Discover how funky blue and orange are the perfect partners

The starting point for this gorgeous dining room scheme was, of course, the unmissable wallpaper (Melinki Tree Circles by Scion). It brings in the perfect mix of colour, drama and funky retro style that is surprisingly easy to live with as long as the rest of the scheme is kept relatively simple. The owner is lucky to have original period features - the dado rail, skirting board and large sash window - and has painted this woodwork white to keep the look fresh.

Simplicity is key for the main pieces of furniture. To get the retro look spot on, choose a curvy dining table and chairs in blond or pale oak, such as this beautiful set: Charlbury at Barker & Stonehouse. And this is where the owner got clever by choosing blue upholstered chairs - one for each end of the table - and matching tableware to add a fabulous pop of bold, contrasting colour to really lift the whole room. Here's the science bit: it works so well because blue and orange are exactly opposite on the Colour Wheel.

Just one wallpapered wall is enough if, firstly you are on a budget, and secondly you want to create that wow factor statement wall. The owner has painted the remaining walls in beautifully subtle Elephant's Breath by Farrow & Ball, which tends to look amazing in any light. A matching bookcase from the same range as the dining table creates the perfect styling spot, with handy storage underneath. Natural flooring creates a smart and practical finish.

A console table is always handy in a dining room, and can take the place of a bulkier sideboard if space is tight. This mid-century-inspired design (also from Barker & Stonehouse) is both smart and timeless and is perfect for stowing cutlery, tablecloths and napkins. White, organic-shaped ceramics throughout the room bring in a dash of understated style to this funky and effortlessly sophisticated scheme.