Keep furniture, lighting and accessories simple, and introduce botanical print fabrics to soften the overall look.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK...

• The striking combination of black and white works well as an accent colour to temper a strong shade such as turquoise.

• Smart, contemporary pieces can be given a softer look with large-patterned cushions to tone with other soft furnishings, such as the curtains.

• Neutral flooring will blend with any colour scheme, and during the winter rugs can be used to introduce extra warmth to the scheme.

Sketch sofa, H67xW221xD100cm, £1,400 plus 10.8m of fabric, Designers Guild
Sofa in Tevere in Turquoise, F1169-11, cotton mix, 140cm wide, £55m, Designers Guild
Norris chairs, H80xW70xD62cm, £1,472 each plus 4m of fabric, George Smith
Chairs in Murmure, Anthracite 266-12, cotton mix, 154cm wide, £62.86m, Lelièvre
Everywhere lacquer sideboard, H50xW180xD50cm, £1,112, Ligne Roset
Hoey coffee table, H42xW110xD52cm, £1,050, The Conran Shop
Colour on walls, Peacock Magic 5, matt emulsion, £16.99 for 2.5 litres, Dulux