ADD A SPLASH OF COLOUR

If you are looking to transform an existing room with the minimum effort and expense, as long as you are working from a fairly neutral base line then it is easy – all you need to do is to introduce a splash of colour, the difference is amazing. Papering or painting a feature wall in a bright colour and then carrying the colour theme through to the window decor always looks great or perhaps a work of art with a dominant coloured detail on one wall will suffice if you feel a whole wall may be too much. The use of cleverly positioned uplighters or picture lights in the instance of a statement painting will soften the finish at night when you feel like relaxing, giving a calming influence on the effect. 

Vibrant red and pinks will ensure a decor that is not only high impact, but that is also warm and welcoming. Blues and greens look stunning, but if you are going for bold tones, then do not overdo it or the room could become harsh and difficult to live with. An important design tip is to settle on the impact colour and then stick to it with the detailing you have decided to use to create the drama – clashing bold colours will look dreadful.

A roller blind with perhaps cushions and a few selected ornaments team up well together, their boldness being tempered by the main decor which should be a soothing neutral backdrop. Take a look at the Shona Mint Roman blind, the shimmering lime green fabric will be easy to match with accompanying accessorise and if all else fails, resort to nature, an indoor plant or two with light coloured leaves may be all it takes.

Take inspiration from the Harlequin range of curtain fabrics, many of which have matching wallpapers. Their designers are not afraid to use colour and there is everything from beautiful florals to simple stripes many of which are teamed with co-ordinating or matching plains. But which comes first, choosing your curtain pole or the curtain fabric. Personally I would choose the fabric, as there may be some detail in the pattern that you may wish to echo in the style of the curtain pole.

The Integra Options curtain poles have a stunning range of exciting finials, this one for instance, the Integra Polka Dot finial. These beautiful poles are attractively priced and come in a variety of metal pole finishes. Another vivacious pole that is new to our range is the Kestrel Diva Tube. The black and clear finials are tempting enough, but for an eclectic decor, what better than the striking red finial – a diva in its own right.

As far as locating accessories are concerned, stores like Ikea or Homebase make a good starting place for the more cheap and cheerful with John Lewis and the like being the best places to locate the more flamboyant finishing touches.