Like many colours olive green is also known under new names, such as thyme, ivy and caper – all of which are shade variations of olive. Whatever name you (or the colour experts) want to call it olive green is bang on-trend and is a beautiful colour to use in your home. Forget about the citrus lime, moss and pea greens by giving you home a Mediterranean warmth with olive.

We mustn’t forget that olive is a colour which can be paired and coordinated with many other colours, take for example stuffed olives you buy in a supermarket, with the little showing of red they look delicious and you can translate this by using red and olive as your colour scheme. Or why not turn to olive groves for your colour inspiration? Earthy tones and mellow yellows are gentle on the eye, warm and inviting.

In the bedroom full length olive curtains coordinated with a shade or two lighter on the walls compliments luxury bedding in neutral tones. Bedding isn’t the only place where you can use olive successfully, help ground the colour by using large rugs in olive green or an earthy red. Alternatively you could focus on bringing out the yellow undertones of olive green by using a soft yellow as an accent colour in your bedroom.

By including a variety of textures, such as cheap curtains with a satin sheen finish making them appear to shimmer as the light reflect from the surface, duvet cover sets in crisp cotton and rugs with a deep plush pile, your bedroom will be full of interest and colour – a far cry from olive green being depressing and murky!

It’s time to forget about the 1970’s avocado green which, unless you’re going retro, should be discarded and bring natural olive into your bedroom to create a warm and relaxing ambience which is stylishly chic and elegant.

However, magnolia per se remains a classical colour which will never really date or go out of fashion; basically because it’s a neutral colour which offers the ability to be used as a base or background colour onto which we can add other complimentary colours to achieve a chic and stylish look in our homes.

The same principles apply to our furniture, flooring and soft furnishings – against a neutral background colour such as magnolia we can add the latest colour trends without the need to completely redecorate a room. This in itself is a cost effective way to keep your home on-trend with the newest colour, various fabric patterns and materials.

The colour you choose for your home also reflects your own personality and interior design styles. It makes logical sense that if you’re an out-going person you will probably include bright splashes of colour to your room via, for example, large rugs, bedding or cheap curtains. Those with a more inward personality will feel more at ease with soft neutrals, such as magnolia or pale beige.

Today interior designers are abandoning the idea that small bedrooms should be painted in light colours to make them appear larger. They’re suggesting that mid-tones can make bedrooms feel cosier and warmer with the use of complimentary coloured duvet sets. Another on-trend tip is to paint your walls and ceiling the same colour as this will do away with the wall-ceiling divide and actually make the room seem larger and the ceiling higher.

However, for those who prefer to stay within their comfort zone and stay loyal to magnolia their bedrooms can be lifted from bland and boring simply by using a variety of textures and patterns of their soft furnishings. For example, a dark shag pile rug can look stunning against pale coloured flooring; white bedding will show the subtle colour distinction between magnolia and crisp white.

Although many people will say that magnolia belongs in the 90’s it’s true to say that this neutral colour will remain popular simply because it offers a versatile colour choice in all kinds of homes.

It’s not just the colour that being revived, as we know checks, stripes and floral patterns are now back on-trend in bedrooms; these patterns are also perfect for pairing with plain walls, flooring and bedding.

Maybe lilac is being given a new lease of life because it’s a great colour to use if you want your bedroom to be relaxing and your own haven of peace and rest. With our modern busy lifestyles it’s easy to forget to switch off and before you know it you’re heading for meltdown.

However, just because the colour has been reintroduced into our homes doesn’t mean you have to adopt a retro interior design style. Lilac can be successfully used in all styles of interiors, from traditional to contemporary and everything in between.

The amount of pattern you use will also help you to put your own interior design ideas into practice. From gentle checks to toile on duvet cover sets or plain luxury bedding the choice is yours. You could have an entirely plain plain bedroom and simply add subtle touches of a pattern fabric in lilac to get the look.

Look for cheap curtains in lilac tones to bring the colour theme together and help to balance the style of the room; remember a little can go a long way, and if you want to add the ‘wow’ factor to your bedroom being discreet about where and how much colour and pattern you use is the key to success. Too much of anything can tip your style over the edge and make it too confusing to the eye. Gently does it and you’re onto a winner!

Whether you decide to place the colour on your walls, curtains, bedding or accessories, you’ll find that this beautiful colour tone gives just enough colour contrast to make your bedroom look and feel warm and inviting. Just what we all need to help us unwind and de-stress after a long day!

If you want to capture true Americana, then you should choose a theme for your room. This can be the colours of the American flag or even the stars and stripes. If you have a favourite Hollywood star or singer, you can decorate a room in their honour. If you fancy down-to-earth, rustic charm, then you could decorate your room in old American colonial style. The choice is yours, and as long as it has an attachment to American lifestyle, culture or history, your room will capture Americana design.

One style that is particularly popular captures everything you would associate with the American Wild West. Animal skins and rough woods, give the feeling of living close to nature. Rather than go to wild with animal-skin furniture, brighten up your existing furniture with a leopard print throw or zebra print cushion covers. A rough wooden floor with large rugs in real or faux animal hide will keep the Wild West feel.

