At home: Interior designs

For those looking for an eyecatching timepiece, but in the market for something more up to date than a grandfather clock, we present Big Ben.

The Big Ben wall sticker clock stands at two metres tall and is supplied as a single, continuous piece with all the windows cut out to allow your wall colour to show through. Every clock is handmade and the battery-operated clock face is attached to the wall after application. It even features "silent sweep" clock movement so it is ideal for use in the bedroom too. Big and clever.

The Big Ben wall clock is available from www.funkylittledarlings.co.uk priced 120 (01993 898 834)

Interior designs

ALTHOUGH few of us are likely to slavishly follow decorating trends, subconsciously we will be influenced by what is in and what is out. So it is good news that 2010 predictions promise to inject feel-good colour into our interiors.

According to the global colour authority Pantone, turquoise will be the hue for 2010. Turquoise works well as an accent to most other colour schemes. Make it deep and punchy, and it enlivens a space; make it pale and gentle, and it adds soothing tranquility.

The secret here is to control the amount and intensity of those turquoise accents. For dramatic schemes based on an intense palette, choose a vibrant turquoise. Deep turquoise used in light-reflecting textures such as satin, porcelain or glass glows wonderfully. Added to light-absorbing textures such as linen, wool or velvet, however, it can ground a scheme, and in watered-down pastel it is light and pretty.

Other shades likely to find favour this year include soft greens – from eau de nil to moss – paired with primrose yellows for a natural feel. Alternatively, try purples for drama through to lavender for muted luxury. Browns and taupes are, it seems, on the way out with new neutrals appearing in the guise of slate and charcoal greys which echo a love affair with brushed metallics and wrought iron.

Perhaps one of the more surprising predictions is that painted effects and faux finishes will outdistance wallpaper in the popularity stakes. While wallpaper offers pattern and character, it is more permanent and expensive than paint and, with a renewed interest in craft techniques, stencilling and paint effects undoubtedly appeal to creative urges. And changing the look is much easier with a paintbrush than with a wallpaper scraper.

Next week I review hot style and furnishing trends for 2010.

Pat Elliott, The Borders Design House. For details of our Online Property Presentation Service, our design services and interior design courses, call 01890 761271, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.thebordersdesign house.co.uk.

Style doctor

QI am about to renew the carpet on my staircase and would ideally like to put a runner down but was wondering whether it is a more complicated, and therefore more expensive, procedure than having a carpet fitted? Also, which is likely to make the staircase appear wider?

P Simms

AA fitted carpet with a horizontal stripe will trick the eye, visually widening the stairs and, depending on the quality you choose, it is likely to be a less-expensive option than a bespoke runner.

A runner, however, can make a great style statement (try Roger Oates' collection). Whichever you choose, ensure that it is fitted securely – and avoid some natural fibres which can be dangerously slippery.

Pat Elliott, The Borders Design House (www.thebordersdesignhouse.co.uk)

Q I am looking for a space-saving dining table that ideally can be folded down, but I have a modern interior and don't fancy wood. Any suggestions?

V Miller

AYou could try Dwell's butterfly drop leaf dining table. The table top is clear tempered glass, giving the illusion of space whether both sides are used or if it is being stored with the sides down. It stands at 75cm high with an open width of 125cm, seats four to six people and costs 299.

Dwell (0845 675 9090, www.dwell.co.uk)

This article was originally published in Scotland on Sunday on 21 February 2010