Step one: Pick a colour!

It's no use just rushing off shopping and picking up the first thing you see – you need to stick with your chosen colour scheme. Go back to your folder with your mood board and also, fish out the colour wheel. If you chose a main colour and two complementary ones, they'll be your yardstick. Simply go shopping for accessories in these shades, taking the wheel or any colour swatches with you.

For window treatments, choose fabrics that pick up at least one of the colours in your selection; for objects, ask yourself if you want them to add shine or texture as well as colour. Repeat your main shade throughout the room at least once - it can be something as small as the stripe in a cushion or the colour of a glass ornament.

Step two: Add texture and pattern

Look carefully at your room scheme and see if it feels a little cold. Texture in the form of throws, cushions and other soft furnishings will warm things up, while patterned items will add interest. See Patterns and Prints for some inspiration.

As a rule, the larger the room, the larger the print you can choose and the smaller the room, the tinier the print should be. But if you fall in love with that huge baroque fabric, rather than have it made up in curtains or bag a duvet cover, why not buy a small amount and have it made up as cushions? Or, in a room other than a living or bedroom, you might be able to source glass, lampshades or other items that sport the same motif.

Wallpaper on just one wall is also a great way of adding large-scale patterns without overwhelming the room and can provide a great focal point. Speaking of which…