Earthy colours, such as browns and greens are an ideal choice for an Americana theme. Do not go too dark and ensure an even mixture of the two. Brown wooden window blinds are a ‘must’ for this theme, although you should ensure they are large enough to let natural light in when needed. Wild West-themed wall art will give visitors an idea of the theme you are trying to grasp. Of course, if you like this type of Americana style but do not want the Wild West twist, you can go for a log cabin feel with the same colours and design elements. Simple mirrors on the wall will give the feeling of space and also add some much-needed light. If you fancy a lighter design, colonial Americana with its whites and beige may be more your thing.

Capturing the beauty of mission style means choosing upholstery in basic shades, such as neutral leather or beige cotton. If you are concerned about having a light-coloured sofa, try using a throw to protect it – remembering to keep to a soft colour tone. If you are considering new furniture for your mission-style room, look around for reproductions. Hand-crafted, dark wood furniture will make a simple but stylish addition to your room and is in keeping with the mission style you are looking to achieve.

Hardwood flooring will capture the crafty element of the mission style, again keep it dark and it will complement the pieces of furniture you have in your room. You can use large rugs and cushion covers to add a little colour and warmth to the room and prevent it from becoming too dark and gloomy.

Stained glass windows were extremely popular during the mission era however; however, this is not a practical option in a modern home. Stained wood shutters or window blinds, stained a similar colour to your floor so the windows complement it, are an ideal alternative. Shutters and window blinds will introduce a craftsman touch to your room, capturing the crafty element of the mission look.

Lighting is an important part of the mission design, because of the use of dark wood. Floor and table lamps should have iron or brass bases with coloured glass shades, to mimic the look of stained glass. Wooden lamp bases are also considered mission-style, however these do not always work in a room that already has a lot of natural wood on show, so use them sparingly.

‘Less is more’ when it comes to accessorising your mission-style room. When filling your room with accessories, bear in mind that simple lines and no clutter is important if you want to achieve mission-style interior design. Streamlined wall art, simplistic photo frames and art-inspired mirrors, will all help you achieve a mission style room you can enjoy.

The 1950s and 1940s were a much more relaxed period of time than this day and age, so remember this when thinking about what you are going to do and how you will achieve it. These time periods were simple and family focused, meaning the overall look you are after is one of comfort and relaxation.

A typical lounge in the 1940s would have been filled with antique or old furniture, as well as a collection of handmade items and family heirlooms. Look around antique or flea markets for furniture from this time period. Of course, if you want to keep your old furniture this is fine too and you can capture a 1950s feel by having them upholstered.

Keep your colour scheme basic, blues; deep reds and magnolia were particularly popular during this time. Give your sofa a retro look by covering it with a handmade patchwork quilt. Wooden flooring or floor tiles in a deep brown should have a vintage circular patterning or use large rugs to create a similar effect.

You could also paint your existing furniture, such as sideboards or coffee tables, in white paint and give it a distressed look. While you can get specialists in to do this for you, it is just as easy to do at home by applying wax to certain areas that would wear with time. This means rubbing away at corners and edges. You cannot really go wrong with your colours, as long as you do not use bright colours as this is considered a more modern look.

Fill your lounge with accessories from the time period you are trying to capture. For example, a 1950s telephone on a sideboard can add character to a room, as will pretty ceramics and fine figurines. Cheap curtains with a vintage pattern are ideal and if you are ‘crafty’ family, make the most of your talent by incorporating your love of crafts into your interior design. The ‘make and mend’ philosophy is very true with vintage design, so do not be afraid to display handmade items such as, wall art, needlework and pottery.

Asymmetry is important with Art Nouveau home design, as is achieving simple and smooth contours. In the 1800s, Art Nouveau was considered natural, incorporating images of things conceived by man. This means pictures of cherubs, female figures and plants are very in-keeping with the style. Everything about Art Nouveau design is natural and smooth, meaning obscure lines or awkward angles are out.

Light colours, such as off-white and beige, are very Art Nouveau, so cover up coloured furniture with basic coloured throws. Light or dark wood flooring is also typical of the period, although terracotta tiles are just as popular. If you fancy wood flooring that has a pattern, stick to something simple and circular if possible. Circles and semi-circles are a popular part of Art Nouveau design, as they represent the sun. If your furniture is light coloured already and you have a dark floor, add large rugs in white or beige to break up the deep colour of your floor. Again, a circular rug is more in keeping with Art Nouveau style.

Your room will need plenty of light and should be natural if possible. White nets or lightweight voile coloured curtains will dress your window space without stealing all the light. Choose between floor or table lamps – do not mix the two, as you want the room to stay symmetrical. Again, light coloured or glass shades will replace any light lost by using dark wood flooring. If you enjoy looking after house plants, use a couple of the same variety in your Art Nouveau room. Large plants with big, even leaves are considered typical of the period.

