YOUR HOME Green with envy T

HIS style of furniture – mid-century modern – makes the most of small spaces. It was originally designed in the 1940s/50s, as people wanted their living rooms to be stylish, but not cramped.

It’s an easy, relatively cheap trend to recreate because homeware shops like Ikea copy the style very well.

To maximise light and space, go for white walls and window frames, with neutral carpets or exposed, pale wood floors.

A big rug in a neutral shade with a rough finish like a chunky braid is comfortable and practical, and won’t overwhelm the room.

Keep decor to a minimum. Try not to overdo the clutter or fancy ornaments.

Picture frames can be plain and lampshades should be simple.

Obviously fresh flowers look lovely in any room, but white decorative twigs or a bamboo sapling are just as nice in here.

Invisible shelves are ideal with this look.

They don’t have struts holding them up and effectively take up less space on your walls, so they look clean and sleek.

Search out secondhand bargains.

This style has endured for decades, and because of that thrift shops or recycling websites are a goldmine of affordable chairs, tables and sofas that suit the trend.