The wallpaper has started to peel, the 15-year-old nylon carpet is shedding tufts of grey fuzz, and the cushions have definitely seen better days. It's time for a new living room -- but instead of the usual magnolia walls and grubby biscuit-coloured carpet, why not opt for a completely new look by incorporating a theme into your room?

WHERE TO START

When looking to create a theme for your living room, it's a good idea to go through magazines and design books for inspiration. Professional interior designer Adrienne Chinn says: "When I'm putting together a design scheme for a client, I ask them to collect as many pictures from magazines as possible of what they like, and I do the same.

"In this way a scheme often emerges -- certain elements will crop up time and time again -- a colour, a texture, a furniture style and so on. Looking at images really provides inspiration." Inspiration can also come from other sources -- visit museums, stately homes and restaurants and look through holiday snaps and brochures for ideas.

NEXT STEP

Once you've decided on a theme, it is important to set a budget. The realistic way to do this involves some research - look at the furniture, fabric, rugs and accessories you like in magazines and shops and note their prices. Decide whether you'll be painting or wallpapering the room yourself, or hiring a decorator. Do you need an electrician to put in new sockets or perhaps somebody to lay new flooring? All of this should be taken into account and priced up at an early stage.

Adrienne explains: "Many people make the mistake of pulling a figure out of the air and saying that's their budget. It's much more sensible to get an idea of what things really cost, and then develop a budget accordingly. Budget is the place where many people go wrong. I always spend time at the beginning of a project working this out very carefully."

In addition, it's extremely important to remain focused once you've started. It's easy to get sidetracked from your main design theme during the course of the work. You'll see other items of furniture you like, other fabrics that look great, other design ideas that appeal to you. Just remind yourself of what you are trying to achieve. That Chinese cabinet may look fantastic, but will it work in your traditional Georgian-inspired living room?

Finally, try to keep it simple. Too much clutter will simply detract from the style and ambience of the room.

The choice of theme is endless, but here are a couple of ideas to help inspire you.

ORIENTAL RETREAT

The Oriental look is simplicity itself. Start off with a neutral backdrop, add a few designer tricks and the Oriental style is yours. Black and red panels painted onto neutral walls create a strong theme but don't overwhelm the room. If this doesn't appeal, use grasscloth on the walls for a more subtle effect.

Chinese cabinets, chairs and stools are very popular and there are many shops around now specialising in Chinese furniture styles. Adrienne says: "Many department stores, including Liberty's, carry ranges of Oriental-inspired furniture, and you can find specialist shops in most major town centres."

Cover your sofa in a rich red or tangy orange throw, and scatter it with sumptuous embroidered cushions. An authentic-looking dressing screen would make an elegant addition to an Oriental-themed room. You could make it from MDF and paint a design onto it using a motif from the chosen fabrics or Chinese lettering. Alternatively, the Oriental Shantou lacquer screen (£199) from The Pier looks stunning and is a great buy.

Keep flooring natural - a dark wooden floor or natural floor covering is in perfect keeping with this style and looks fantastic. Finally, add tranquil, Chinese-influenced accessories such as serene figures, lacquered bowls and a few orchids. The terracotta and gold crackle bowl (£14.99) and small vase (£19.99) from Next are perfect, as is the Chinese Lantern (£14.95) from The Pier.

MODERN RETRO

For a funky take on the retro look, opt for delicious pastel shades teamed with bold, 'wow' factor furnishings. On walls go for sugary shades such as lemon curd, sky blue or pink. Add splashes of bold colour for contrast, including bright, audacious fabrics at the windows, and pictures such as 'Jackie' and 'Campabell's Soup' Warhol prints, available from The Fine Art Company.

Personalise the room by designing and making your own screen prints on fabric. Choose bright colours that will accentuate the colours in the room. Appliances such as TVs can be oversized, and furniture should be bright and rounded. However, flooring should be kept pared-down and neutral. Scatter the floor with brightly coloured floor cushions covered in bold, patterned fabrics.

Adrienne advises: "Specialist shops are opening up all over the UK specialising in this style of furniture and accessories, and 20th century design fairs and internet auction sites like ebay are great places to find treasures at a reasonable cost. "Look for names like Eames, Charles and Lucienne Day, and Bertoia and Panton when considering furniture and fabrics."

Adrienne Chinn, Design Director, can be contacted Adrienne Chinn Design Company Ltd, C216 Trident Business Centre, 89 Bickersteth Road, London SW17 9SH. Tel: 020 8516 7783.

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