Keep accessories to the minimum and any you do include should be as simple as possible. Wall art depicting plants or a nature-theme will add further interest to your room. Photographs in black and white will add a stunning, but simple touch to your Art Nouveau-inspired room and shouldn’t be excluded.

Remember symmetry is essential when capturing Art Nouveau interior design ideas; this means keeping things even and matched up where possible. Any ornaments you decide to include should be in pairs if possible. Avoid anything that is loud or over-the-top, as the whole point of this design is stylish simplicity.

Whether you are planning on recovering your furniture, or buying brand new, you should choose one colour and stick to it. The idea of using one colour is you blend in different tones of the colour – for example, dark grey; medium grey and a lighter grey will make a great monochrome combination. This idea of blending in different shades of the same colour, gives the room depth without appearing too busy. If you are redecorating, regardless of your room’s colour, your walls should be white, off-white or beige. This makes your walls a canvas, which will show off the beauty of your interior design rather than detract from it.

Your floor covering should be plain and preferably white or grey. Avoid wooden flooring or tiles and carpets that have a loud or busy pattern. If you do have wooden flooring use large rugs to break-up the monotony.

Full length curtains are an absolute must in contemporary home design; keep them simple and light, as you want them to break up the room without taking too much focus away from it. Any additional furniture, such as chairs or a coffee table, should be simple and functional. Use basic wooden shelving to hold books or keepsakes, remembering not to overfill them. Outlandish wall art or photographs will not work well in a room you want to look contemporary. Black and white prints and simple picture frames will add interest to your walls, without looking messy or out of place.

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in the room you are designing, you should attempt to make this the focal point. Install a plain fireplace surround and place a vase filled with your favourite long-stemmed flowers – fake ones will last the test of time but be choosy otherwise they’ll look cheap and tacky! Place an ornate mirror above your fireplace to add the finishing touches to your room.

5 ways to get the Bohemian look:

1. Walls:
A Bohemian interior design is far from organized, instead it is busy and random. Popular Bohemian colours are cornfield yellow and sky blue, usually with splashes of white to add clean lines and a little organisation.

2. Windows:
Keep your curtains basic and light coloured, as the Bohemian feel can be quite dark so ensure your rooms have plenty of natural light. Cheap curtains are ideal, especially those with a floral pattern, sweep them open from the centre and use add tassel tie-backs to hold them in place.

3. Furniture:
Furniture with an art Deco feels, covered with mismatched cushions and a thick rattan throw is an ideal look for a lounge or family room.

4. Floors:
Wooden floors are typical, which are then covered by large rugs to add further colours and textures to floors.

5. Accessories:
Accessories, knick-knacks and other belongings are the real key to creating the perfect bohemian interior. Ideally, candlesticks on a mantelpiece or dresser will match with the chandelier. Individual pieces of wall art or prints on the wall don’t have to match or even have a theme. If you have many family pictures, find individual frames for each one and dot them around your room. Again, the frames do not have to match in any way, as long as they add character to your room. Decorated plates attached to your wall or above a fireplace, will also add a Bohemian feel. Look for a fancy, ornate chandelier so you have an impressive centre light fitting.

Knick-knacks and other personalised belongings are the real key to creating the perfect Bohemian interior. Ideally, you want your accessories to tell a story, about either your life or a particular part of it. Including souvenirs, pictures and other accessories from your travels and family holidays will help you tell your story. The Bohemian look is all about choosing things that represent you, your family and the things you enjoy and like.

5 ways to get the Modern look:

1. Walls:
Minimalism is the epitome of modern interiors, as is clean lines and an overall organized look. Paint, rather than wallpaper, is seen as slicker. Paint your walls white or off-white for a clean look and to add space to your room.

2. Windows:
Window blinds are ideal in a room with a modern feel, as they are tidy and add definition to a window. They also naturally allow more light into your room, which again is important to give the impression of space.

3. Furniture:
Your furniture can be any colour you like, but you are better sticking to the one colour for all your furniture and accessories. Red is very much the colour of the moment and will make a striking addition to your white backdrop. A red sofa and matching chairs can be toned down with white cushions.

4. Floors:
A dark wooden floor is in keeping with the modern look and prevents your room from looking cold. Use large rugs in the centre of a room will also break up the darkness of your floor.

5. Accessories:
Accessories should be kept to a minimum, so you should avoid filling every surface with an ornament or knick-knack. Stick to a couple of matching pieces of modern wall art or pictures on the walls, ensuring they are level and, if possible, symmetrical. Look for a television you can mount on the wall and place any speakers out of sight.

Modern interior design is about giving a look you like a modern twist. An Art Deco chair can look modern with the right sort of accessories. Remember, your home should reflect your personality, so do not allow your quest for a modern interior to turn it in to a cold room you don’t enjoy spending time in. Atmosphere is important in a home and you can achieve this and the modern look your after by looking at interior design ideas and tweaking them to suit the size of your home and the size of your budget.