STYLE INSPIRATION
A joyful scheme looks beautiful, sure, but it’s guaranteed to raise the spirits too and the easiest way to nail the look is by introducing some uplifting hues into your home. There are no hard and fast rules about how to make it work – go all out with colour-drenched walls, choose a statement piece of furniture or get a vibrant hit from a few carefully chosen accessories. Whatever your style, we’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to harness the mood-boosting power of colour and feel the joy…
HIGHLIGHT THE DETAILS
Carefully considered colour is perfect for bringing architectural elements to life. Use contrasting and unexpected shades to pick out arches and panelling (if you’re lucky enough to have them), or architraves, cornices and skirtings; it’ll make a statement and bring a contemporary feel to a period home. Colour can also be used to zone separate spaces within a multifunctional area, for instance if a room needs to serve as both a living room and office. Be adventurous with your choices – if you don’t like the result all you need to fix it is another tin of paint.
Bluebell chaise sofa in Moroccan Spice smart velvet, £3,350; Harper footstool in Cinnamon, £680; both Sofa.com. For a similar coffee table, try Ferm Living. For a similar rug, try Anthropologie
SPRUCE UP YOUR SOFA
One of the simplest ways to bring colour into a room is with accessories. It’s a cost-effective option for injecting personality without needing to commit to a full makeover. Scatter cushions are a good place to start – experiment with bright, solid shades and contrasting stripes to perk up a sofa, or be more daring and complement vibrant pieces of furniture with clashing colours and lively prints.
Mustard Art Deco Stepped sofa, £2,995; Orange and Pink velvet cushions, £70 each; all Rockett St George. For a similar side table, try La Redoute
TURN WALLS INTO A CANVAS
Hanging a scenic wallpaper or mural will bring interest and create a beautiful scene in any space. Dreamy, natural views will lift the spirits and you can ramp up the serotonin levels further still by teaming with colourful accessories. A rug that picks out shades from the design will tie the scheme together for a finished look. Pair with timeless pieces of furniture and they’ll really stand out.
Walls in Upper Brook Street in Soleil wallpaper, £244/roll, Little Greene. For similar rugs, try RB12. For similar dining chairs, try La Redoute. For a similar dining table, try Cult Furniture.
For a similar shade, try Heal’s
GO FOR A SINGLE COLOUR
The idea of colour-drenching your space – using one shade across the walls, woodwork, doors and even built-in cabinetry – might seem daunting, but it’s worth considering as it creates a harmonious look that also p
