Style: CHANGE COMES FROM WITHIN

Cold winds outside are icy proof that winter's far from over but
thankfully welcome winds of change are blowing through home style.

Bland neutrals have finally been given the boot and colour has
triumphed, meaning that in 2010 rooms will glow with warmth and
character.

Feel free to use beautiful, blooming florals, or add impact with strong
blocks of colour mimicking catwalk styles.

Even devotees of cool monochrome schemes should add injections of colour
to bring them bang up to date.

Be cool and contemporary with zingy accents of bubblegum pink, citrus
yellow and lime or opt for rich, luscious plums and purples and lipstick
reds for a glamorous, luxurious look.

Throw caution to the wind and mix elements of different styles, eras,
colours and patterns to create a look that works for you.

"Generally, people are more at ease about their taste and this year will
be ready and willin g to experiment," predicts leading interior designer,
Anita Kohn at Living In Space.

"They're going to want to make interior design statements to add 'wow'
factor to rooms, with bold wallpaper prints continuing to be a strong
and popular trend."

It's about being imaginative rather than feeling you have to slavishly
follow one style, agrees Alan Hughes, director of Inchbald School of
Interior Design.

"Interior design has grown up in the last few years," he says.
"Replicating a design or scheme 'off the peg' seen in a magazine for a
lifeless hotel look is very yesterday.

"Instead homes should be personal reflections of their owners, where
treasured possessions complementary in colour, texture and form are
displayed, and the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed."

So if you love nature but feel florals are too girly or fussy for your
rooms, opt for the more funky 'country chic', which mimics a hunting
lodge look.

Make a focal point of a decorative replica of a stag or deer head, a
surprising best seller on the high street, and continue the woodland
theme with wallpaper and accessories that takes inspiration from
creatures and nature.

If that's too close to home and you yearn for the sultry colours and
styles of foreign parts take stock of the 'far-away look' which is
coming into vogue.

You could incorporate the exotic colours and intricate mosaic patterns
of Moroccan style, experiment with dark woods and artefacts
characteristic of Africa, or succumb to the charms of the East.

But whichever style you follow, make sure you make it your own.

Make do and mend is all the rage in these impoverished times, she points
out, and that's resulting in a fashion for craft.

"Sophisticated stencilling has made a come back with an emphasis on
achieving a hand-painted look," she says.

"Make your own stencils or buy ones ready-made, and apply to unexpected
areas such as skirting boards, pieces of furniture, and otherwise dull
corners and alcoves."

There's no need to worry about busting the budget, a few rolls of
wallpaper, a pot of paint and a new accessory could be all you need to
give your home a New Year lift.

So don't stay out in the cold! Follow our experts guide to the hot new
trends for interiors.

:: Go for spring greens

Greens, once only seen in dull public buildings like schools or town
halls, are emerging as the most versatile colour for homes.

Soft, deep shades such as moss greens, are renowned for their calming
effect, but don't overlook bright leaf green and lime which are starring
on everything from textiles to wall coverings.

Introducing shades inspired by nature is an ideal way to freshen up a
neutral scheme, says Mockie Harrison, manager of John Lewis's Home
Design Studio.

"Spring is in the air so where better to look for inspiration than the
evocative charms of the verdant British countryside?

"Our collection Forage evokes the natural and harmonious nature of the
woodlands. Look out for unfinished timber, and colour is key. Soft honey
and cool neutral tones are juxtaposed against vibrant hues such as leaf
green, pumpkin, purple and kingfisher blue."

Tip: Muted greens team well with soft mimosa yellows, warm ambers, and
bronzes. Add complementary materials such as dark stained wood, copper
and reactive glazes.

Get the look: Make a statement with a willow green Allegra sofa by Nick
Munro upholstered in velvet, £1,750 from John Lewis. Accessorise with
round green cushions, £30 each.

:: It's a shore thing

"A relaxed, coastal look will be ultra fashionable," says Marnie
Janaway, head of home design for Sainsbury's.

"The allure of the sea is strong this year, with all things nautical in
vogue. Refresh a home with an airy Hamptons beach house palette of
tranquil blues and understated neutrals.

"Cool cottons, natural rattans, galvanised metals and folk-inspired
patterns can be easily mixed and matched across different rooms of the
home from bedroom to bathroom."

Tip: Paint floorboards in white, add New England-style white painted
furniture, and add sea-blue shades in blinds, rugs and accessories for a
holiday home look.

Get the look: Get ship-shape with Sainsbury's blue and white striped
cushions £6 each, throw, £10 from the Tu range, and a Beach huts framed
print, £15.

New England Lifestyle UK has an excellent selection of white painted
furniture.

:: Flower power

"One of the strongest trends will be florals which have been given a
modern-day shake-up," forecasts Sally Bendelow, head of Home Design for
Marks & Spencer.

"The new twist uses bold painted and large scale botanical prints. To
make them look more contemporary we've mixed 3D florals with houndstooth
and graduated stripe patterns."

Get the look: Marks & Spencer's florals collection includes a fab Peony
Rug, £49.50, and Fraser Armchair in Aster Plum, £849.

:: Monochrome magic

Black and white continues to be the sophisticated leader in decor
trends.

It's a winner because it's a look that's easy to live with, but this
year must be warmed with flashes of bright colour from lemon to lime
hues.

Suzanne Beechey, divisional homeware buying manager for Bhs, says: "The
popularity of a monochrome colour palette has grown over the years. But
to give the look more depth accessorise with bold colours. Lemons and
limes really add a new dimension to this classic trend.

"Sharp lines and sleek detailing, bold geometric and even floral prints
can also play a role in this versatile look."

Tip: Monochrome is an elegant foil for lush silks and velvets and
sparkles when accessorised with metallic touches.

Get the look: Bhs' Gloss collection features some monochrome classics, a
black and white Jam dining chair, £150, sparkling white gloss Eloise
table, £395, and Demure dinnerware from £5.

The Next range opts for a softer pairing of black with grey, while
Matalan's range ticks all the right boxes for design and price. A Black
butterflies duvet set is a snip at £22, double size.

:: Glamour & colour

Tough times make us all crave comforting but visually appealing
sanctuaries, and that means rooms dressed with sensual fabrics, rich
colours, and statement pieces.

This all adds up to a recipe for glamour. Designer Ben de Lisi predicts
that the winning look this year will be old-world glamour mixed with
artist studio chic for an unpredictable, edgy but luxurious scheme.

"Think lush fabrics like silks, cashmere, velvets and suedes,
contrasting with sleek gloss surfaces like lacquer, concrete or polished
wood. Our homes need to be uplifting and full of light, colour and
energy."

Tip: Test your taste by taking the plunge with colourful accessories -
zesty orange, green and yellow - set against a neutral background, and
include exuberant patterns.

Get the look: Ben de Lisi's range at Debenhams has all the ingredients
for a colour story. A multicoloured Puzzle rug, £100, Polka Dot
cushions, £10.

Sunshine colours star in Next's dazzling floral wall canvasses, set of
nine £80, or pick fun red, blue and pink faux leather floor cubes, £45.
The red Poppy bedding range, duvet set from £45 is also stunning.