Individual identity will be 2009's top décor trend

Leading interior designers say that updating the colours of a room is the most creative and simplest way to add unique character to the living space and customise it with a personal touch.

"Colour is perhaps the most personal and dramatic statement you can make in your home."

said Amna Saqib, assistant manager, Dulux Decorator Centres for Al Gurg Leigh's Paints.

The concept of 'uniquely me chic' - an eclectic styling mix - is receiving renewed enthusiasm as one of the latest trends in interior design.

'Uniquely me chic' involves decorating a room with choice pieces that do not follow one specific design genre, but that hold a specific value and appeal to the individual.

The furniture, upholstery, ornaments and colour schemes in homes can serve as a form of expression through which even do-it-yourself (DIY) designers can communicate their personalities.

"Redecorating will create fresh, new moods, and it can improve your well-being. We all have an individual relationship with colour - it's a deeply personal thing," Saqib added.

Decorating the home with colours that have personal symbolism is a great way to make the space reflect your frame of mind.

The association a colour holds for an individual is personal; however research has shown that there are some universal meanings attached to certain colours.

Choosing to paint a room red - one of 2008's most popular colours - would point to someone with a powerful and extrovert personality.

Saqib says that the colour is associated with vitality and ambition and can assist in overcoming negative thoughts, however it is not recommended for 'aggressive personalities' as it is also associated with anger and can evoke feelings of irritability and discomfort.

If red is a personal favourite it is best used in dining rooms.

Green is identified as an ideal colour for bedrooms, living rooms and guest rooms as it creates a sense of comfort, balance, relaxation and also soothes the emotions.

But individuals with personalities that tend to be overly laid-back should avoid green as it is thought to make people more complacent.

Orange reflects an upbeat and optimistic personality as it is associated with joy, renewed interest in life and is recognised for its value as an anti-depressant. It is most used in living rooms and family rooms, but is also popular in office and commercial spaces.

With literally thousands of colors and paint styles available, finding the perfect colour to reflect one's personality can be made easier with some professional help.

Customers can get free consultation advice at all Dulux Decorator Centres - Dulux is exclusively manufactured and supplied within the UAE by Al Gurg Leigh Paints.

The company, which also supplies Leigh's and Oasis brand paint, is expanding its range into 50 new retail outlets in UAE to cope with the increased demand.