I WAS in London last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the extra few degrees that made it possible to ditch the thermals and wander around without my coat.

After coming back to chilly Glasgow I felt the need of a pre-spring pick-me-up, so while I wait for the rain to disappear and the sun to make an appearance I thought I could at least make a few changes in my home to inject a fresh look that will raise everyone's spirits.

The easiest way to do that is to embrace this season's trend for florals, which are making their way back in to all areas of the home. I know they can sometimes be overwhelming and it is difficult to get the balance right. However before you dismiss the idea completely have a look at the new designs, which have absolutely no resemblance to the chintz and botanical prints from the past. There is a real painterly quality to this style, with the focus less on realist perfection and more towards artistic impression with clearly shown brushstrokes and even the odd splash of paint. The colours are bright and fresh with intensely saturated hues - a strong characteristic that is making the designs bold and punchy, tempting those who usually associate floral fabric or wallpaper with a twee or vintage look.

So while you are considering whether bringing the beauty of the outdoors into your home would work for you, here are a few tips on how to get it right, whether you a tempted to go bright and bold or sparingly simple.

The main thing with florals is not to overdo it. However, with these fabulous new designs it is fun to push this theory to the limit and co-ordinate a number of different fabrics and wallpapers to create a real impact and bring energy to a room. Mixing patterns with different scales will keep the look fresh and modern. To begin with, choose one large, medium and small-scale design and then introduce some plain/neutral tones to introduce calmness and serenity. If, however, you want to really go for it, pull together a few plains in the vivid tones of the patterns to intensify the look. Add in a couple of geometric designs that will provide contrast and further enhance the modern feel.

For a more masculine interior, stick to the large-scale designs with a co-ordinating sharp stripe and keep the colours uncomplicated. Alternatively, you could counterweight the large floral pattern with generous blocks of contrasting colours - just don't use too many .

Take time to think about how the patterns will be placed in the room - there are no hard and fast rules, but consider whether floral curtains would work better against a plain wall or whether the room needs a mix of pattern against pattern. That is the beauty of these collections: it is easy to introduce just one stunning design into a room. So whether you simply require a burst of floral colour or are looking an "enchanted forest" look, you can design a scheme with co-ordinating wallpaper and patterned curtains , upholstery and cushions.

If even the painterly, more abstract flowers are still too much, consider more abstract floral silhouettes for a much more subtle take on the theme or use prints/weaves of non-flowering plants such as fern, grasses or even leaves. These are available in both the intense vivid tones and the understated neutrals for a more restrained country feel.

If you already have a reasonably neutral room, without changing the wallpaper or curtains you can make a striking impact by accenting with accessories. I adore the Designers Guild floral covered sofa and it proves that botanical furniture does not have to be a painful memory of your grandparents' house. The secret is in the detail - choose a simple piece on legs and avoid a skirted finish. If this is offset with a modern coffee table or geometric rug, the contrast will work really well for a quirky but contemporary interior. Designers Guild has also launched a few floral rugs that could update a tired room along with a few cushions. Even a bedroom could get a whole new look with one of their new floral duvet sets, which won't break the bank but will help banish winter firmly from your thoughts. Their latest Shanghai Garden print collection epitomises the extraordinarily delicate and painterly evocation of mountains, rivers, trees and blossoms to create beautiful and tranquil interiors inspired by the timeless contemplative mood of classic Chinese gardens.

The Iridescence collection by Voyage is equally inspiring with a collection of fabrics, papers, rugs and cushions in a more vibrant style. The scale of these designs is perhaps easier to use and I love their range of round floor cushions. I think I may have to treat myself.

Lisa McLaughlin, Ollaberry, 146 Busby Road, Clarkston, G76 8BH.www.ollaberry.com