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It is easy to underestimate the difference well chosen soft furnishings can make to a room,” says interiors expert Karen Rainford.

Over the past 12 years Karen and her company Dressing Rooms have transformed hundreds of homes across Sussex with the expert use of colour and the careful choice of fabrics.

“Curtains are often thought of as purely practical items,” she said. “They provide privacy, protect furniture and carpets from the sun and keep rooms cool in the summer and cosy and warm in the winter. But they are also beautiful decorations that can totally change the look and feel of a room.

“I encourage people to let their curtains make a design statement. Any window can look beautiful, whatever its outlook or size. There are so many different types of window dressing that allow people to show off their style and provide the finishing touch to their room’s décor.”

“There’s such a huge range of curtain styles, fabrics, patterns and colours that the choice can be overwhelming.”

As well as making your curtains for you, Karen helps clients choose the window treatment that suits their taste and blends with their existing decor.

She said: “Many people are so worried about getting it wrong that they end up choosing plain and boring curtains that don’t enhance their rooms at all. It’s a matter of confidence mixed with experience. Choosing a fabric you love, rather than making a ‘sensible’ choice can make all the difference to you just living with or loving your room.

“I never push my ideas or preferences on to a reluctant client, I like to make sure they have as wide a choice as possible.”

Whatever your taste, or the style of your home, there’s a window dressing that will match it perfectly.

“Floral curtains are perfect for a more traditional look in a country cottage, while opulent silk might be just what’s needed for a luxurious master bedroom in an Edwardian Villa. Bright colours and patterns are perfect in a child’s bedroom, and roller or roman blinds are practical in bathrooms and kitchens.”

Soft furnishings don’t stop at curtains and blinds, there are plenty of other opportunities to add colour and style to a room that reflect your personality, or create the mood you want.

Covered headboards or stools, throws or bed-runners, scatter cushions or bolsters – all can be used to achieve the look that you want for your room, says Karen. And the use of matching or complementary fabrics to pick out particular colours or patterns draws the whole look together, giving a room that “magazine spread” look.

Neutral shades give a modern, calming feel to a room, while bold colours provide energy and impact. Using a neutral backdrop for a bold and stunning focal point combine the two beautifully.

“Finishing touches make all the difference to the way your room looks. These small features can have a big impact, drawing the eye to details and bringing everything in the room together.”

Visit www.dressingyourrooms.co.uk for more details. To make an appointment call Karen at Dressing Rooms on 07974 510292 or 01903 741251, or find her on Facebook at Dressing Rooms of West Sussex.