Homeowners have been given advice on providing their properties with a much needed face-lift during the dreary winter months.
Writing for newjerseynewsroom.com, Margaret Morgan said there are five key design trends which can give homes a lift.
One of the first things to consider is colour scheme, with Ms Morgan suggesting that “a new coat of paint can totally transform a room”, adding that the experience can also be “fun and therapeutic”.
Further to this, New Jersey-based firm Pantone claimed that turquoise is the most desirable colour for 2010.
The blend of blue and green is said to capture the “everyday troubles of the world while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing”.
In addition, other popular colours for this year are predicted to be sunny, golden yellows, leaf greens, and rich plum purple, while grey is also back in fashion.
Meanwhile, homeowners in the UK have been told that repainting is one of the most effective ways to instantly transform properties without having to spend massive amounts.
Paint can be used to showcase the most attractive features of a house and clever application of the right colours can even disguise the design flaws of a property, according to About.com.