INSPIRATION
Adding colour is the most transformative thing you can do in a room. At the stroke (well, many strokes) of a brush a space can be transformed from cool to cosy, understated to statement, winter to spring… And it’s not just about the walls – think ceilings, fireplaces, alcoves and dados. There’s barely a sur face that can’t be livened up with a hit of colour – the possibilities are endless
Paint sporty stripes
Add a fun element to walls by painting stripes of varying widths.
Get as creative as you like – injecting colour close to floor level is a great way to ease yourself into a bolder style of decorating.
This pink and green is a failsafe combo and adds just the right amount of sweetness to the scheme.
Wall painted in Kennebunkport Green; stripes in Apples and Pears and Unspoken Love; shutters in Springview Green; all matt sheen, £20/0.94L, Benjamin Moore. Footstool, Sofa.com
Enhance a focal point
Enhance a focal point If you choose a statement piece of furniture in a striking hue, it makes sense to use that as a jumping-off point for your colour scheme. Here, the walls have been painted in an elegant olive shade that’s similar to the basin but also works with the earthy terracotta of the tiles.
Tunstall Coral tiles, £95.23/sq m; Fluted brick tiles, £109.94/sq m; all Ca’ Pietra. For a similar wall colour, try Green 18 eggshell, Lick. For a similar basin, try Roberto Tiranti concrete basin, £340.65, Etsy
Go for top-to-toe colour
It’s all too easy to play it safe with white paint, but banishing this go-to decorating option will make space for a look that’s jam-packed with personality. This fabulous room features a warm burnt orange on the walls and ceiling, with red on the fireplace and woodwork heating it all up further, while a calming green on the coving brings some balance.
Chair upholstered in Wilde Evergreen fabric; footstool in Franklin Evergreen fabric; sofa in Donegal Slate fabric; all from the Eccentric fabric collection, from £72/m, Moon. For a similar wall colour, try Tan Tan by Little Greene. For a similar woodwork colour, try Pugin Red Heritage eggshell, Dulux. For a similar coving colour, try Bancha estate eggshell, Farrow & Ball
Blue is inherently calming, so is the perfect choice for a room where you want to relax and unwind
Give your landing oomph
Transitional spaces such as hallways and landings can sometimes be a little lacklustre, but you can bring them to life so easily with some clever paint choices. Set the tone for the rest of your home by going big and bold. Combine warm and cool paint shades, like this soft yellow and deep blue, for a fun and vibrant entrance.
Wall (main section) in Woad intelligent matt emulsion, £64/2.5L; door in Grey Stone
