Warning, not for the faint hearted! 18 January, 2010

Desperately trying to shake off the winter blues?

If you’ve read our clash debate and are all in favour, this season’s trend for bold patterns and bright  colours will be sure to put a spring in your step, without sliding on any ice. Think of big floral prints, dramatic flocks in a range of zesty colours such as fuchsia, acid green and sherbet yellow.

It is all about contrasting colours and creating bold visual statements. We love the combination of Laura Ashley’s flamboyant lime green flock wallpaper mixed with this shocking pink curtain (both coming soon) in an equally glam design.

Image credit: Laura Ashley

If, however, you are in the “please no!” camp regarding clashing colours, and all these bright hues and geometric patterns are a bit much,  keep your walls neutral and add flashes of colour with soft furnishings such as cushions and throws. We love the upcoming range of cushions from Marks & Spencer, especially this quirky dogtooth design.

Image credit: Marks & Spencer

Simple accessories such as lamps, vases and ceramics in eye-catching colours can also give new life to a dull corner of your home.

If you are tired of the grey days of winter don’t be disheartened, Pantone’s colour of the year is turquoise so bring on those visions of tropical waters we say, and splash your way into Spring.