Got a cottage? Leaving the beams in the ceiling dark will bring the ceiling lower visually and make the room cosier. Want it to be lighter and brighter? Paint them white to match the rest of the ceiling. Design by Laura Ashley (Image 1 of 22)
We love the modern, glass table in this room – it takes it from purely traditional to modern period. Wallpapers and fabrics by Harlequin (Image 2 of 22)
If it’s comfort you want, drape your surfaces with deep pile rugs, throws, cushions, blinds, curtains – in other words, layer fabrics to make a room more welcoming. Room by Laura Ashley (Image 3 of 22)
A period scheme needn’t mean traditional furniture – you can have modern pieces, as long as you accessorise with cushions and throws in period fabrics, as here. Paints by The Little Greene Paint Co (Image 4 of 22)
Go to junk shops to find period style furniture that you can re-cover. Bear in mind, though, that professional upholstering is not cheap – so get quotes for an idea before you buy. Design by Laura Ashley (Image 5 of 22)
Play with scale – this lamp seems much bigger than the armchairs it’s next to, but because it’s set against a bold print, and because the colours tone, it draws attention to the whole wall, rather than just itself. Designs by Harlequin (Image 6 of 22)
If you want a room that oozes glamour, choose metallic finishes for all your pieces – from your furniture and accessories, right through to your furniture. Choose a high sheen finish for your floors, too. Design by Laura Ashley (Image 7 of 22)
Period style needn’t mean traditional flooring – you can use modern materials – just choose one in colours that tone with the rest of the room – like here. Flooring by Marmoleum (Image 8 of 22)
Car boot sales, reclamation yards, antiques markets – all great places to find unique pieces to dress your room with. We’re not saying don’t buy Ikea statuettes, we’re just saying you could do better… Design by Laura Ashley (Image 9 of 22)
If you want a room to feel less formal, choose low pieces – as in this room. The higher your furniture (sofa and coffee table particularly) sits, the more formal your room will look. Flooring by Kahrs (Image 10 of 22)
Don’t be tempted to over-furnish a traditional room; keep pieces to a minimum, especially if your walls have a busy design on them. Room by Laura Ashley (Image 11 of 22)
The New England look is cute in the extreme, easy to with and achieve – simply choose furniture in white, blue or red and accessorise with stars, stripes and checks. Flooring by Pergo (Image 12 of 22)
Jewel shades – deep reds, sapphire blues and emerald greens with give any room a warmth and character that’s so easy to live with. Keep pattern to a minimum if you go for bold colours – perhaps just on one piece. Room by Laura Ashley (Image 13 of 22)
Large florals are an easy access point to a period scheme – particularly if you mix and match them, and add some light graphics into the combination. Stick to similar colours and tones for best effect. Fabrics by Romo (Image 14 of 22)
Put sofas so that they face to each to create an intimate space. For best results, put a rug between them to create a focal space. Room by Laura Ashley (Image 15 of 22)
Black and white is a popular look at the moment – for living rooms and bedrooms. Here’s a good example of how to get it right – keep pattern to one area and balance black walls with white. Room by Laura Ashley (Image 16 of 22)
As an alternative to the popular black and white scheme, go for a deep grey, instead, which is easier to live with. Warm up the scheme with red. Decor by The Little Greene Paint Co (Image 17 of 22)
You needn’t paint your mouldings – skirting, dado and picture rails – in white. Choosing an off-white that tones with your wall colour can make the room look much more unique. Paints from Dulux (Image 18 of 22)
Dressing your surfaces – coffee tables, shelves, side tables – is a real art. The trick is not to overdo it and to choose co-ordinating pieces for each part of the room. Room by Next (Image 19 of 22)
Swedish style is so easy to live with – choose cool colours for a classic look that won’t date. Furniture from IKEA (Image 20 of 22)
Want a no-fuss room? Don’t have any pattern at all – instead, co-ordinate your furniture with your walls and flooring, but keep the tones of your chosen colour very close. This will help the room feel more intimate, too. Room by Next (Image 21 of 22)
In an open-plan room, choosing furniture that matches will help draw a large space together. Scatter other colours – such as bright orange (shown here) in tiny portions around the room, too. Room by Next (Image 22 of 22)
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