If you're feeling down, cheer yourself up with the blues

If like me you're not willing to embrace the cold weather then you'll be spending a lot of time indoors with plenty of time to decorate. Hoorah!

Intense colours, including blue, are set to take over the interiors world this year, so why not use your frame of mind to create a dramatic room instead. Although we associate blue with feeling down it can actually be uplifting if you use the right shade.

If you're more into pastels than crazy brights, then think summer holidays with cloudless skies and crystal waters. Even just saying those words makes me feel instantly warmer.

Combine lighter shades with dashes of deeper blue in the accessories and upholstery. Light wood such as beech or oak makes a great accompaniment too, so furniture in these materials is bound to be a hit.

If you're feeling a bit braver but not quite ready for extreme blue then Chinese Blue from Farrow and Ball (www.farrow-ball.com) could be the shade for you. It's a little bit like a deeper version of blue Wedgwood china and looks fantastic with chalky white furniture – especially French style.

For a very classic look the Littondale dinning furniture from Barker and Stonehouse (www.barkerand stonehouse.co.uk) would be super – especially as it's from the Trees4Trees range, meaning it is responsibly sourced as well as beautiful to look at.

If you want to go all out then there are some fab shades for that too. I particularly like Oxford or Regal blue by Crown (www.crownpaint.co.uk). To keep the room light I would again suggest white furniture. This time however go for a more futuristic look with high gloss furnishings such as the Irina console and coffee table from Barker and Stonehouse (www.barkerand stonehouse.co.uk).

If you'd rather add just a few blue touches to an already decorated room then consider a statement chair or chest of drawers. A firm favourite at Barker and Stonehouse is the Love chair which comes in a number of shades, including Moroccan blue.

Another item bound to start conversation is the Dolce Vita corner unit in bright blue with gold embellishment.

Once others see your freshly decorated room they'll want the winter blues too.

For more hot styling tips and advice visit www.barkerandst onehouse.co.uk

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