Tired of the same old colour schemes? These three fresh new colour combinations are the perfect way to give your home a contemporary new look.
Heather and Chalk
Purple is a big trend for 2009, but deep tones can be overwhelming, so follow our tips to help you get it right.
Go for soft heather purples balanced with creamy off-whites. These soothing colours are easy to live with and cobined with light wood, work well to create the perfect country scheme.
Use your curtain fabric as a starting point for your colour scheme. Choose a floral-print fabric with vintage-style purple blooms and then co-ordinate this with your wall paint.
Choose chunky, waxed oak furniture and an aged leather armchair to achieve a timeless look. Then add a big sofa piled with cushions that you can really sink into.
Pick out the heather tones with purple accessories and use wool and cashmere cushions and throws to add a luxurious feel.
Slate and Coral
Be bold with fiery coral, cooled by slate grey and arctic white; this scheme is as modern as they come.
Grey is a soft and calming colour, perfect for creating a relaxing living room. It's a practical choice for a modern interior and it can be easily livened up with bright coral and accents of white.
Layer tones of grey in the furniture, carpet and some accessories, then pick a punchy statement shade of coral for the walls.
Keep shapes and patterns simple and pick up on the coral from the walls with the cushions, accessories and curtains. Compliment the colour scheme with a fabric which mixes in a touch of grey, too.
A few quirky items in pure white, such as a clock and table, will stand out and lift the scheme.
Duck egg blue and Rose
Duck-egg blue is a classic choice and combined with pink it creates a contemporary, elegant look.
Cool duck-egg blue and warm rose pink make a perfect colour combination for an elegant living room. Keep this mix fresh by adding an Oriental twist.
Paint the walls in this soft blue shade then choose flooring and upholstery in warm neutral tones, before adding the vibrant shade of pink.
Follow the Eastern theme by combining chinoiserie-print curtains with embroidered cushions and dark wood furniture and flooring. Ornamental bridcages and orchids complete the look.
Give the rose accent more impact by keeping accessories, such as picture frames and ceramics, neutral.