For a makeover that's as timeless as it is tasteful, keep things simple

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The art of a good makeover can lie in its simplicity. A palette of neutrals may seem bland on paper, but it can form the strongest backdrop to a living space. Let the accessories do the talking and weave in details to a room subtly. For key pieces of furniture, shades of white often look just as striking as a more colourful choice. Whites can also contribute to a crisp, fresh and soothing feel, making them ideal for the bedroom.

The Nantucket range from Matalandirect.com, a new subsidiary brand to Matalan focusing on furnishings and home improvements, is a good starting point. Simple, rounded handles and tapered feet give the items character, and a real ash- veneer top adds a touch of warmth and depth of texture. The chest of drawers, side table and wardrobe are favourites from the range, which starts at a well priced £145.

Head to Sheridan Australia for Beadmore bedding, a beautifully complex weave. Created in collaboration with a textile mill in Portugal, the focus is on the Matelassé style and the white-and-charcoal scheme allows the delicate botanical motifs to take the limelight. The 100 per cent Egyptian cotton quilt cover and matching pillow cases make a perfect neutral, textural piece (from £39, sheridanaustralia.co.uk). Alternatively, a snow-white Nerrida tailored linen set would do the trick. Hemmed with a cutwork-embroidered border, it adds a feminine touch. Sheridan's Mollison cushion in dove has a pretty print of oversized flowers while a chunky knit Haden cushion in blush with a matching throw brings cosy textures and patterns to the room as well as maintaining a neutral style.

VITA Copenhagen, a Danish lighting brand that is worth having on your radar, makes its EOS shade from natural goose feathers so that each light is one of a kind. Even when not illuminated, it provides a fun talking point and comes in five sizes (from £53, vitacopenhagen.com). It can rather niftily be attached to a matching tripod to turn into a table or floor light.

For a stripped-back approach, keep walls bare. Little Greene's Slaked Lime (from £19.50, littlegreene.com) is a smart off-white paint, verging on a stone. To introduce a discreet panel of colour try Roma blinds in Flutter Coral (£245, apollo-blinds.co.uk).

Then add the finishing touches. Denby's Natural Canvas stoneware has a signature chevron pattern. Made in England by skilled artisans, pieces aren't limited to the kitchen. The jug and sugar bowl make cute bedroom accessories (from £10, denby.co.uk).

Bolder pieces inspired by trends can be introduced, but a neutral base can be easily matched and never goes out of fashion.

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