant at Lampsy

3 ON THE UP

Introduce a little pop of colour to your stairs. This citrussy shade is just enough to pep up a stairwell without being overwhelming, and is sure to put a skip in your step. You can emphasise the look further by adding a piece of furniture nearby in a similar or deeper shade. Lemon Pie matt emulsion, £29.16/2.5L, Dulux

4 SWEET AS CANDY

A monochrome scheme is always a versatile choice and looks fantastic brought to life with hits of vibrant colour – here, pastel accessories bring a fun, fresh feel with a retro vibe. Find similar wall storage at Garden Trading

5 PRETTY IN PINK

Update a secondhand cabinet with a lick of paint – soft shades can be completely transformative on traditional pieces. Add plants and greenery as a way to build up more colour. Try Ebay and Etsy for super-affordable secondhand furniture

6 THE COVER UP

Reupholstering cushions, sofas and chairs is a smart way to refresh an interior without breaking the bank. Here, the soft shades on the seat fabric, understated lines of the furniture and complementary accessories all add up to a harmonious and stylish scheme. Bench upholstered in Untitled Natural linen, £200/m, Christopher Farr Cloth. Find similar chairs at West Elm

7 COSY RETREAT

Use colour to zone off part of a room so you can create a snug sanctuary – be it a place to curl up with a good book or just enjoy your morning coffee. Blue is a soothing shade that pays homage to sunny skies and gentle waves; make use of textures and tones to create a super-relaxed comfy corner.

Find similar cushions and throws at Heal’s

Play around with cushions – add depth with a mix that tones with your scheme – or bring a room to life with just one in a contrasting vibrant shade

8 TWIN PERSONALITIES

Painting the alcoves around a bunk bed is a great way to ensure each space has its own identity – you can create a beautifully subtle pod perfect for sleeping or, as it’s such a small area, go all out for a more dynamic look. Choosing a vibrant shade for the ceiling means you can have a strong dose of colour without having to look at it all the time! Walls painted in Windmill Wings (top) and Blue Danube regal select matte, both £23/0.94L, Benjamin Moore

9BATHING BEAUTY

Marble brings an indulgent feel to a bathroom, and here its luxe look is bolstered by colourful accessories and finishes. Copper hardware provides an industrial-style contrast, but it’s the navy blue cabinet that makes this whole scheme sing. Find a similar cabinet at Swoon

10 NATURAL FINISH

A stock of beautiful linens means you can change your colours depending on the seasons – or even just your mood. Plus it’s enormously pleasing seeing them piled high on open shelving, making a decorative feature on their own. Try Loom & Last for similar blankets and cushion covers FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE