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Fresh colours

Pretty spring florals and neutral furnishings look vibrant against classic oak furniture and flooring.

Shopping list: Furniture: £748.98, Paint: £16.99, Flooring: £60, Accessories: £384.46, Windows: £70 (for 5m). Total cost: £1,280.43

Clever cost cutters

• Aqua, soft yellow and green is this season's latest colour combination, so it's easy to find fashionable accessories in these shades from less expensive high-street shops.
• Choose blinds instead of curtains to save on fabric. A pattern that combines your scheme colours will make a feature of your windows.
• Check out supermarkets for bargain furniture. Light wood is versatile and provides a neutral backdrop against which fresh colours come to life.
• Sofas and armchairs are expensive buys, so choose classic shapes in neutral colours to stand the test of time.
• Removable covers, which can be washed, will keep furniture looking good for longer, and a spare set in a different shade can instantly update a room.

Walls in Double Cream matt emulsion, £16.99 per 2.5ltr, Homebase Classic range. Blinds in Osaka in Pollen, £14 per m, John Lewis. Flooring in Viva Fusion opulent strong walnut, from £15 per sq m, Forbo Flooring. Karlstad three-seater sofa in Blekinge white, £295, Ikea. Oakland coffee table, £119.99, Oakland one-drawer side table, £54, Florals rug in ivory (170 x 120cm), £50, all Tesco Direct. Cushions, from various home stores. Lydia touch-base lamp, £20, John Lewis. Vase, #6.99, Dunelm Mill; oak bowl, £4, Asda; Rose fur throw, £25, Tesco Direct

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