Turn your rooms from drab to fab in an instant with a splash of vivid colour

LITTLE OF WHAT YOU FANCY

Remember the 60s, when home decor was all clashing psychedelic colour? No wonder the 70s brought us tasteful creams and beiges, and the 80s, plain black and white. Then just as we were starting to put a toe back into colour, some of the garish effects of TV’s Changing Rooms frightened us off again!

But now, at last, bright is beautiful once more – there are, however, tricks to getting it right, and the first of these is moderation. Vibrant accent spots are exciting and stunning; too many of them, or too many different shades is just a mad, dizzying mess.

Clever ideas
So first, how do you choose your bold accent palette? Unless you’re starting from scratch in a room, you probably already have some lively colour in there crying out to be echoed. Perhaps it’s a rug with ruby-red threads, or a painting with a limegreen background or one fluorescent-pink armchair. Whatever it is, paint a large sheet of paper in the exact same shade (colour charts can match anything) and pin it on the wall. If you like the look, you’re home.

Or spend time window-shopping or scanning magazines to get ideas of what colour might work for you. Just now, the colour purple is winning the day. Aubergine, violet and strong plum are everywhere – but you’ll notice that they’re usually teamed with neutral backgrounds to make them stand out. Incidentally, try pale grey on walls – it’s more original than white or cream and can look classy, especially against these popular purples or crimson. And consider handsome dark brown for woodwork or a wicker chair.

Cushions, in bedrooms as well as sitting rooms, are obvious candidates for showing off your bright accent colour, as are ornaments, flowers and artwork – or a panel of expensive wallpaper that can pass for artwork! And try painting shelves, a piece of furniture or just one wall in your special colour. It could look brilliant.

Sarah says... ‘When I’m asked if there’s one special colour that I’m drawn to, I say “pink”.

I actually don’t have many pink things, but it can be a fantastic shade for a bit of drama. I love it.’

 Photo: GETTY