ColourFutures 2010, the Dulux Trade style bible for architects and designers, predicts the colour trends for the year ahead and translates global themes into style trends for interior and exterior design. Its chosen Colour of the Year is an airy and optimistic blue that symbolizes infinite horizons, new beginnings, renewed energy and a positive dynamic.

This clear, transparent shade encapsulates a sense of purity and goodness – a colour full of possibility. Blue, in colour psychology terms, is the colour associated with sky and sea. Airy, light blues are recognized as being refreshing, soothing and liberating – good for helping to combat mental strain and stress, physical tiredness and feelings of exhaustion. Light blue shades are seen as re-energising and encouraging new starts; they are also thought to enhance powers of communication, which can help to promote feelings of confidence.

Dulux is also predicting Spring Breeze, from the fresh yellow section of Dulux Tailor Made Colour, will be big news for home interiors in the seasons ahead. It's a versatile colour that can be used in different tones and with a variety of other colours to create stunning room schemes.

Yellow is often thought of as an exclusively modern colour but Chrome Yellow was first manufactured early in the 19^th century and used by neoclassical architects such as Sir John Sloane. In 1818 it was established as the height of fashion after it was used in the music room of the Brighton Pavilion.

The zesty impact of fresh yellow was highlighted in catwalk shows in 2008, with Alexander McQueen, Lanvin and Dior all using its optimistic power. It then went on to reach the high street and provided a welcome addition to our wardrobes in 2009. And now it’s the turn of interiors….

To demonstrate the flexibility of this lively yellow, Dulux has created some very different interior looks, each with a tone of Spring Breeze at its heart.

• For the bathroom, a surprising combination of acidic yellows and mint green provides a fresh alternative to more traditional blues and aqua (Spring Breeze 3 and Grecian Spa 4 on walls with a stronger burst of Spring Breeze 1 in the alcove). The large mirror not only increases the perceived size of the space but also doubles the colour scheme’s impact.

• The bedroom colour scheme shows how to blend old and new influences to achieve a contemporary look. Combining Spring Breeze 3 with Steel Symphony 1 creates a confident, relaxed look that highlights the room’s period features (floor Grey Steel 3 gloss).

All the above colours can be obtained from Dulux Tailor Made Colour, the in-store paint mixing service, available in B&Q, Homebase, Focus and selected independent stores. For more information call the Customer Advice Centre on 0870 444 1111 or visit www.dulux.xo.uk

While paint is undoubtedly the quickest and easiest way to update a room, don’t underestimate wallpaper, which has made a complete u-turn from zero to hero and is now regarded as the way to update your walls. John Lewis’s Spring/Summer 2010 wallpaper collection takes inspiration from the natural world with a variety of designs that range from bold leaf prints to delicate feminine flowers. And in addition to its in-house designs, John Lewis now offers a selection of branded wallpapers available by the roll or by special order. New for this season is Bakari Fusion by Harlequin, £33/roll, while Woodland is part of John Lewis’s new Spring/Summer collection, £15/roll.

Welcome back, wallpaper. You’ve never looked so good!

For more details call 08456 049049 or visit www.johnlewis.com