Berry shades add a touch of luxury

This colour palette is a perennial favourite, and adding even one of these shades via small details is an easy way to update a decor scheme.

“Statement home accessories in berry and plum tones create a sumptuous, regal feel in the home at Christmas,” says Abigail Bomford, head of design at Asda.

“Use jewellery for the home - rugs, vases, lamps, cushions or throws - perfect for creating an opulent and warm ambience, particularly in the bedroom or living room.”

These rich tonesalso work well as accent colours on a feature wall, she advises, especially paired with an understated, neutral colour palette.

Interior designer, Joanna Wood, agrees that these jewel shades have the power to enrich decor and conjure drama and atmosphere.

“The key to achieving a rich interior scheme without overdoing it, is to get the correct balance of dark ruby and purple colours for the room,” she says. “Work towards a smarter, more sophisticated scheme with a focal wall in light berry hues, a safe alternative to black. If you want to tone down the effect, contrast with pale creams and perhaps russet, cranberry or scarlet reds, in alcoves or a feature wall, in dining rooms. Natural materials - deep brown leather furniture and deep plum or red cushions and throws - are the key ingredients.”

Red berry recipe

Red is the colour of passion and friendliness and, of course, the signature colour of Christmas, so it’s perfectly suited to warming cold winter rooms.

“An infusion of warm red lifts neutral shades and if you simply use bursts of the colour in room details you’ll ensure you’re not overpowered by the shade,” says Carole Brown, director of marketing at Dunelm. “Complement a red scheme with metallics for a touch of glamour and sophistication, and feature mirrors and glassware for essential sparkle.”

The colour purple

Embrace your home’s dark side with shades of deep aubergine through to light heather, which partner well with those on trend colours, faded pink and greys.

“Shades of plum bring interest and depth to a room and will effortlessly ‘pop’ against an understated background,” says Ian Bissett, design director at Multiyork.

“A statement piece of furniture in a berry colour upholstery is a good investmentas these shades feature strongly in next year’s collections.