Colour and design trends for 2013

If your walls are in need of more attention than just a lick of paint, then you might want to embark on a brand new DIY painting project for the year.

It can sometimes be difficult trying to determine which colour to paint your bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, and finding the right shade is important, especially if you're thinking of putting your home on the market.

To give you some ideas and inspiration in getting your painting project started, we are sharing some of the top colour and design trends for 2013.

Fresh, crisp and elegant hues

The palette for this year's paints is playing it safe, with sandy tones, subtle greys and tranquil blues the hot picks for 2013.

'Lemon sorbet' was selected as the colour of the year by Benjamin Moore Paints, who also identified artisan, urbanite, new traditional and coastal as the top paint palettes.

Retro touches

A retro feel for the home has also become a top trend for the year, so add some quirky, bright-coloured furniture to your room or put together your own seventies-inspired sideboard.

You can also achieve the retro look by purchasing furniture, curtains, carpets and lights of different colours, shapes and textures to give an eccentric vibe.