Interior Design Ideas: Focusing on Grey

One of the key ideas when using these varying neutrals is to be creative. You need to really focus on this diversity, otherwise things start to become dull or fade in to the background. Shake things up a bit by working in both black and white, to really create a diverse range of neutral shades. This can actually create a very interesting look.

Generally you are better off having distinct splits of colours, so that each object or area is one solid block of colour - if you have a mix of too many neutral shades in one area they can just start to blend. So have your walls one shade, your curtains another and so on.

Monochromatic interiors are nothing new and yet typically most people associate this with black and white – and of course grey encompasses both of these colours. And yet you don't have to stick to monochromatic when using grey. Add pops of colour such as bright pink bedding sets or funky lime green bedroom curtains. These vibrant colour combinations will lift grey from dull and boring into a trendy and very sophisticated look.

Image: Shore Dreams and Beautiful Things

Interior Design Ideas: Using Red

The next colour I'm going to look at is red. Ideal as a main colour to create a sexy bedroom or stimulate appetite in a kitchen or dining room. It also makes for a fantastic accent colour. Be it in small pieces of furniture, bedroom curtains, cushions, small decorations or rugs.

You can even use it as a secondary colour very well, depending on the shade used. You may even find that some rather unusual combinations work surprisingly well with it, such as slate greys or blue violets. Obviously green is the actual complementary colour to red, so will work incredibly well with it, but if you're not careful your home could look like Christmas all year round! More neutral shades such as white and cream are the ideal partners for red, from the deepest, richest burgundies to vibrant lipstick reds for trendy teens rooms and contemporary living spaces.

Red is also one of the colours you either love or loathe! If you don't think you like red just take a look at all the colour variations it offers; from the palest of reds which verge on pink to those which have blue undertones and touch on merging into purples.

Image: Harveys

Interior Design Ideas: Using Purple

In my last post I talked about plum and aubergine as accent or complimentary colours to team with green. However, being such a regal colour, it can become too serious if used incorrectly. This is especially true for deep rich purples. This is fine if you are looking to create a very ornate and royal looking room such as a dining room or bedroom, however to make it more playful and relaxed try using patterned materials or wallpaper.

Even something as simple as swirls of white, or alternating brighter shades can turn an otherwise stuffy colour in to a very refreshing and laid back look.

These vibrant shades of purple, bordering on the lines of magenta or heliotrope, often look amazing in small accessories and areas of a room. Everything from patterned bedroom curtains, to lampshades and cushions can be purple - adding a strength and sophistication to any area.

Look for fabulous purple curtain fabrics online to see the wide and varied choices of plain tones and beautiful patterns which can used to make soft furnishings, curtains, cheap cushion covers and Roman blinds, to suit the style of your home and décor.

Image: bloglovin'

Interior Design Ideas: Using Green

If you are going to use green as a complimentary colour to accessorise a room, do so carefully. One of the best ways to do so is by using brighter, more striking greens. These will stand out enough on their own to hold up against other colours. The secret to success is to match the green to a colour that suites it well.

One great example is using an apple green next to a rich cream, which will enhance and make the colour bolder, while still retaining its striking appeal. These colour combinations are perfect for creating an informal, yet elegant, lounge or bedroom in traditional styles of homes.

Alternatively, green teamed with aubergine are ideal colours for modern and contemporary homes. Look for bedroom curtains in a rich, seductive plum or aubergine and team with bright citrus lime green bedding sets as this offers an inexpensive makeover for teen's or guest bedrooms. Add a couple of rugs, one green, the other plum to help ground the design and provide a look of balance and cohesion.

As I've said before, 'going green' doesn't mean that you have to turn off all of your lights and electrical appliances – it can also simply mean – choose this fabulous colour to bring a new look to your rooms.

Image: blog.styleestate

Quick and Easy Summer Interior Design Ideas for Bedrooms

Its hot and clammy and you can't sleep – we've all experienced it at some time and while the hot days seem to have left us for the time being you can bet that they'll be back within a few days or weeks!

In the UK we just aren't accustomed to sleeping when it hot; many of us live in towns and cities where noise and pollution filters in through our open windows making the whole sleep process even more difficult to cope with.

One of the easy things to do is make sure your bedroom curtains have a blackout lining, this will help keep out any light if you decide to go for an early night! They will also help to keep your bedroom cool if you keep them closed during the day, particularly if you have south facing windows or in the centre of a city. Blackout lining doesn't have to be black, if fact it's usually cream or white, so it won't spoil the appearance of your curtains.

You could also use voile panels to make a modern style mosquito net to place around your bed – at least you won't be 'eaten alive' even if you do find yourselves tossing and turning all night and can't get to sleep!

Image: Decorations Millenium Interior Design Blog