Using colour in Blocks

Mix Earthy Tones With Brights

Contrast always creates an impact, so use an earthy shade as a backdrop for brighter, zingy shades, such as orange or red, lime greens or turquoise. Keep the floor pale and plain and add pattern subtly with accessories. Kartell Spoon Desk, from £869; Kartell Spoon office chair, £383, both Heal's(opens in a new window). 

Find A Bold Wallpaper

An easy way to create a series of blocks of colour is with a bright, graphic wallpaper - or, for the very brave, a series of toning wallpapers used together on one wall. Wallpapers all from the Frank collection, £50 per roll; blind made from Kiriko fabric, £63 per m from Classic prints collections; sofa fabrics from the Lina and Natur collection; cushion made from Norma fabric £63 per m from the Clotilde collection, all Sandberg(opens in a new window).

Draw Attention To A Feature

If you're not feeling brave about using a block of bold colour in a bedroom, then opting to paint the wall behind the bed is a good choice. It also helps draw attention to the room's focal point - in this case a faux deer's head. Albany collection bedstead, from £999; three drawer wide chest, £899; bedside chest, £349, plus all other items, Marks & Spencer.

Use The Floor

Hallways are not always the most exciting of rooms - mostly due to lack of space. However, you can make a really bold statement upstairs or down with a brilliant block of bold colour on the floor - contrasted with a more sensible, neutral shade on the walls. By Fun On The Floor(opens in a new window).

Use Pastel Shades For A Calming Feel

Blocks of colour don't just have to be bright - use muted lavender for a softer look. Ideal for bedrooms, they can be teamed with neutral for a not-so feminine feel. Once Blueberry White, £20.49 for 2.5 litres; Dusted Fondant, £17.19 for 2.5 litres matt emulsion, both Dulux(opens in a new window).

Add Colour Quickly

Use textiles to create blocks of colour - here a canopy, bedspread and rug all in a similar shade of green have transformed an otherwise fairly plain bedroom. For extra interest, add patterned cushions and artwork. 4Poster king-size bed, from £1,995; Slice walnut orange wide six drawer unit, £1,795; Slice side table, £495, all Heal's(opens in a new window).