A recent client expressed a preference for beige, ‘perhaps with a hint of aqua’. On further discussion hot pink bubbled to the surface.  Most of her wardrobe was filled with it but she didn’t think you could use hot pink in interiors?  We were delighted to oblige (particularly with the pink stove enamelled Aga). Colour is such an intensely personal affair but we are often hindered by preconceived ideas.

Softened with cream or made crisper with white the result could have been overwhelmingly ‘girly’. Used with a combination of other colours it makes a far more complex and interesting palette. Mix with royal blue, mid grey and a splash of fluorescent green. Or bring it together with aqua, sand and mushroom pink. It’s quite incredible what happens to colour when complemented by unusual partners.

For a more traditional approach you could try a colour wheel, available in most art shops. A very conventional colour system, it should help even those that have no idea where to start. Rules are made to be broken so feel free to twist a traditional colour duet with small amounts of a third more unexpected colour. There, the perfect excuse for a few of those new home accessories you have your eye on. You don’t want it to look like an overly coordinated show home after all.