At Home for Summer

We're told that home decorating and accessory trends take their cues from what's going on in fashion. For those of us who don't have either the time, the inclination (or the funds) to change our homes to tie in with the latest style whims - and who really wants to do that, anyway? - it's still great to feel a bit ahead of the pack. Incorporate just a few unique, special and cleverly found items that fit in with whatever your existing scheme is but don't scream 'I'm a home design victim' every time someone walks into the room.

This season we're looking at colour themes of black and white, zingy shades such as lime, turquoise and citrus, perfect primaries, shimmering metallics and opulent jewel and berry shades with the antidote of ethnic overtones and nature inspired neutrals. Keep in mind your overall home style, enjoy complimenting that and you won't go far wrong.

So here are just some of the accessories you might like to consider this spring. They're fun, they won't break the bank, they're part of new season's fresh appeal and they're all available here in one place at shop.com

Accessories that Hit the Spot

This turquoise silk, rose embellished and floral backed  Kenzo cushion  is just one of those you'll discover at  The London Cushion Company. Pair it with its twin in  green  to make a real statement.

Try to keep everyone in your family tidy with the  set of three seagrass baskets  from  The Cotswold Company  and be in tune with this season's natural theme at the same time.

If you're going to buy just one colourful piece this spring make it this fiery  orange and yellow handcrafted Czech glass vase.

Keep the primary colour theme going in your children's rooms with these great  storage cubes  from the  Great Little Trading Company. Choose the cubes you want and then buy the drawers to create your own scheme.

Create some contrast by casually 'throwing' this  fluff black throw  over crisp white bedlinen or a pale cream sofa in a modern home for an easy 'black and white' look without taking it too far.

This Bowl Pulse of Africa by Lladro from Royal Pottery would be extremely hard to give away - it would fit superbly into both modern and traditional decors. Go on, treat yourself.

Because colour is in and because these bar stools would be fun in a contemporary home. Choose from blue, green, purple, silver white and yellow. Cocktails anyone?

Add some North African light to your garden with John Lewis's cream painted galvanized  steel lantern.