All bright on the night

Jun 8 2008 Justin And Colin

GO HEAD FIRST

Your bed's colour will have a big impact on the overall design. This is just a standard divan but we decided to 'go large' with our headboard and called in an upholsterer. If you want to save dosh, grab a sheet of MDF, buy foam, get your staple gun and select a fabric. For upholstery, try Designs On You, Glasgow, on 0141 339 8829 or visit www.osborneandlittle.com

TIME TO REFLECT

Using mirror finishes is a great way of solving furnishing needs without taking up too much 'eye space' - the mirrors give each piece an air of invisibility. Light reflection from the furniture lifts brightness and makes everything feel clean and fresh. Next's Valencia range is a good buy, with console tables from £175 and bedsides £149. Visit a store or see www.next.co.uk

IT'S ONLY NATURAL

We specified natural seagrass to add to the vibe.

Use a big element, such as the floor, to help dictate what other colours to use.

Our choice of floor helped us pick a similarly light timber frame for the footstool. Imagine your finished design before impulse buying. You'll find natural seagrass at Cameron Bell in Glasgow - www.cameronbell.co.uk

FLOWER POWER

Keep it light and 'country' for this look by mixing styles.

Square line furnishings with ornate detail, lots of clear glass and small, friendly arrangements of fresh flowers will all provide good detail. For a great source of value vases and inspiration on all things floral, call our personal florist - and Ideal Home Show favourite - Eleanor Attison at Quidest, Glasgow, on 0141 334 2120.

PERFECT PATTERNS

If you crave pattern and want a co-ordinated look, mix it up a little by using a design available in various colours. Here, the headboard has a red background with white flowers but the bed cushions and footstool have white background with red flowers. Your local fabric specialist will help you pick the right colours. Try Mandors in Glasgow and Edinburgh or see www.mandors.co.uk

KEEP IT NEUTRAL

Here's a tip for using patterns: space everything out by putting them against a neutral backdrop such as the creamy off-white we've used here. Tones with a hint of cream are much warmer than pure white but still have all the expansive qualities that make rooms feel larger.

Frayed Hessian 3 from Dulux (www.dulux.co.uk) is a great base shade for this look.