From florals to blues, Gabrielle Fagan discovers that home decor is echoing the catwalk.

IF you’re looking for home decorating ideas this year, simply rustle through your wardrobe. Chances are you’ve already picked up on some of the most fashionable looks and colours – whether that’s colourblocking, blues, sorbet shades or florals – and those trends are being echoed in our rooms.

These days, where those couture catwalks lead, our homes will surely follow, but there’s no need to slavishly reflect the new looks. So simply be inspired, then decorate and furnish to suit your personality, lifestyle and purse.

Home design experts from high street stores forecast the trends and share their tips on creating the latest looks.

BOLD AND BRIGHT

COLOUR is being used in dramatic splashes in both florals and abstract patterns, says Sue Roberts, head of home design at House of Fraser.

“We’re tired of doom and gloom and are looking for a more positive outlook and rediscovering our sense of humour. That’s making us all more creative and there’s a real trend for bold brights or blocks of colour. Florals will still predominate, whether chintzy, modern or echoing an Eastern theme.”

GET THE LOOK: Layering is a great way to freshen a room without breaking the bank, Roberts advises. “Use throws and rugs, as well as fabrics, for blinds, curtains or upholstery echoing your theme.”

BEST BUY: Libby floral bedlinen, duvet cover, from £50.

GO OVERBOARD

GET shipshape with coastal chic or bring the outdoors in with florals, says Sally Bendelow, head of home design at Marks & Spencer.

“There’s a desire to make a statement in rooms with key pieces which don’t break the bank, but have impact,” she says. “It’s easy to pick up on trends with cushions and other accessories such as lighting. Take a tip from the stylists who use one ‘hero’ piece to create impact.”

Florals never go out of fashion, she believes, but this year they’re being interpreted in a softer, less dominating way, and they also work well with pastel shades.

GET THE LOOK: “Make it smart and chic by contrasting whites with deep blues and having painted furniture, or opt for a more ‘beach hut’ look with natural wood, bleached cottons and soft blue accessories,” she advises. “An easy way to adopt this style is with blue and white bedding.”

BEST BUYS: An extra large Task floor lamp, in polished nickel-plated steel, £199, and a Sailing Stripe bedlinen set, from £39.50.

INDUSTRIAL CHIC

FUNCTIONAL furniture, vintage style and a strong neutral palette combine in the up-andcoming trend for ‘industrial’ style, says Claire Hornby, creative stylist for Barker & Stonehouse.

“The industrial chic look links in nicely with the recent trend for period pieces and early 20th Century styling, so have fun choosing traditional items which will never date, and basing your look around them,” she says.

“Industrial doesn’t have to mean shiny chrome and minimalism, the new way to do this chic style is all about rustic.”

GET THE LOOK: Mix natural materials, such as distressed leather with rustic wooden pieces for a practical but sophisticated result.

BEST BUYS: Earlston Opio rustic dining table, £1,245, in bleached old pine with natural grain and knots; Benjamin chest, £1,645, and Hugo desk, £1,185.

SORBET STYLE

BE inspired by soft pastels and stripes for a look that sums up summer, says Suzanne Beechey, homeware buying manager at Bhs.

“Homes are no longer simply properties, they are individual spaces whose style should express your personality and taste,” she says.

GET THE LOOK: Beechey advises: “Decorate and accessorise with soft pinks, muted lilacs and mint greens which pair well with contemporary furniture in soft greys and chalky whites.”

BEST BUYS: Hot buys from Bhs are a Sorbet sofa, £999, and striped bedding, from £22.50.

WIDE BLUE YONDER

NOTHING beats blue this year and fashion’s passion for every hue from sky to turquoise is being echoed in the home, says Gillian Anderson, trading director at Heal’s.

“There’s a renewed sense of optimism as we, hopefully, start a post-recession period,” she says.

“From deep and mysterious navy and teal to bright and crystal clear turquoise, blue is set to take us in a new colour direction. Turquoise is creating the biggest splash.”

GET THE LOOK: Sea and sky inspired hues pair well with pristine white and traditional oak, and can be contrasted with statement pieces in indigo, which is the ‘new black’, says Anderson.

BEST BUYS: Diamond Easy Chair in turquoise velvet, £895; and brilliant blue Fifties-style Aldo Londi Rimini ceramics, from £41.

HOME AND AWAY

CELEBRATE the culture of far-away lands or look to the seaside for decor design, suggests Mockie Harrison, head of home design at John Lewis. She suggests “strong, colliding patterns, dark woods and high energy prints.”

GET THE LOOK: Mix materials, such as wood, glass and fabrics featuring dynamic patterns.

BEST BUYS: Panama rug, £295; Tribalstyle Madiba fabric in navy, £20 a square metre. £100.