SAFE shades of beige, cream and magnolia are masking householders' love of colour, says furniture maker DFS.
Almost half of home owners in the North West are afraid of choosing the wrong hue, according to research - and if they had the confidence 11 per cent would opt for teal blue, nine per cent yellow, and another nine per cent purple.
Nineteen per cent of householders say they are worried the colours they pick will date quickly and they will have to redecorate.
DFS says there is, however, a growing trend towards brighter paints and fabrics, with sales of pink sofas up 16 per cent on last year. Green couches are nine per cent more popular than in 2017, and sales of yellow settees have doubled.
Jean Brixey, merchandise director, said: "There’s nothing wrong with a neutral colour palette; it can be the basis of a beautiful home, but we also know that so many people are hiding their love for colour behind a fear of failure."
For ideas, see www.dfs.co.uk/content/colour-inspiration
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