COLOURS FOR CALM

Nothing has the power to set and change a mood quite like colour. Surround yourself in natural, nourishing shades that promote stillness and stress-relief with these decorating ideas…

- NICKY PHILLIP

Champion craft

Beautifully crafted pieces never date, are made to last and mix well with other designs. Plus, they are both functional and decorative when on display.

WOODEN PLATTER

It can be a charger, candle plate, fruit bowl, jewellery dish, plant pot holder…

Acacia bowl set, £29.95, Nordic House, is a match. Abi salad serving spoons, £12, Habitat

Introduce a washed pastel

If sophisticated grey is your thing, avoid bold contrasting accents in favour of a soft wash of pink or lilac on part of a wall and accessories to lift the look without shouting too loud.

COLOUR BAND

Highlight a feature with a split-colour wall, feathering the line for a blurred effect

Chimney breast in Portland Stone and Chemise absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Ara armchairs, £1,773 each, Porada. For a similar console table, lamp, glass jar and corbel, try Lorfords. Crumpled linen throw, £185; Brights side plate, £22, both The Conran Shop. Jute rug, £59.99, Carpetright. Painting, find similar at Nikki Saunders. Leather handle lantern, £85; pillar candles, £11 each, all Nordic House. Velvet and linen cushions, £20 each, Cox & Cox

Layer neutrals