As we welcome in the New Year and put away the Christmas decorations, suddenly our home feels a little bit empty and sad. And its about this time that the worst of the weather hits the UK. Not off to the Caribbean? Then now is the time to inject some colour and pattern into your home to lift the spirits.

Most of us have enjoyed the sophisticated neutrals over the past few years; from shaded white through to Pavilion Grey. These are easy to live with and very calming, but like painting your toes bright fuchsia pink in winter, a splash of colour gives you and your home a lift. Paint an old piece of wooden furniture in a strong colour. Have a look at the Farrow and Ball website for some great ideas.

Big, bright floral fabrics on curtains are not the stuff your Granny used to hang. Think clean and bold prints. Alternatively if flowers still scare you, (if I had a pound for every client that said they don’t want floral curtains….) then strong geometric prints and embroideries will do the trick. Adopt this principle to update your living room by simply adding some new cushions or re-upholster a chair in a bold and colourful pattern.