Subtle, chalky shades for walls, fabrics and accessories create modern interiors with a chic, relaxed feel.

Picture one: Lustrous glass and tactile ceramics help to make an eye-catching table setting.

Tablecloth in Colbeck Old Pink, linen, 150cm wide,Colefax and Fowler. Snail pinch pots, Ted Muehling at Vessel. Jackpot tea-light holder, H8cm, Nicole Farhi Home. Silver twig spoon, Louise Bradley. Plate, 21cm, Soendergaard Design.

Picture two: Graduated shades of blue provide a subtle layered effect.

Curvy console table in white lacquered maple wood, H74xW87xD44cm, Ecco Trading. Curtain in Romanie Celadon, polyester, 152cm wide, Harlequin. Malbrook Dot in Aqua, Jane Churchill. Round pumpkin dish, diam30cm, Daniel Reynolds at Echo Interiors. Teardrop vase, H55cm, Ceramica Blue. Small orange dish; white lacquered jewellery box; both The Conran Shop. Pale aqua medium match striker, Nina Campbell.

Picture three: A pale backdrop allows softer (and brighter) hues to be appreciated in all their glory.

Harrison sofa, H80xW140x D70cm, Clock House Furniture. Sofa in Magnolia Damask in Lavender, cotton/linen mix, 137cm wide, GP&J Baker. Lime cushions in Magnolia Tree in Mimosa, linen mix, 137cm wide, GP&J Baker. Simple Astier vase, Designers Guild.

Picture four: Layers of rich texture add glamour to gentle shades drawn from the same colour palette.

Square rectangular headboard, H76xW137xD5cm, The Dormy House. Olivia two-drawer bedside table, H74xW39xD35cm, Feather & Black. Headboard in Guirlande Rose, silk, 137cm wide, Designers Guild. 1940s crystal lamp base, H47cm, silk shade diam30.5cm, Nicole Farhi Home. Lucille embroidered double duvet cover; pillowcase; The White Company. Si Whisper Trees cushion, Harrods. Pink Gothic floral cushion; Peacock quilt bedspread in Rose, Liberty of London. Pink mohair throw, Graham & Green. Form 2000 teapot; coffee cup and saucer; lidded sugar bowl; all Arzberg at David Mellor.

STYLING KATE FRENCH
PHOTOGRAPHS POLLY WREFORD
APRIL 2008

See more great ideas for using colour and pattern.