For a bold look try clashing patterns

For a fresh look with minimum effort, try soft furnishings. With a huge range of colour schemes, textures and patterns, there’s a whole sweet shop of exciting treats from which to choose. Of course it’s not just the fabrics, but the way you use them that affects the whole look of your room. From a dramatic set of curtains to the vivid piping on a cushion, all your soft furnishing choices will have an impact. Try contrasting patterns, seen here from Jane Churchill.

Decide on the general look you want before you step into a fabric shop, think of the mood you are trying to create –relaxing or stimulating, grand or cosy. It helps if you know whether you want a contemporary, traditional or ethnic look, and if you want patterns or plain fabrics where the texture does the talking.