Interiors - Look to Rio for inspiration for your home in world cup year

As all eyes turn to Brazil for the football World Cup, why not be inspired by the wild spirit of the famous Rio Carnival to raise the temperature in your own home?

“When we think of carnival, we think of the colour, energy and downright joie de vivre of Rio,” says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design for window blind specialists, Hillarys. “There is something about the vibrancy of it all which inspires happiness and excitement, so why not let go of your inhibitions, go ‘taupeless’ and bring the party to your home?

“We recently surveyed over 1,000 people, and those who liked bold, bright colours were likely to be four times happier than those who preferred beige. People who liked red/pink, orange, yellow and blue/green were the happiest of all, so it would appear that if you want to create an upbeat, positive vibe in your home, de-beige and inject pulsating pops of happy-hued South American inspired colour into your decor, for an instant mood-brightening pick me up.”

This jungle look is a natural development from the explorer trend; picture schemes featuring travellers’ trunks and accessories, and global influences which capitalise on our increasing love affair with colour.

It’s been embraced by designers who’ve created dazzling patterns and prints with leaf motifs and exotic birds (parrots are rapidly elbowing out stags as the must-have accessory), which pair beautifully with natural materials like wood, bamboo and wicker, and will last well beyond the sporting tournament.

Even if our hopes are dashed on the playing field, this bold palette will win compliments on the home front. So conjure memories of sunnier climes with carnival-like fabrics and fruit-salad shades...

Pink is synonymous with partying, fun and frivolity, and adding this sizzling shade to a decor scheme will ratchet up the ‘look at me’ factor. Bold colour lovers could combine it with orange.

“If your home is overdue for a makeover, consider injecting hot colour as a way to shake things up. Pick hues you love, which you’ll be comfortable keeping for a good long time,” says Mike Constable, managing director of JAB International Furnishings.

“If you love hot pink but can’t see it splashed all over your own walls, consider painting an interesting piece of furniture or add a tablecloth in the kitchen. Gorgeous pink cushions scattered on garden furniture will heat up an outdoor space.”

The hot colours of South America work well in any room setting and are guaranteed to brighten up the dull British climate. Think hot pink, flaming orange and vivid green. Be bold with statement pieces such as a focal point chair or play cautiously by concentrating on some stylish accessories to brighten up a bedroom, bathroom, dining room or living space.

The choice is yours!