Give your home a makeover

winter-proof with our selection of cosy home products that will turn

your home into a chill-proof sanctuary.

Winter's bearing down on us bringing chill winds and dark nights but

there's one way to beat it - turn your home into a snug sanctuary.

A new colour palette, soft, sensual fabrics, and some luxurious

accessories will go a long way towards banishing the seasonal blues.

It could also make your interior dazzle and guarantee it's

ready-to-impress the invasion of friends and family over the Christmas

holiday.

There's no need to panic if you're home's still stuck in a summer-style

warp, and those rooms look as though they've been left out in the cold.

We've consulted the experts and got their advice on transforming a home into a fashionable comfort zone. Only the cold-hearted could resist their ideas!

COSY COLOUR

:: Colour's vital for this winter's rooms, according to Edward Appleton,

paint expert for The Paint Quality Institute. He says: "Forget cold,

minimalist interiors as these are not winter-friendly and they're also

unfashionable as vibrant, decorative effects have made a comeback.

"Bold patterns, rich, opulent looking furnishings and striking

accessories should be combined to create a new take on interiors where 'more' is becoming preferable to less."

There's no need for a baffling trawl through the paint charts as he's

identified the two most popular colour palettes. "Most noticeable this

season is the appearance of a soft, soothing yellow-lime. Muted in

appearance, this colour looks best teamed with stone, oatmeal and darker hues of tobacco and even chocolate brown."

Those who want seasonal sparkle will find the fashion for metallics

appealing. Appleton says: "A combination of both gold and silver creates a simple yet luxurious style in a modern setting.

"Try painting broad bands of gold and silver interspersed with crisp

white stripes on a feature wall."

COSY LIVING

:: A comfortable sofa to cuddle up on is an essential ingredient for any

cosy retreat. Rachel Hulbert, Design Director for Sofa Workshop offers

her advice on what's hot in sofa style.

She says: "Round-arm traditional styles are back in favour, but they've

been given a modern edge by being dressed in contemporary fabrics.

"This season is all about having fun mixing textures and patterns.

Silvers and golds feature in natural linen or hemp, muted shades of

mustard yellows and greens are starting to take centre stage, while

velvets are perennially popular especially in plum and aubergine

shades."

COSY FACELIFT

:: Alternatively, revamp and cosset an existing sofa or chair with

soft-to-the-touch knitted wool throws.

For a chic country look delve into vintage style throws and blankets harking back in design to pre-duvet days.

COSY SNOOZING

:: Your bedroom should be a sensual, inviting retreat where you can

relax as well as snuggle on cold nights.

Sally Bendelow, Head of Home Design at Marks & Spencer says: "Sinking into a sumptuous bed especially during the winter months is a wonderful way to de-stress.

"Choose high quality bed linen, such as Egyptian cotton, or super

luxurious silk sheets and top with an oversized bedcover as sensual

texture is all important and will make you feel cherished and nurtured."