Earthy tones

This year’s colours are earthier, with warm browns and terracotta, or raw ochre. Look for chalky finishes, which work brilliantly with subtle evening lighting. Even matt black is the new black: perfect for kitchens or use on kitchen doors or walls, which can double as blackboards. Visit William Yeoward for colourful cushions, wallpapers, lighting and furniture at 270 King’s Road (www.williamyeoward.com).

A touch of brass

Copper is out. Brass is back. It shines out against your deep, dark walls, so use it for picture frames, mirrors and ornaments. Brass even on table tops (whether modern or vintage) will punctuate a room with a touch of luxury.

Tactile textiles

Whether you are urban or rural, rustic is the watchword for 2018. Choose natural fibres, chunky textures and weaves. Whether it’s for walls, floors, furniture or accessories, think about the feel on your fingers and toes. Warm wool, voluptuous velvet and smooth wood finishes are all in. Floorboards are wider. Visit the Home Department at Liberty London on Regent’s Street for the latest in modern living (www.libertylondon.com/uk/department/home/).

The ripple effect

Crawling out of bed and standing under a shower from a rogue nozzle just won’t cut it any more. We need heat and power, plenty of water. Many people want hotel-style bathing, with spa baths and waterfall showers. Some of the most luxurious bathroom accessories can be found at Bathrooms International at 4 Pont Street (www.bathroomsint.com).

Go with the grain

Burnished wood is in for 2018. Look for polished vintage furniture that will look gorgeous against sage walls. If you are refitting your kitchen, don’t go white, choose dark woods. Walnut or cherry woods are perfect for kitchens or make a statement in the bedroom. For inspiration, visit Lima flagship store at 183 King’s Road (www.lemamobili.com/en/).

Jewel accents

To counter the flat matt of your deeply coloured walls, you need to make other things stand out. Use bright colours and bold pieces, such as statement sofas or chairs. Just choose dazzling cushions in primary colours, a soft throw or an abstract rug. Big artwork will make an impact, too. Designer’s Guild is the perfect source for your home at 271 King’s Road (www.designersguild.com) or VIS-À-VIS at 6-7 Motcomb Street (www.visavisparis.com).

Less is more

At this time of year, we want to hibernate in cosy comfort. Small rooms warm up quickly, while darker walls reflect firelight and candlelight with a warm glow. Farrow & Ball on Fulham Road has the latest colours to transform your home (www.farrow-ball.com/chelsea-showroom/content/fcp-content).

Think big

Bathroom sinks are coming under scrutiny. It’s so much easier to brush your teeth if there’s room to drip and swill. We need space to put a glass, and plenty of room for brushes, toothpaste and soap. Visit Bathrooms International at 4 Pont Street (www.bathroomsint.com).

Stone sinks

Many fashionable kitchens will have concrete, granite, or stone sinks. Contemporary concrete basins in darker hues or butler-style capacity are popular, too. Team these with brass taps and pull-down nozzles.

Fresh and wild

House plants have always been a way of bringing nature indoors. Pattern plants are enjoying a revival, with big leaves sporting red veins, or ferny fingers adding an ethereal quality. And fresh bouquets of flowers around the home will never go out of fashion. Visit Neill Strain at 11 West Halkin Street (www.neillstrain.com) or Moyses Stevens for some of London’s best floral displays. They are located at 188 Pavilion Road in Chelsea (www.moysesflowers.co.uk/

In the end, it comes down to personal preference, but you can keep ahead of the curve with these tips. Whether you are a dedicated follower of fashion and paint your walls every year, or have a passion for interior design, now’s the time to spring forward and make some changes, before the better weather tempts you outside.

• Henry & James is Belgravia and Chelsea’s premier estate agent for residential sales and lettings (henryandjames.co.uk).
• Contact Henry & James for a free property valuation on Tel 020 7235 8861 or email belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk.