Colour in Neville Knott, programme co-ordinator of the honours BA interior design programme at DIT, presenter of RTE's Showhouse and Crown colour consultant, recommends shining with metallics. Used on a feature wall in modern houses and apartments, metallics can really be magical, he says.

He suggests using a light grey - try Crown's Soft Steel or Gallery White - with white porcelain polished tiles in a modern bathroom.

Those in search of an elegant classic look to complement heavy mahogany furniture and dark floorboards should lay their bets on duck egg.

"Tones like Cascade, Lunchdate and Astonish are very good, " says Knott. "It's important when using any of the duck eggs to accompany them with crisp brilliant white on ceilings, door surrounds or skirting boards for extra clarity."

Designer Ruth Kennelly suggests Farrow & Ball's Old White and Slipper Satin as great shades to brighten up your abode without using stark white.

Make an entrance Hallways are often neglected yet this is the first room people see in your home.

Interior designer Peter Willis suggests investing a little time, effort and expense in making a statement in this area, no matter how small it is.

"You could try handpainting it in Chinoiserie, using a nice wallpaper or simply painting it, adding a series of photographs in different coloured mounts. If there's space, add a console table and a pair of lamps."

Lighten up Pull up a tatty stairs or bedroom carpet and if there are floorboards underneath, paint them white, Willis advises. "Put large mirrors on walls that have never had them before and buy some new light fittings."

Cushion the blow Couch potatoes, it's time to emerge from your sofa slumbers and inject new life into your living space by simply scattering some colourful new cushions around.

"One of the great things about having a plain sofa is that you can change cushions with the seasons, " says Amanda Pratt, design director at Avoca.

Its new collections include embroidered designs in acid greens and pinks, ranging in price from Euro18 to Euro50. Mostly in cotton, these cheerful cushions are an inexpensive way of brightening up your abode. Put those winter hues in storage for next year's cocooning, and splash out with these sweet little numbers, which include a Visiting Miss Mouse design. Ahh.

If your sofa is in need of a makeover, designer Ruth Kennelly recommends the great fitting covers from KA International.

"Alternatively ask a local upholsterer to reupholster your sofa in a brighter colour.

Upholstery is often considered an expensive option.

However, if your sofa is of good quality, it is often worth the spend."

A concrete decision Concrete is cool in modern domestic and commercial design. If your kitchen worktop is looking a little tired and none of the usual offerings of granites, Corian or laminates grabs you, you might crave concrete.

Laura Farrell, director of Scudding Clouds, Temple Bar, can design a cutting-edge polished concrete worktop for your existing cabinets. The options range from dramatic black to natural tones.

"One of the great advantages of concrete is that you can have up to a two-metre run without a break, so you avoid the need for horrible grouting, " says Farrell.

Once the Scudding Clouds team measure the area, they make moulds and the polished slabs are sealed with non-toxic food grade sealant.

While some people go for striking solutions, there are also more traditional choices such as using a pale limestone concrete and incorporating stones or shells for a real blurring of the boundaries between inside and out.

"Concrete is like a sponge cake: you can add anything you like, " remarks Farrell. It is also extremely durable.

"The one thing to watch out for is acid. If you spill red wine over your worktop, if it isn't wiped up reasonably quickly, it can eat through the sealant and stain. However, we can fix that by stripping the sealant off."

Luxe in the bathroom According to Catherine Treacy of Versatile Bathrooms, glamour is where it's at as indulgence tops our wish lists.

Jacuzzi and Kos cabins incorporating hydromassage, Turkish baths and chromotherapy will bring a luxe look to spacious bathrooms.

Jado recently unveiled a new collection by architect Jean Nouvel that uses a digital sensor system for water and temperature control. Each piece is battery-driven. Four flat buttons regulate water temperature and flow.

Toughen up Kennelly suggests adding sparkle to wooden coffee tables by getting toughened glass cut in your local glaziers to rest on the tabletops.

"This adds a reflective quality which can be polished to a great shine and also protects the wood underneath, " she says.

Using coloured glass on splashbacks, counters or walls can also introduce a wow factor, says Knott. This can also enhance the sense of space in galley kitchens.

Picture this A quick way of changing the look of a room is to take down all the pictures and reorganise them, says Kennelly. Ditch dated frames. Check out Habitat's vast array of sizes and styles. If the budget allows, invest in a piece of original art.

If money is tight, posters, stickers, postcards, kids' paintings and prints can wake up those walls.

Go back to nature Willis recommends looking to nature for inspiration. Select a few accessories in crocus or daffodil hues for a feelgood factor.

"Pick up the look with some coloured glass vases from TK Maxx and woven baskets, " he advises.

Eco-friendly bamboo is ontrend, featured by Polo Ralph Lauren Home and Armani Casa. Vases of green foliage on tables and in bedrooms look fresh and last longer than flowers, says Kennelly.

USEFUL CONTACTS �Ruth Kennelly, RK Designs, 120 Baggot Lane, Dublin 4, 01-667 8659; www. rkdesigns. ie �Scudding Clouds, The Shed, Bow Lane East, Dublin 2 01-476 1004; www. scuddingclouds. ie �Versatile Bathroom and Interiors, Beechmount Home Park, Navan, Co Meath 046-902 9444; www. versatile. ie �Peter Willis, Indigo Interiors 0872243151