Homeowners hoping to inject some style into their property this year may be interested to learn that, according to one expert, monochrome colour schemes are back in vogue.

Carolyn Trevor, interior designer and a member of the British Institute of Interior Design, said black and white can look great with some splashes of bold colour.

"This look for 2010 is heavily influenced by the global economic meltdown and this particular mix gives the look an urban edginess," she commented.

Property owners should team dark tones together to create a theatrical look and experiment with a paint finish in order to "create a real statement".

Writing recently in the Times, Katrina Burroughs noted that 2009 will be all about new takes on old favourites.

After feasting on Stephenie Meyer's books for the last year, we are all now keen to inject gothic tones and "vampire chic" into out homes, she added.

People planning to make home improvements may wish to use self storage for their belongings.

Written by Emily Sanders