Block colours: Get the look

Follow the catwalk and use bright, bold hues to revitalise your home, says Kate Watson-Smyth

Block colours were all over the catwalks for spring and summer 2009 with only the fashionistas taking any notice. Then Michelle Obama came along, sporting simple bright colours and suddenly it was the look to have. And where the catwalk leads, the interior designer soon follows.

So it's goodbye to fussy, floral patterns and hello to bright confident, sometimes clashing, blocks of colour. And the joy of this trend is that it doesn't matter what colours you choose as long as there are plenty of them – and you can swap them about when you are bored.

In fashion, the most on-trend look is for clashing colours and acid brights, but you may not fancy that to live in, so pick a few of your favourites and stick to a palette that will suit your house and lifestyle. A cream sofa with a riot of cushions in shades of brown and beige for the safe choice, or mix it up with blacks, greys and metallics for a fresher, edgier look.

If you've been living in a sea of neutral for years, then throwing in a few colours in the accessories is a great way to start introducing colour to your home.

In a plain hallway, try painting the stairs in darkening, or lightening shades of your favourite colour, or contrast a pile of cushions to your feature wall when the rest of the room is neutral.

Wide stripes used sparingly will give the same effect. Look for either wallpaper or, if you're feeling really brave and have a roll of masking tape, trying painting it yourself.