A muted palette has long been favoured by contemporary design experts. Well suited to any season, including those dreary winter days, lighter shades set your home aglow with warm undertones and natural cheer. When you opt for a muted palette in your house décor, it is fundamental to find a cohesive colour scheme that brings together the walls, flooring and furniture. As a rule of thumb, it is better to go for a flooring colour that is darker than the walls. It is equally important to manage your lighting well because it will contribute to creating intimacy in your room. Muted shades will go with just about everything, from classic to modern furnishings.

They also exude a sense of familiarity and authenticity. But don't forget that before picking your nuances, you must take into account the space available and the amount of light in your room. Too bright a colour and you will run the risk of it looking unflattering and shrinking the size of the room visually. A well-chosen pair of curtains will add a personal touch and help you control the amount of light: white curtains, for instance, are an ideal match to pastel colours, whilst brighter walls need to be balanced with colourful drapes.