Hot colours this summer

ZINGY, tropical colours like hot pink and orange and bright blues and greens are the hot tip for fashionable rooms this summer.

They can make you feel every day is a holiday even if you don't leave home, because there's nothing like bold colour to liven an interior.

This trend is a multi-coloured backlash against stark minimalism, but you don't have to ditch your beloved neutrals or plain white.

The aim is to make things lively with contrasting colours such as bright blues and pink, or maybe zesty orange and fresh green.

You can use colour on walls, either in solid blocks, or opt for colourful patterns in wallpaper and fabrics. Don't be afraid to experiment with florals paired with bold stripes or checks.

If you don't want to be dazzled by strong shades just keep the background plain and introduce a few striking accessories.

ORANGE

Fashionable in the '60s and '70s it is now back in style, thanks to the current love of all things retro.

It's renowned for stimulating conversation in living rooms and encouraging an appetite in dining rooms.

Paper with the Hemingway Big Stripe wallcovering, with brown and orange stripes, £14.98, by designer Wayne Hemingway for B&Q.

Make a seating statement with a bright orange Eclipse swivel chair, £495 and footstool, £225 from John Lewis.

Harlequin's Mirano collection of fabrics includes some orange stunners including Iridium, Barbini and Ohira. They start at £25 a metre.

PINK

Every shade tells a story. This flirty colour lends itself to a multitude of looks.

For a nod to nostalgia choose pale, blushing baby pink and combine with pure brilliant white on the walls. Add more pink in florals, paisley, gingham or ticking fabrics for a vintage look.

For a modern space keep the background white and add key pink items in the form of blinds or a stunning chair.

Dulux has created a funky Eastern look, China Neon, using bands of colour on walls and stencilling exotic blooms. Their sizzling palette includes wicked deep pinks such as Fire Cracker, Flamingo Fun and Ruby Fountain, plus gorgeous greens such as Fruit Fool and Paradise Green, priced £14.99 for 2.5 litres.

Give yourself an exotic view whatever your surroundings with an Ella Doran designed Georgia blind embellished with a huge pink tropical flower on a pale blue background. Made to order from £150. Georgia cushions also featuring tropical blooms from £49-£55.

GREEN

Colour forecasters have long predicted a return of back-to-nature green, an uplifting colour which brings the outside in. It's been used in homes throughout the ages.

Green is ideal for a floor, and rugs from Laura Ashley's collection are in great shades and patterns, and well priced as they start from £40.

Ikea has a luscious green bedding set decorated with green circles, the Brunskara double quilt set at £20. Its Tanja bedding set has a bold floral design in dark green on a pale green background, £15 for a single set.

BLUE

The perfect colour for summer, conjuring up images of blue skies and coastal retreats.

It is commonly regarded as being a cold colour, so you choose the warmer shades such as turquoise and aqua.

Designers Guild has a feast of fabrics, papers and paints including the whole spectrum of blues.

Brilliant blue glass vases and votive holders from the Cosmos collection by Portmeirion would add a fresh touch to any room. Votive holder, £7.50, and vase, £20.

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