With a little careful planning and some initial preparation our homes can then be regularly transformed in line with the changing seasons and a fresh new look can be achieved in just one weekend!

Choose carefully from the neutral colour palette for walls, floor coverings and furniture and then let yourself go building layers with accent pieces and finishing touches. Use both colour and fabric to completely transform the look and feel of any room in your house in just a few easy steps.

On the walls use a background of white, cream, ivory, beige or soft grey. For the floor, wooden or laminated flooring is ideal as it “goes with anything” or select a carpet colour which compliments the walls. Furniture in creams, browns or black will tone with the walls and floors and again wooden furniture is so versatile.

Once the scene has been set, the fun can begin. Remember to focus on both colour and fabric type to create a different feel. Heavy wool mix rugs in rich reds, deep greens and gold which were just right for the autumn and winter can now be rolled up and stored to make way for lighter cotton mix rugs in brighter spring / summer colours. Remove velvet and brocade throws and cushion covers to replace them with silk, cotton and linen.

Window dressings are hugely important in creating a different look and this can be a really simple process if curtain poles are used in conjunction with tab top curtains, just ensure that the poles and fixings you choose are substantial enough for the heaviest fabric. As spring arrives why not change the heavyweight curtains that felt so cosy during the cold winter months for diaphanous voiles, layering these to achieve a perfect balance between privacy and light airiness.

Downstairs, extend the seasonal colour change with bright table runners. Fill vases with cheery daffodils and crocus and add citrus candles and why stop there when you can apply the same principles upstairs too and complete the transformation.

Even the bathroom is a candidate for a seasonal design makeover, particularly if your suite is versatile white. Bring out fluffy cotton towels and robes in zingy yellow or green. Change spiced cinnamon soap for zesty lemon and lime and add a fresh green plant and your home is set for the summer.

As you swap your winter weight duvet for a summer weight one take the opportunity to change luxurious duvet covers, cushions and throws for pretty embroidered and lace trimmed alternatives, perfect for the hot summer nights to come. Don't forget the window coverings upstairs as well, choose light fabrics that will move gently in the warm air from an open window.