With the Ideal Homes Show already open and Homebuilding and Renovating Show kicking off today, we look at what’s happening in interiors, gardens and renovation

The Ideal Homes Show (March 20 to April 6, Olympia London) is all about what goes on inside your home and garden, whether you’re thinking about installing a new kitchen or bathroom, wanting to give your house a fresh look or are just interested in the latest fashions, trends and gadgets for gardens and homes, then this event is for you.

The Homebuilding and Renovating Show (March 26 to 29, Birmingham NEC) is for those with a more hands-on approach to home improvements and bigger projects. Not only can you visit the hundreds of stalls from leading brands to talk about building and renovations, but there will also be an Innovation Trail this year.

We look at some of the key trends to look out for at these shows and on the high street:

Interior designs – blue is back
Blue is the warmest colour this year as everything from deep royal to vibrant Mediterranean blues. Try using it sparingly as an accent either on a single wall or on your dining chairs. The darker tones can add a cosy feeling to a big room while the more vibrant ones can liven up a tired looking plain white kitchen.

But it’s back in black for gardens
Dark colours are in everywhere this year, especially in the garden. Think black fences against white brick walls for a monochrome statement or stain your raised beds with charcoal greys, which will help your greenery and flowers pop. For garden furniture, dark greys and blacks work really well as they age better than paler colours that look grubby after the first downpour.

Home technology goes verbal
Despite some misgivings about security and with Samsung already getting in trouble for revealing that its smart TV was recording people’s conversations, talking to your tech is one of the top trends for 2015. Whether you’re talking to your TV, central heating system or your baby in the next room, verbal commands seem to be the way forward. Whether you’d want to go as far as getting JIBO, a family robot that listens to your conversations and gives helpful tips, is up to you.

Brass in your kitchen
Gone are the days of stainless steel finishes – now brass is the key trend for this year’s new kitchen. Whether you decide on a brushed brass splashback or polished hoods you can use this warm and versatile material anywhere. Try mixing unpolished and polished lamp shades as a way to add texture and depth to your kitchen. The beauty of brass is that it works with most colours palettes.

Go natural with your self-build
For those planning to build your own home this year, the trend is to mix natural with modern. Dry stone walls for your exterior is big this year, though finding the right person to do it can be difficult as it’s a dying art. Inside, natural wood panelling on walls and ceiling will be big, bringing nature to your living room.