Eco-friendly flooring materials are becoming increasingly popular. Bamboo is in demand because of its attractive neutral tones and also because the wood is enduring, abundant and grows super fast. Add colourful texture and warmth with big bright cushions or rugs made of recycled materials or natural fabrics.

Seating and storage options need to pay their way. Armchairs or sectional sofas that can be mixed and matched to suit different arrangements are back in vogue. They need to be easy to take care of and eco-friendly as a bonus, as do storage items that can accommodate TV’s, DVD players and surround sound systems.

Earthy tones have been dominating the living room design in recent times. Grey is a common favourite neutral matched with shades of purple that range from deep, burgundy tinged aubergine to a pale, dusky lavender. But if white and bright is right for you be daring and set off those clean walls with a splash of zinging colour such as shocking pink!

For the style-conscious, lighting is moving towards more mobile and accessible pieces.

Continuing the eco-approach, there some terrific lamps and reading lights made out of recycled wood and plastic and there's no reason why you shouldn't decorate your walls with nature too. Large statement scenes of plants, trees and flowers work very well in the contemporary living room and they can be as realistic or as abstract as you like.

In the living room, it's all about a freshness of approach and integrity - but it's also always going to be about what you like.