WHAT EXPERTS THE SAY…

Designers and colour professionals share their views

■ ‘BLUSH PINK HAS QUICKLY TRANSFORMED FROM THE GO-TO ACCENT COLOUR TO THE LATEST ON-TREND NEUTRAL, bringing a rosy warmth to our homes,’ says Sue Kim, senior colour designer at Valspar. Hayley

Mcafee, design director at Villa Nova, agrees: ‘These subtle hues are effectively becoming the new neutrals’.

■ TRY A TONAL LOOK. ‘TEAM VARYING INTENSITIES OF THE SAME PASTEL TONE, enhancing rather than detracting from the basic shade,’ advises

Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. Or pair with stronger colours, says Sue: ‘Neutral pinks and emerald greens are a classic combination, while cobalt blue and mustard yellow accessories will bring an edgy energy to the room. Powdery shades of blue are the perfect companion to fruity orange hues.’

■ ‘IF YOU HAVE DEEP GREY WALLS, INTRODUCE PASTELS IN THE FORM OF SOFT, TACTILE FABRICS, ceramics, and accessories,’ says Hayley. ‘Bolder and darker touches, like charcoal, add depth to a scheme and provide a sophisticated contrast to pastel tones,’ adds Judy Smith, colour consultant at Crown. ‘I love pastels with abstract art, strong colours and shapes in furniture.’

■ ‘I PARTICULARLY LOVE TO SEE FRONT DOORS PAINTED IN PASTEL COLOURS, such as a blush pink, powder blue, green or a primrose yellow hue,’ says Ruth. ‘They provide such a welcoming touch, even before you enter the house!’

■ ‘WHEN CHOOSING ACCESSORIES AND LIGHTING, go for large-scale designs over small to give the space a modern edge,’ advises Judy.