Creating a beautiful and harmonious space requires an eye for aesthetics, a touch of style, a lot of common sense, and some creative imagination. The way the space is organised in any room or building can have a huge impact on the occupants of that space. If a room is too cluttered or crowded for example, psychologists believe that it can have a negative effect on mood and even on health.

Imagine how difficult it would be to feel relaxed and comfortable in a living room or a bedroom that has a clinical atmosphere and is too brightly lit or if the colours are garish and harsh on the eye. Similarly, it would be incredibly difficult to concentrate and remain focused in an office that has subdued lighting and that is more suited for relaxation. Obviously the colour schemes used in any room must fit the purpose of that room.

An important point to remember is that what looks attractive to one individual may actually repel another. Not everyone would enjoy an African theme with all its oranges and browns. Some may prefer a minimalist look using a lot of pale colours, whereas for others this would feel too empty and spacious. Perhaps you would feel a lot more comfortable in a cosy cottage style with plenty of colour distractions for the eye. Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what is considered aesthetically pleasing will also depend to some extent on fashions and trends which of course are always changing and what is in today might be out tomorrow so really you have to find what suits you.

Getting it right first time means you have to identify what you actually like and what you don't and then use your creative and practical abilities to come up with a suitable colour palette to match your unique taste and style. As colour can have a dramatic effect on our mood it's essential that you get the colour scheme right because you don't want to complete the project only to find that you can't tolerate it. Think about the mood you want to create in a particular room and what colours are associated with that mood and choose your colour palette accordingly.

Once you have identified what appeals to you and have taken into consideration the practicalities of your design there are some tips and tricks to help you get that special and unique look or feel to your rooms.

Creative use of colour

The first step would be to choose your main colour and then offset that with other complimentary hues. Varying shades of the same colour can be effective as can completely contrasting colours. It really depends on what appeals to you and whether you can live with it or not.

* Warm colours such as reds, orange, browns and shades of yellow can give a cosy atmosphere and exude warmth, comfort and security so could work well in living rooms or any room that you want to feel relaxing.

* If you want a calmer more serene or tranquil atmosphere then you might opt for cooler colours such as different shades of blues and greens.

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