What does the colour blue conjure up? Summer skies, the Mediterranean, the faded blue of a sun-bleached Greek taverna, the cheerful, charming blue of a Cornish cottage? It's a colour that conjures up a bright and breezy holiday mood, but get it wrong in a room that doesn't get much light and it can leave you cold.

One shade that always gives your home a warm outlook whatever the weather and the light is pale ice blue. This fresh, invigorating shade will give the dullest rooms a new lease of life. Combine with rich clotted cream shades for a classic, traditional home; mix in shades of azure for a bolder, contemporary look; add white for a pure and simple interior; and touches of red for a retro combination.

This feature was published in March 2007.