Choosing the right colours can have a huge effect on the overall look of a room and home. The use of strong shades on walls and accent furnishings creates a mood and zone distinction. Alternatively – for those a little less adventurous – play down colour to let the architecture speak for itself. The use of light palettes around the home allows for other details – such as polished floor boards or feature splash back within the kitchen – take centre stage.

Black is back! And it will continue to be the dominant colour – however it needs be glossy, forget the dull lifeless black. It can be highlighted with a splash of white to achieve a glamorous & modern look.

Corresponding to the furniture industry, strong black and white contrasts are dominating as thematic reflections of the 1980s. They either create a strong, graphic effect or can have an opulent and romantic effect, when used as a baroque pattern.

For those wanting a less dramatic feel – natural and green tones still prove to be popular. The new shade is gray – so any tones and hues with a gray shade will be suitable. Think duck-egg blue, slate green and earthy browns.

Natural and earthy colours such as brown, ochre and sand correspond with African ethno elements. Any wood based furniture will really advance this look and items like picture frames that have a wood texture will add a great depth to your homes feel. These soulful hues bring cheer to every room, making your house a happy home… even on a dull winter’s day! For those wanting some warm advice… visit any leading display centre for inspiration. It will warm your heart!

The colour red, which is particularly popular with designers, is often used on white porcelain to create a lovely contrast. Those who want a strong vibrant home – red is a sensational colour to begin with. Also a magnificent choice for a feature wall and works well with many different tones and furniture pieces.

The best part of decorating is the freedom to be yourself. Your home is a personal creation that makes a statement about who are and how you live. It is important to remember that interior design is about functionality as much as it is making your home look fantastic.

The contemporary look is created by using materials such as lacquered and polished wood, plastic and glass. Shiny, glossy finishes will verify the chic interior, combined with metallics – silver, bronze, copper and gold.

Nature knows best – so draw on this season’s wonderful colour palettes to decorate with total confidence. A natural interior will have lots of bamboo, slate, hardwood and or similar materials.

There is new trend for distressed or antique metallic finish, which will suit the natural interior particularly well. Even the natural interior will have some shimmer – even though it’s bit more pearl-like, but nevertheless no longer the flat matt finish that we’ve become used to. Rough, irregular finishes and textures will also be popular.

Looking ahead? The trend of 2008/09 was strongly “traditional-modern” influenced i.e. the combination of modern materials and traditional designs. So expect the continuation of retro, Art-Deco, Modernism & Ornate but with a modern twist. The use of wall papers, fabrics and feature lighting like Chandeliers will remain influential.

Find out about the latest interior decorating trends &amp pick up some practical home design tips from the experts at Studio M.