Colour school: Decorate with Spearmint & Denim

More contemporary than jade or teal, invigorating mint is the perfect way to give your living space a cool, refreshing vibe. Create an informal, effortless feel by mixing it with relaxed denim blue and slate grey, then bring the whole palette to life with pops of crisp white, chartreuse and zesty lime. Make it mellower for the winter season with accents of navy blue and soft purple

Choose angular wooden furniture, textured ceramics and fabrics with graphic prints for a mid-century-inspired look

Break up a solid block of colour on walls with white frames and folk-art-inspired pieces

Love this look? NOW GET THE LOOK

Pattern 1

Add subtle colour with this retro pattern

Tocca 111316 wallpaper, £37 per roll, Scion

The Paint

Go for a cool, calm blue

Spearmint Intelligent Matt Emulsion, £45 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

Pattern 2

This pretty motif is ideal for blinds or cushions

Aymara Eucalyptus fabric, £64 per m, Villa Nova

Contrast different prints with ease by sticking to just one or two colours in the same tone - here,

a retro wallpaper, ethnic-inspired blind and stripy rug work in harmony for a modern but relaxed result

OUR stylist says

"Pale mint hues can appear washed out, so give them structure with charcoal upholstery and dark wood furniture "

NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR

Swap a traditional table lamp for a pair of peridot-green pendant lights next to a sofa

Soft oak is the ideal partner for minty tones - use simple furniture, wooden accessories and tactile rattan to add a natural touch

TRY THESE COLOURS with SPEARMINT

LAVENDER: Bring out mint's more restful properties with soft purples, such as lilac, lavender or wisteria

LIME: While most greens will perk up an icy blue, go for those with a yellow base for an even livelier effect

CUMIN: Opt for earthy shades, such as cumin or nutmeg, to give your scheme some welcome warmth

Shades to avoid

CITRUS ORANGE Although lemon and lime work, zesty orange could be a colour clash too far - this daring pairing would certainly be an acquired taste.

BUBBLEGUM While candy colours are cute in a girl's room, steer clear of saccharine shades if you're after a refined living space.

CLARET Keep away from deep red tones, such as claret or mahogany, as their richness will deaden or even erase spearmint's crisp, fresh appeal.