Where do you start?
Cut pictures out of magazines, collect fabric samples and build up a mood board of things you love. Start to build your colour scheme from this.

Using blue paint
You can use blue in a north-facing room but make sure it has a hint of yellow in it eg turquoise to keep it warm. Lavender blues can make a room feel cold.

Using patterns and textures

Go for patterns of varying sizes which are linked together though similar colours or shades. Using patterns of a similar size doesn't work as the patterns compete with each other.

Fabric dye works wonders for transforming soft furnishings or reviving old fabrics. However, always experiment first.

Furnishing big rooms
If your room is big, place big pieces of furniture in it to make it feel more cosy. Using small pieces of furniture can make the room feel even bigger.

Wooden Floors

Every six months lightly wax the floorboards. If your floor is sealed, clean with a product recommended by the manufacturer otherwise your warranty may be void.

If you have a room that leads straight into the garden wooden flooring is the most practical choice as it's easier than carpet to keep clean.

Flooring

Avoid carpet in a bathroom.

A patterned carpet is ideal for a family home as it disguises dirt and stains.

Lay plain floor tiles in a diagonal fashion to create a different effect.

Opt for vents or under floor heating if you feel a radiator is spoiling the look of the room.

Displaying accessories
Group objects such as cushions and ornaments together which are linked by colour or shape for a smart, overall effect - displaying pieces on their own can look bitty and contrived.

Wallpaper
Wallpaper is no longer a thing of the past. Create a focal point by using a single piece on one wall and taking the colour to paint the rest of the room to compliment the focal point.

Design tips and tricks

If your room is dark use pale, neutral tones to create a feeling of space.

If your room is long and narrow painting an end wall a dark colour can shorten the room and make it feel less 'corridor-like'.

If your room is small, a dark floor and pale walls will make the room seem bigger.

If your room is big, place big pieces of furniture in it to make it feel more cosy. Using small pieces of furniture can make the room feel even bigger.

If your ceilings are very high painting them a dark colour will lower them. You can also use deep skirting boards and dado rails to create the feeling of a lower ceiling.

If your ceilings are low use light colours on the floors and ceilings to create the feeling of space. Stripes (in the curtains or furniture) can also add height to a room with low ceilings.

To highlight tall windows or unusual features in a window don't have curtains but use plain blinds instead.

It's easy to get carried away when you're in a homes interior shop. Only buy something if you love it.

Change things around

Keep appliances on surfaces to a minimum otherwise the room will feel cluttered.

Disguise an old or damaged table with a floral cloth or runner.

Change old curtains by lengthening them with a border.

Creating space

To create the feeling of space, use cool shades. Lilacs and soft greens make a space appear larger than it actually is.

A built-in wardrobe saves on space.

If there's waste of space under the stairs, knock this through for shelving.

It you're into open plan homes the easiest way to create space is knock doors through.

If there is space at the end of a bath, make a ledge for storage.

Maximise the feeling of space by keeping to a simple design.