How to decorate with your favourite colour

Love red but think it will overpower your room? Think blue is beautiful but maybe too cool? Whatever your favourite colour is, you can make it work in your home. How to decorate with red Red is a bold colour that's full of drama, and needn't be overpowering. Here's how to make red work in your home...

Paint one feature wall in red and keep the others neutral to balance out the intensity of colour.

Add accents of red in fabrics and accessories, and leave the remainder in black and neutral to create contrast.

Accessorise with stylised patterns to add detail to a boldly coloured room.

Choose dark wood furniture to continue the sophisticated feel of the room and to contrast with the bold red.

Go for light-coloured flooring and curtains to lift the scheme. Curtains can be plain or have a simple, stylised print. How to use blue accessories at home If you like the idea of using blue but are concerned it may feel too cold, particularly in a bedroom, consider using small hints of blue in your accessories instead. From bold cobalt to inky, midnight blues and relaxed denim tones, we've rounded up our favourite blue furnishings that we just can't live without. Blue lagoon This abstract cushion by Amy Sia , £70, is the perfect way to add a splash of blue in your homes.

Turquoise treat Brighten up your bedside table with the Babylon ceramic table lamp, £295, LuxDeco .

Navy nook Add accents of dark denim blue to create a richness of colour in your scheme. Keats armchair, in left- and right-hand options, £1,970 each, The Sofa and Chair Company .

Floral fancy You won't be feeling blue with this pretty wreath displayed on one of your walls. Blue faux hydrangea heart wreath, £35, Bloom .

Night on the tiles Blue hues can feel cold in bedrooms, to soften the look, choose blue and white accessories for the perfect balance. Duvet set, £12, George Home .

Blue notes Scatter on your coffee table for a simple splash of blue. Notebook, £12.50, Paperchase .

House of cards Feeling bold? This Cartina table would look striking in a quirky London flat, £170, Out There Interiors .

Blanket blue Fabric furnishings will help make your scheme look warm and inviting. Scion Shiborin cotton throw, £120, Bedeck .

Kitchen cool Light blue accessories will brighten up any interior. Premier Housewares Disc bar stool, Galaxystores.co.uk .

Make blue work in your home

If you are looking to paint your walls in this fabulously versatile shade and want to achieve a look like this, make sure you follow our top tips for the best results:

Choose a deep aqua tone for the walls, as it's a warm shade of the colour

Create balance with a piece of furniture in a darker blue and contrast with others in off-white, which is warmer than pure white

Team with dark wood furniture and flooring to add depth

Add small hints of bright pink as an accent or highlight colour - fresh flowers are brilliant for this Love this? Find more design ideas and practical advice at 25 Beautiful Homes .

****** How to decorate with orange Orange adds warmth and energy - just keep it sophisticated. Here's how to make orange work in your home...

Orange can be overbearing, so keep it chic by using a paler tone on the wall but choosing a neutral for the others and teaming it with a neutral carpet.

Use framed prints to add orange to the walls in small doses.

Go for a mix of bright orange and chocolate-brown accessories.

In a room of strong, contrasting colour, a patterned carpet with a light background breaks up the colour blocks.

Sophisticated dark-wood furniture works best in this scheme.

Choose soft furnishings in orange, picking a bold pattern to bring a stylish touch to the scheme and add detail. How to decorate with purple Keep purple rich and vibrant, and it won't feel gloomy. Here's how to make it work in your home...

Purple absorbs light, making it look darker than it is, so avoid wall-to-wall blocks of purple by using a patterned feature wallpaper that combines purple and lighter tones.

Choose accessories in the same purple as your wall colour, and a slightly darker tone, mixed with bright pinks.

Add areas of white or off-white to add a brighter note.

Go for mirrored furniture to reflect light around the room and add to the opulent feel that purple creates.

Choose fabrics with subtle shimmer to add depth, such as plush velvets and gorgeous silks.

. IH blue living room Blue Living Room IH red dining room Red dining room IH red dining room Red dining room IH orange home office Orange home office IH purple bedroom Purple Bedroom

How to decorate with your favourite colour

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