Updating your home to fit in with that season’s trends however, doesn’t have to be a major task. The key is maintaining a stylish, neutral base that can be tweaked in a flash. But how do you ensure neutral doesn’t translate into bland and lacklustre? Maintaining a few simple rules can ensure your natural tones pack a punch.

Layer upon layer of texture
One of the keys to pulling off a neutral design is using different textures. Think of a soft fluffy rug, paired with whitewashed wooden floors and a glossy table. You can take more risks when you’re narrowing down your colour scheme and allow the textures to create a strong visual impact. Textures are also great to avoid a neutral room from becoming too sterile. Using natural finishes such as wood and brick – either painted or left au naturel – can add warmth along with an industrial element. Interior designer Susan Knof of Knof Design shares “Neutrals for SS16 is all about the details and layers! Create an interesting composition with material variety; wool crepes, silk satin mix, floral lace, and delicate patterning. I would also include some subtle metallic embellishments, beaded detailing, exposed stitching, stud work patterning and free flowing tassels. To add interest I love getting inspired by the delicacy and details of the fashion world, Chloé is one of my all-time favourite fashion brands to look to.”

Slate, mink, or taupe?
In order to pull off the neutral look, you’ll need to understand the subtle differences between the shades. Consider whether the colour has a cool or warm tone, stone-based taupes for example are much cooler than light brown based beiges. A cool tone would have blue or green undertones, whereas warms would have red, orange, browns or yellows beneath. If you’re considering pairing your neutral walls with stained wooden floors you might find that warmer tones work best, whereas cool tones could add a contemporary edge to a traditionally blue bathroom.
Add a pop of colour
Now you’ve got your perfect neutral base, you can choose to add a burst of colour to give a real style statement. When adding colour to a neutral room, you can choose to do it in a number of ways. One option is to add colour through the furniture, a bright coloured sofa might seem like a bold choice to make, but it can be shown off to its full potential in a neutral colour scheme. Korina Zaromytidou from the KLC School of Design advises “Use your furniture as pieces of art and leave them free standing with plenty of space around them. For the last few years global interior design trends have revolved around Scandinavian style with hints of English country style. In 2016 we will see patterns, textures, and materials become more dramatic, darker – leaning towards earthy and natural – and with clean and or curvy outlines.” Another way to add colour is through accessories, update your kitchen by adding brightly patterned dinnerware to your dresser for example. Choosing to add colour through accessories can make it a more cost effective way of keeping your home on trend, you can choose to add metallic elements, florals, stripes or take inspiration from whatever else is dominating the catwalk that season.
Flora and Fauna
Using indoor house plants and flowers can be a great way to add both colour and another texture to your home. Opt for neutral toned pots and vases to tie in with your theme, allowing the plants and bouquets to add a burst of colour. This is also a great way to add a seasonal theme to your home, by opting for tulips in the Spring and choosing bold red poinsettias in the Winter for example. Eleri Lloyd, senior interior designer at Landmass London, shares “Using tropical and geometric patterns, along with decorative objects really freshens up and updates your interiors, creating a mid-century yet modern vibe.”

Much loved high street department store BHS are partnering with London Fashion Weekend to provide a number of interior products for the VIP Luxe Lounge.