TRADE SECRETS

Paint walls soft, cottony white for a Scandinavian-inspired feel. It looks beautiful against natural floorboards.

Keep wall decoration minimal – just a simple clock or mirror. ■Alternate the colour of the chairs around your table to give the room a modern feel. It also means your table doesn’t need to match the chairs – you can mix metal, wood and plastic.

Don’t stick to one set of crockery – with monochrome, you can interchange between different sets for a quirky finish.

Go for gold cutlery to add an injection of colour.

Make the most of high ceilings with long cable lights. A round table will only need one light, whereas a rectangular one seating more than six benefits from a line of three lights (odd numbers are always better when decorating).

Boost mood lighting with candlesticks at different heights. Single sticks look fresher than a candelabra.

Update your decor with a big, bold letter sign. Opt for something rustic, like granite or marble, or metallic, like rust or rose gold. Initials are on-trend but we prefer something a bit kookier – like this ampersand.

Mimic the effect of a fireplace with a slim, blocky sideboard. It gives a space definition and adds a focal point.

Ditch your tablecloth. A wood table creates an effortless, rustic vibe. You can add personality/colour with your decorations.