Image: Clair Strong Interior Design

A lot of us play it safe when it comes to our interiors. After all, decorating isn’t cheap and we’ve got to live with the results. But taking risks; choosing colours or decoration that you love but are perhaps a little afraid of can be infinitely more rewarding than another coat of magnolia.

It can be hard to let go of the tried and tested but when you do the results are stunning. Here are four design risks that are always worth taking.

1. A Bold Sofa

It’s time to let go of your neutral sofa and try something a bit more radical. Bright, bold sofas are bang on trend at the moment – and available in every colour of the rainbow.

A teal, magenta or mustard sofa will add dimension and character to your living room, as in this penthouse renovation in The Circus, Bath. It’ll make guests say ‘wow’ and you feel like a million dollars every time you sit on it. Choose a colour that fits with your existing interior design if you don’t fancy redoing the whole room.

2. Mix Up Your Furniture Styles

It may be very tempting to opt for all matching furniture when outfitting a room, but it can look a little one-dimensional. Much better is mixing furniture of different styles and eras to create a multi-layered look. Try a vintage desk with an ultra modern chair, a bright sofa and antique sideboard or a dining table with mismatching chairs.

3. Play with Pattern

Pattern mixing is the easiest way to take a design risk. Choose throw cushions in complementary but mismatching designs, layer rugs in contrasting prints or choose curtains that don’t match the bedspread.

If you’re worried about it looking too busy follow these two simple rules. 1) Choose patterns that complement each other in some way (i.e. through colour) and 2) Play with scale – pair larger prints with smaller ones.

4. Add Colour to Surprising Spaces

The kitchen and bathroom are usually colour-free zones, restricted to neutrals or pale pastels only. But these rooms can be some of the most fun to take risks in. Imagine boldly hued kitchen cabinets, beautiful printed tiles or a painted bath. A small downstairs powder room is the perfect design guinea pig for those looks you’ve always had your eye on.