Hillarys UK

Grey and black tones can be combined with wood accents to create a welcoming modern kitchen with blinds.

An article on Home Decorating Reviews looked at a kitchen that had successfully incorporated those ideas and found that people’s preconceptions about grey being a ‘dull’ colour were evidently unfounded.

Wood flooring lifts the room while wood or even metallic blinds enhance the vibrancy of the space, which also features black surfaces.

"All of these cold colours and surfaces have been warmed by the addition of beautifully grained wood furniture and pops of colour introduced through bowls of fruit, colourful artwork and fresh flowers," the interior design tips website notes.

The design highlights how colours that may, on their own, seem unappealing can create a pleasant overall theme when used together.

HousetoHome.co.uk also dismissed the idea that grey is a dull and lifeless colour, noting that homeowners tend to use it only sparingly in their interiors when it could be employed to much greater effect.

Decorating a master bedroom requires as much planning and thought as doing up a living room and homeowners should not scrimp in this department.

According to Buzzle.com, people can spend a great deal of time making the rest of their house looks fantastic but neglect to look after their own private space.

Blinds can help to achieve the relaxed feeling that many want to create in their bedroom, while soft tones add to the sense of style.

Opting for a symmetrical look with identical bedside tables and lamps is a favoured option, the interior design website says, while wooden flooring is becoming increasingly popular.

A master bedroom should be designed to maximise the space and avoid clutter, so integrated wardrobes and large mirrors are ideal.

Opting for a red colour scheme and leather fixtures, in the same colour or black, in a master bedroom can make a "beautiful statement", according to Home Decorating Reviews.

When decorating a room, using striking contrasts for items such as blinds and walls or furniture can create an appealing effect.

Bright shades lift the mood of a room, but can look over the top if used on their own, Ideal Home magazine points out.

"Try toning down a zesty lemon yellow with a darker shade of teal on another wall," it recommends.

Foam stamps are also back in fashion and can be used to create graphic designs on a grand scale.

"Create fun panels by using a simple floral and leaf design side by side. It’s easy to do, but practise the technique first," the decorating magazine suggests.

Paint can also be used to draw attention to a room’s features and can be used to make areas of the room complement blinds.

This technique is particularly effective when used in recessed areas, such as alcoves, niches or built-in shelves.

eHow.com advises using a colour wheel when selecting contrasting colours. Highest contrast will be achieved by choosing colours that are direct opposites on the wheel, also known as complementary colours.

Homeowners struggling to come up with ideas for sprucing up their home should not be afraid of involving a professional interior designer, it has been suggested.

Yvonne Jones said expert advice can open up a whole new range of possibilities to those looking to redesign their interiors.

Writing in a Western Mail article published by WalesOnline, Ms Jones said the advantage of designers is that they can envisage the look of a room and recommend appropriate, on-trend colour choices.

"If you would like some guidance about wall colours, window dressing choices, flooring or how to make best use of space, a designer can help," she said.

Those struggling to choose the best blinds for a room should seek advice from providers or even friends and family, especially if they also have blinds in their homes.

According to Homes & Gardens magazine, there are numerous sources from which homeowners can draw inspiration for improvement for their property, including nature and even clothing fashion.