It's time to be all cosy

IF you're a cushion hugger and love all things tactile, autumn is definitely your season. It may seem inexplicable to those who perpetually mourn the passing of summer, but home hibernators love the chill in the air, darker nights and relish being able to retreat indoors.

Of course, to truly enjoy these months it's essential to prepare your nest properly.

Make it so cosy that you love staying in - and so welcoming and snug that envious friends never want to leave.

This year, think glamour and luxury rather than yesterday's homespun home-on-the-range look and start squirrelling away touchy-feely throws in silk, mohair, and satin or faux fur, plump cushions in velvets or wool, and cosy-toes rugs.

Don't forget to splash some of nature's beautiful colours in rooms - one of the most attractive features of the landscape at this time of year. Those rich reds, oranges, plums and a dash of lavender are also ultra-fashionable and will give a warm glow that counters our cold northern light.

Fortunately, there's no need to turn the bank balance as red as those leaves.

You can harvest irresistible, highly-affordable home treats from the now design-savvy supermarkets and high street stores.

So, banish the blues with a basketful of goodies for a stylish autumn sanctuary.

TESCO

FILL up a trolley with Tesco's top-class home goodies.

SPEND: Scatter faux suede red and orange leaf print cushions, £5.97, on a sofa for an autumnal feel and recreate summer skies with a soft lace throw in blue or white, £11.97. Cast a soft glow with groups of glass tea light holders, six for £1.97.

SPLURGE: Flock damask floor cushions, £19.97, are just the thing for lounging in front of the fire, or add colour with barcode-stripe cushions, £19.97.

MARKS & SPENCER

YOU'RE spoilt for choice these days at M&S. Its homeware is going from strength to strength.

SPEND: Be snug with seal faux fur cushions, £25. Guarantee cosy toes with sheepskin rugs in chocolate, silver, mocha and ink, £49.50. Add a cosy glow with ceramic lamps with matching shades, £7.

SPLURGE: Get tucked up with their luxurious quilts, like the suitably autumn-coloured russet quilted bedcover, £85, or for the ultimate in glamour - purple velvet and ostrich feather- trimmed throw, £75, matching cushion £25. Break the bank with a cashmere throw, £149.

THE WHITE COMPANY

THIS company's a favourite port-of-call for lovers of trendy homeware. It prides itself on high quality ranges that go from affordable to luxurious.

SPEND: Give a sofa a seasonal facelift with mohair throws in glacier, aubergine or cocoa, £55. Add a velvet Garbo cushion with taffeta trim, £25, or a sheepskin rug, £55.

SPLURGE: Add gorgeous texture - faux fur throws with a soft faux suede reverse in ivory or cocoa, £90 or a Medici velvet quilt in mink or aubergine, £200.

ASDA

THE new George range of homewares is winning Asda a new legion of fans. There are plenty of autumn treats at cheap-as-chips prices.

SPEND: Simplicity chocolate and teal accessories include cushions, from £5, and Teal striped bedding set £10.

SPLURGE: Indulgence glass lamp, £32.

JOHN LEWIS

IT'S hard to fault its design standard ranges and there's always something to suit every budget.

SPEND: Accessorise with cushions, £18, in glowing berry shades. Trendy buy - Tessica square cushion with three-dimensional felt roses, £30. Cuddle up on a faux fur throw, from £40. Get a warm glow with a red curved glass Caroline lamp, £30.

SPLURGE: Roma chenille throws in gorgeous autumn shades, from £55 to £95, and Arctic faux fur throw, £80.

WOOLWORTHS

THERE'S great homeware and a new catalogue, The Big Red Book, teamed with its online shopping site.

SPEND: Fluffy Mongolia cushions in natural, mocha or pink are a snip at £20 each. Faux fur cushions, £8, beanbags, £10.

SPLURGE: Sit by the fire on a luxury faux fur beanbag £28. Go wild with a black or chocolate throw, £30.

BARKER & STONEHOUSE

THIS style-savvy northern-based store group makes life easy by showing how looks can be achieved and its website makes homeware accessible to those who can't get to its seven branches.

SPEND: Shot silk cushions in autumn shades would be a winner. They start from £20.95. Add a selection of candlesticks, from £11.95.

SPLURGE: Be indulgent with Mongolian cushions, from £75.

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