Now is the time to make sure your rooms follow at least some of the themes that will be fashionable this year so that rooms look zingily up-to-date.

And don't be down if money's tight - we've asked the experts for easy and affordable ways to achieve the key looks.

COLOUR

Colour is making a welcome return to our interiors following our long-standing passion for neutrals.

Designer Orla Kiely, a member of the Dulux Creative Board, says: "Add a splash of colour, texture or pattern to bring a new energy to a room.

"Use stylish retro colours such as olives, violets, and ochres for a wow factor.

"Add a splash of colour by painting one wall in the room a new shade, or use tile paint to add colour to work surfaces or surrounding tiled walls."

WALLPAPER

Wallpaper rules on today's walls as a more decorative approach takes hold. This is an easy way of combining colour and pattern, with funky or formal florals one of the top looks for the year.

Interior designer Joanna Wood says: "Textured wallpapers will be a big thing this year because people want homes to be more glamorous and sensual, so look for damask and embossed papers.

"Paper one wall with a strong pattern, or use a subtle textured paper on all the walls."

Her top tip for colours in the home: silver, prune, sage, chocolate brown and hot orange with strong pink, and lime green.

TEXTURE

Remember that using different textures is vital to ensure interest in a room. It's particularly important if you opt for the ultra-fashionable monochrome effect - it ensures it's not too stark and cold.

Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company, says: "There is no easier way of breathing freshness into the home than using white, but give it depth and interest by using different shades and layering fabrics such as linen and cotton.

"New accessories like a soft-to-the-touch throw and beautiful cushions give a room an instant facelift, and add instant luxury and comfort."

OLD AND NEW

Designer Karen Howes of Taylor Howes Designs says: "Mixing old with new is a key theme and making a grand or extravagant gesture with a piece of furniture or stunning mirror or piece of art will remain popular."

Interpret this look easily by incorporating an heirloom such as an antique sideboard or a restored table into a contemporary room.

Alternatively, if your taste is for the traditional choose a few modern pieces that echo the best features of classic or retro design, maybe a 70s chair.

Look for beautiful pieces that will enhance your home - either splash out on an investment piece or go bargain hunting in antique fairs or markets.

Polly Dickens, creative director of The Conran Shop, says: "One of the big stories in furniture is high gloss mixed with semi-industrial finishes, semi-opaque coloured glass in bright colours, and the mix of vintage with contemporary."

NATURAL & GREEN

This follows the fashion for using natural materials in the home such as wood, stone and leather.

Make sure your homewares are environmentally friendly.

Raft has a well-designed range of furniture made of reclaimed teak from Indonesia. A chair costs from £98 and a refectory table, £1,295. And The Natural Collection's range of eco-friendly homeware including recycled glassware from £6.75.

QUIRKY

Above all your home should express your personality. Display things you love and pieces that have a story because of their origin or heritage.

"Beautiful objets d'art such as paintings, clocks and mirrors and beautiful lamps are a must have," Joanna Wood says.

Check out some of the brilliant mail-order and online companies who have intriguing ranges, such as Graham and Green, Baileys and Dibor.

TOP TIP

To save oodles of cash, buy homeware from the brilliant ranges at supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's or Asda.

Alternatively, find top homeware at discounted prices from a secret address book which reveals the best bargains.

Simply log on to www.homesandbargains.co.uk for details of shops with stock clearances, ends of lines, oversupply or permanent discounts in everything from kitchen and bathroom appliances to decorative accessories.