Opt for a calm white backdrop
Printed fabric can look stunning in tropical colours such as hot pinks, electric blues and sunny yellows. But if you think you might find the colours overwhelming, cool things down with white walls and neutral flooring and let your bold fabric take centre-stage. Look for a large floral print for your curtains and then pick out accent colours for plain cushions.
Go modern with acid brights
Acid brights such as lime green, turquoise and citrus yellow also look great with lots of white. For a contemporary living room scheme, upholster a statement chair in a zingy printed fabric, add a colourful rug and some bright accessories and keep the rest of the furniture and walls white. Don't be afraid of mixing and clashing colours. As long as you use some neutrals as well, acid brights can all work well together.
Add drama with reds
Reds are a popular choice for adding vibrancy to a room. It’s a powerful colour that can create dramatic impact and is particularly good in dining rooms as it’s said to encourage the appetite. It’s meant to be a passionate colour too, so why not try a red printed fabric or wallpaper in your bedroom.
Use bold fabric to brighten up your child's room
A vibrant colour scheme is an ideal choice for a child's bedroom or playroom. Colourful bed linen and simple blinds in a bold printed fabric are budget-friendly options. Or try your hand at upcycling an old chest of drawers with some brightly coloured paints.
Accessorise your kitchen with printed fabric
In the kitchen, look for accessories in vibrant colours. From mugs and storage containers to kettles and toasters, they’ll all add a bright touch without being overpowering. A PVC tablecloth in a bold fabric is a practical way to jazz up your dining area too.
If you’re feeling brave, kitchen units in bright glossy reds can look striking, but take care when choosing as they may date more quickly than classic styles.
Inject colour with a feature wall
If you don’t want to go all-out with bright colours, you can still bring interest to your scheme with a feature wall.
Painting either side of a chimney breast or using a bold wallpaper for a single wall can create impact without being over-the-top. In a bedroom, it’s best to pick out the wall behind the bed. You’ll still get the wow factor when you enter the room, but it won’t keep you awake! Choosing neutrals for the flooring and curtains will help balance things out too.
Whichever room you’re updating, when you pick out a bold fabric for your scheme, take a sample home with you and live with it for a few days. That way you can feel confident you’re choosing a print you’ll love.
