Bringing glamour indoors

Fashion rules in homes as well as on the catwalk and it's time to make sure your rooms don't look sadly out of date.

Glamour is a key ingredient in the three key looks this season. Rooms can either dazzle with colour and quality, in a 'layered luxury' look; feature pretty period detail with the feminine 'boudoir' trend; or echo the black and white style that's hot off the fashion catwalk - chic, contemporary 'monochrome'.

As long as rooms are dressed up, rather than down, they're bound to succeed. Whatever you do, don't hold back this autumn - go for glamour with one of these easily achievable looks.

BOUDOIR

If you're in the mood for romance embrace `boudoir' which needn't be confined to the bedroom - think instead of the decadent Hollywood homes of those stunning screen icons of the 30s and 40s.

Define the style in a grand way with bold prints, oversize mirrors, and eye-catching chandeliers, or opt for a subtle soft approach with delicate flower patterns, lace, embroidery, jewels and mirrored furniture.

Walls
Wallpaper is an easy way to `dress' a room. Laura Ashley's new Chinoiserie range has its origins in the late 18th century with the wallcoverings designed for the Prince Regent's Brighton Pavilion. The Chinoiserie wallpapers - Oriental Garden, Summer Palace, Kimono and Erin - cost £20 a roll.

Windows
Use shimmering silks, heavy slubs embellished with embroideries or cottons decorated in toile de jouy or florals, from stores such as John Lewis.

Little touches, such as sparkling curtain ties, are essential. The Pier, has ready-made bead ties, £8.95 each.

Furniture
Mirrored furniture always adds glamour, light and sparkle to any interior.

Laura Ashley's 1930's Art Deco addition to the Gatsby range, is Summer Palace, with mirrored pieces decorated with a floral and bird motif: three drawer chest, £1,200; cube table £175; mirror, £275.

Other stores reflect the look: a chunky mirrored cube costs £124 at House of Fraser, while Next has a four-drawer chest, £349 and bedside table, £149.

Conjure French period style 'boudoir' with white-painted furniture, from Linda Barker's catalogue. Her hand-carved, white painted mahogany bed costs £2,600.

Layer a bed with beautiful bedding. Monsoon's autumn home collection, aptly named Boudoir, has Camille Rose bed linen, throws and cushions in velvets and satins.

MONOCHROME

A contrasting combination of black and white is an enduring classic, and well suited to contemporary rooms because it is simple yet elegant.

Walls
Walls painted white are the perfect backdrop for this look. Paint companies such as Farrow & Ball have a comprehensive selection of whites from snow white through to warmer ivory and parchment.

If painted walls are too plain, opt for decorative effects using textured or patterned wallpapers in white from companies such as B&Q or Graham & Brown.

Windows
Dress windows simply with blinds in black or white, but if that's too bleak on cold winter nights add warmth and the essential touch of luxury with drapes.

Treat the window like a theatre stage - swag and drape in sensual velvet, silk or heavy cottons like silks or damasks.

Decadence and opulence combine in Andrew Martin's new Chaucer fabric collection, with two damask designs in black and white, from £90 a metre.

Soften the look with a nearly-black shade, Laura Ashley's Charcoal. Floral Picardie, £18 a metre; or the checked Clermont, £15 a metre.

Furniture
Slim, sleek well-designed pieces should star in uncluttered rooms to give maximum impact.

John Lewis Autumn range features a new monochrome Deco look. Black leather Maestro furniture suits the style: sofa, £750; chair, £495; footstool, £295.

Contrast with its glossy white lacquer, Glacier collection: Sideboard, £395 and entertainment unit, £295.

Alternatively, superstore Ikea has an affordable Arild seating collection, which is available in Karaktar white leather and costs £695 for a three-seater. Team with a pure white Svansbo coffee table, £24.90.

LAYERED LUXURY

This look is defined by well-chosen pieces for rooms that impress with their sophistication, yet make comfort a priority. Use neutral and natural tones but ensure interest with contrasting textures and finishes, such as burnished wooden floors, grained wooden furniture, and furnishing fabrics such as wool and silk.

Add vital colour in a statement piece of furniture, art or accessories such as wall art.

This look is all about showing off, so be adventurous and think like a designer.

Walls and windows
Pale neutrals work well on walls but give impact with a feature wall in a vivid colour in gloss. Fired Earth has a comprehensive paint range.

Papers from Graham & Brown include chic contemporary through to colourful patterns and flocks, and are ideal for a glamorous feature wall. Papers from £9.99 a roll.

Furniture
Oka's furniture suits contemporary or period rooms, dress it up for the layered look with its colourful luxury cushions. Its Roma range features individual chair units which group to make informal sofas of any size. Roma armless chair, in antelope or soft sienna, £750.

Marks and Spencer stylish sofas and furnishings could give a designer look at high street prices. Pieces from the Cathryn collection, £699 for a large 2-seater sofa, would team well with other pieces such as a Capella coffee table in beech with an antique white finish, £299.

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