Bring the Garden In

If winter feels a little dismal, think about bringing the garden inside with a burst of colour.You can do this with paint, certainly (see our last post for ideas for bringing a shot of bright colour into any room), but you can also choose a bright cushion, loose cover, curtain, or poster. Make it big and bright, with floral or leafy patterns, and you'll instantly feel that spring is on the way... or will be.

This works well in a neutral space. If your walls are biscuit or grey and your main furnishings are in natural wood or conservative stains, you can mix up patterns freely. Try to choose colours that are all at about the same level of intensity, like the dreamy cushions in the photo, or which use the same basic colour scheme in a variety of patterns.

Patterns with varying sizes work well together. One big, lush, floral can be partnered with small leafy patterns or little chintz flower designs. Bold florals also work well with checks and stripes.

Bring plants in, too. Just think of a happy spring green focus wall, a sofa covered with hydrangea printed chintz, and some healthy ficus or ferns in pots. No one could feel gloomy in a room like this!