Homes - just like relationships - suffer over time from familiarity, and once that early passion for decor and DIY has faded, rooms can end up sad, pale shadows of their formerly glowing, super-smart selves.
Who wants an interior that, while it may be as cosy as a pair of slippers, doesn’t pack a punch in style terms and says nothing about your taste now?
To stay fresh and appealing, it’s good to shake things up every now and then and - timing is all - this year’s trends have just burst onto the scene with plenty to inspire.
Lovers of all things neutral should look away now - colour, especially exotic, rich pink, is taking centre stage, sweeping away blandness with clashing shades and zingy hues.
If that’s too adventurous, there’s a charming botanical look featuring blooms, birds, and bees, or you could see things simply in black and white and embrace sophisticated, sleek monochrome.
Classic coastal’s taken on board elements of global style, and the smart way to interpret this chic combined look is with leather chairs and chunky chests, and fashionable copper accessories - so that it’s solid, swaggering and has almost a gentleman’s club or captain’s cabin feel.
Plump for whichever appeals, or take an element from each trend, and you could breathe new life into jaded schemes and fall in love all over again with your home...
Spring greens
Nature’s still a hot trend, with rich greens and florals featuring on a variety of designs.
This look retains a hold on our rooms because of our continuing desire to ‘bring the outdoors in’, but this year, there’s a variety of options to choose from.
Gather bold, bright blooms or opt for the most sophisticated interpretation, which emulates pin-sharp accurate botanical designs, depicting flowers, foliage and insects, especially butterflies.
“We’ve taken inspiration from antique, botanical illustrations for our collection,” says Claire Roberts, print designer at Marks & Spencer.
“One of my favourites features delicate nature - fern leaves mixed with an ultramodern black base, for a design which works effortlessly.”
Master monochrome
Chic black and white is still the most striking way to update a room; this versatile scheme is a trend leader and works particularly well with Eastern touches in accessories or furniture.
“Simplicity is key for this graphic trend, which is grounded in a modern palette of black, white and grey,” says Emma Mann, head of home design at Sainsbury’s.
“Striking patterns on textiles and ceramics have a distinctly tribal feel, while brass and copper detailing lift the colour palette and add a subtle sense of luxury.
“Concrete, matte and gloss finishes are mixed throughout our collection to add depth to this sophisticated, fashion-forward look.”
While white walls and black paintwork have impact, dressing windows with black blinds or shutters brings real drama.
Super shore
Blend together perennially popular coastal style and the more edgy global/traveller style for an irresistible decor combination, appropriate for any location, urban or seaside.
“Pure, simple and timeless, the old maritime look is a fresh interpretation of the classic geographical map-inspired style,” says Ysanne Jenkins, executive director for home at House of Fraser.
“Red and navy striped linens are balanced with washed, earthy tones for a sophisticated nautical feel. Leather and rope detailing work alongside tarnished metal surfaces, to add a New England take on key home accent pieces.”
Stripe fabrics for cushions, upholstery or tablecloths instantly evoke images of beach huts and deckchairs.
Blue and white stripes are a must-have ingredient for a classic coastal decor, and the Burford Arm Chair is upholstered in an appropriate and bold Navy Pier Stripe, £399, Kaleidoscope.
Pink and pastels
Colour goes pop this year, as punchy pinks and a parade of pastels battle for attention and look set to finally win over even those who’ve forsworn anything but neutrals.
“If you love pale colours and soft neutrals, you’ll need to stay calm or buy sunglasses, as the colours that are coming through are bold, bright and even clashing,” says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design for blind and shutter specialists, Hillarys.
“Bringing a pop of colour into your home can liven up every room in very different ways. Colours in blocks are a significant way of working with vibrant shades, but you’ll also see graphic monochromes combined with sharp punches of a single bright accent colour, like chartreuse, yellow and bold pink.
“Loud and proud, this trend is not for shrinking violets! And it’s time to throw out the rule book when it comes to what goes with what.”
Show how style-savvy you are by reflecting two trends - botanical and zingy colour - encapsulated in Harlequin’s stunning wallpaper, featuring butterflies on a white background; Papilio (111079), £56 a roll, and matching fabric, £56 a metre.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here