JUST as the spring bulbs burst forth in a mass of radiant colour, so fabrics in bright colour are springing up everywhere.

Harbingers of spring, they lift our spirits after the dull winter.

For some, things may well be half empty, but add a little colour, lift the spirit and an optimistic, rosy-coloured future is yours just for the asking.

Colour works at a psychological level and colourful fabrics can so easily change the atmosphere and also our emotions. These spring-like fabrics are no shrinking violets, they scream out for attention - and get it!

Large "just-look-at-me-darling!" statements are in. Whether they are loud wall coverings used on just one wall, or large statement pieces of furniture covered in unusual fabrics - pattern is set to play a major role in home interiors over the coming season.

The year 2006 is about how creative you are in your home, working out what individual look you want and putting something on your wall that no one else will have.

Couture fashion has paved the way for this year's interior design themes. Butterflies are featuring on many of the latest fabric and wallpaper collections, signifying regeneration and new life.

There are some beautiful and vibrant colours, fabrics and designs starting to come through now and although the contemporary living look is always popular, we're also seeing the return of the more traditional - contemporary classics, you might say.

The three biggest looks for this year are French boudoir, English opulence and contemporary living.

The look now is about accessorising to add accents of colour with some of the fun. Textured cushions and throws are a great way to create the effect.

Duck egg blue will continue to be very big news for this year, while faux fur and suede effects will continue to be strong.

If you're looking for something different to furnish your home with, why not pop along to meet the design team at Honeysuckle Interiors in Oakley?

Their showroom boasts one of the largest fabric and wall-covering collections outside of Chelsea.

Whatever your requirements, from a roll of wallpaper or a complete room makeover, the team is happy to help.

Visit Honeysuckle Interiors at Rectory Road, Oakley, call 01256 780831 or log on to www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk

First published: Thursday, May 4, 2006