The upcoming Ideal Home Show has a plethora of inspiring ideas for the home and garden. Attendees can sign up to The Colortrend Interior Design Forum which offers expert advice from eight designers who, if you bring photos and floorplans, will give you ideas tailored to your pet project.

Niamh MacGowan, a graphic designer and interiors stylist who has created a relaxed sittingroom using strong colours and textures will embolden shrinking violets to move beyond the comfort of safe and bland neutrals. Classicists who like a traditional look and live in a period home will love the styles put together by Clane-based Louise Higgins of Aspire Design.

Designer Deirdre Hardiman is offering a service called Designer for a Day where for a set fee she will come to your property and give you ideas on how to revitalise it with creative suggestions that you can implement yourself. Self builders can sign up to the RIAI’s extension clinic where you can get advice from qualified architects on how to expand your home’s footprint.

The Ideal Home Show runs from April 17th-19th at the RDS, Simmonscourt, Dublin. idealhome.ie.