Generous piles of cushions and throws will create an inviting atmosphere.  The look of this room can be changed instantly by changing the accessories and accent colour, without the expense of changing the suite, or the flooring.

A shot of strong colour such as the red accent used here can instantly transform an otherwise uninspiring room. 

Accent colours are a great way of introducing colour if you don’t want to use dark colours or strong patterns on walls.  The key is to layer soft tactile soft furnishings in key colours such as the ‘chocolate and cherry’ combination used here.  Silks velvets and satins and suede combine beautifully with the dark chocolate leather sofa and the walnut grain of the screen.  Additional shots of colour can be introduced by using generous bunches of single species flowers, like these tulips, in glass or acrylic vases.

Top tip: when dressing a sofa, I use piles of plain cushions which can be found at very reasonable prices in high street stores, and just one or two more expensive cushions, for a luxury look.