Colour school: How to decorate with hot pink and orange

Balance large areas of intense hot pink with accents of zesty orange, then add furniture and accessories in pure white to bring a wash of calm to the bold scheme. Layer cushions two or three deep to re-create the smart-casual feel of Miami boutique hotels, and mix in graphic prints for added impact

Balance out lots of graphic prints with blocks of bold colour - if you're using pattern on soft furnishings, keep walls plain for a simple backdrop

Offset a cerise backdrop with white artwork framed by a tangerine mount

LOVE THIS LOOK? NOW GET THE LOOK!!

PATTERN 1

Mix in splashes of orange

Luxor 105/1004 wallpaper, £80 per roll, Geometric II collection, Cole & Son

THE PAINT

Use a hot pink as a base

Bizzy Lizzy Walls & Ceilings, £21.98 for 2.5ltr, Valspar range, B&Q

PATTERN 2

Add retro pattern

Electrify Tulip 712, £49 per m, Jonathan Adler for Kravet range, GP&J Baker

Make a statement with a geometric, Sixties-inspired wallpaper, keeping bed linen and window treatments in pure white

Our stylist says:

"Add a fuchsia or orange border to a plain white blind to tie the scheme together"

NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR

White, high-gloss furniture and simple glass accessories are the ideal foil to a block of busy pattern

TRY THESE COLOURS with HOT PINK

Lime Green: For an energising finish, try a zesty shade of lime, or be even braver and opt for bright neon highlights

Turquoise: A swimming pool blue adds a daring Miami vibe, but be sure to keep plenty of white in the mix

Shades to avoid

POPPY RED While pink and red sit next to each other on the colour wheel, used together they will fight for attention and overpower a room

CHOCOLATE BROWN This combo was a Nineties favourite, but it now looks dated. Choose taupe or mushroom for a more modern feel.

OLIVE GREEN This colour can kill the uplifting tones of hot pink. If you love green, go for a fresh leaf green or bright emerald, instead