Kelly Hoppen's rules for getting colour right

Interior designer Kelly Hoppen gives us her golden rules for getting colour right

Britain's top interior designer Kelly Hoppen reveals how to plan your decorating and get the colours right

* Give your home a neutral base
I always try to keep a certain flow within the whole property as it creates a balanced feel throughout. For me that base is my neutral palette.

I always associate certain rooms with a certain feel, ie bathrooms and bedrooms need to feel crisp and clean and I use a lot of whites and natural surfaces. By adding lush textiles in both rooms it takes away that 'cold' feel and adds some comfort. I love my Bhs towels - the softness alongside the crisp linen borders is fantastic.

Sometimes a subdued colour palette can already make a great difference to your room. Try a combination of taupe and mustard-coloured textiles to add interest without being too 'punchy'.

* Don't mix different coloured woods
By keeping to the same colour wood you will achieve much more consistency and clarity in your home (this also includes your flooring!). All my furniture is offered in a light and dark finish- once you have decided on one stick to it throughout your home.

I personally love black wood and use a lot of dark stained oak. People who want to achieve more of a natural or 'Scandinavian' look should stick to oak or beech, but again try and keep it consistent and don't mix the different woods together.

* Mixed patterned sofas with neutral walls
If you choose to have your upholstery in a certain pattern or fairly bright colour, try to balance it out by the use of natural colours on your walls and accessories.
Turn the colour down a little with neutral cushions embellished with shell buttons, for instance, to add another great textural surface.

* Don't match your sofa and curtains!
Patterns, like colour, are great to create focal points, but can quickly result in an overload. For the best results, mix patterned curtains with a neutral sofa with a few cushions in complementary shades to achieve a balance in the room.



Learn more about Kelly's golden rule of design from her book Style by Kelly Hoppen (£30, Jacqui Small) Buy Kelly's book from Amazon

See more of Kelly's style at www.kellyhoppen.com

To see Kelly's exclusive design for one reader's dated bedroom, see Ideal Home's May issue.

Find out how to break the colour rules and get away with it.

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