There's a chill in the air and it's time to hibernate at home. Gabrielle Fagan hunts the hottest buys (and bargains) to warm up rooms

OUR homes really need to be snug sanctuaries at this time of year, so we can retreat, relax and escape the cold.

So, shake up your style to suit the season, splurge on a few treats and you'll banish the winter decor blues and create a haven where you can rest in comfort.

1. Go pale but interesting

Chilled out Scandi-style, with its neutral palette, endures because its classic good looks never date and it's easy to add subtle new touches to suit a new season.

The addition of a sheepskin rug (pampering for the toes), a throw, and plenty of cushions covered in tactile fabrics like velvet or wool, are all that's needed to create a cosseting winter sanctuary.

2. Harvest some style

Treat yourself (and a room) to accessories that are all about chic comfort, which you can move around to suit your mood and the temperature. Think furry pouffes and fluffy beanbags.

3. Be cost-conscious and cosy

It's all about setting the scene with a cosy focal point at this time of year. If you're lucky enough to own a fireplace, this is the perfect time to take advantage of it and enjoy that beautiful wood smoke smell and orange glow - it's pure autumn joy.

An empty hearth can be made just as appealing with a little imagination. Simply decorate with a cluster of pine cones and add a collection of candles for flickering light.

4. Bag a high-street hero

Supermarket homeware ranges are such a high standard now (and trend led) that you're missing a decor trick if you don't check them out. A trolley full of purse-friendly bargains can refresh a room without breaking the bank.

5. Add some va-va-velvet

Velvets are one of the biggest ongoing trends in interiors. Pair their touch-me textures with a rich colour - orange and green are this season's front runners - for a winning winter combination.

6. Raid nature's colour palette

Embrace the warmth of the autumn colours as an antidote to the creeping chill in the air. Rich reds and russets star on the hedgerows and trees, and adding those hues in accessories will have the same effect in a room.

7. Change the view

There's nothing like a bleak, boring view to lower the spirits, especially in winter, but window film or blinds can work wonders on that outlook. Both can make a feature out of an otherwise dull window and ensure you feel boosted, even on dark days.

8. Lighten the mood

Lighting is key in the dark, winter months, and table lamps illuminating focal points and areas in a room will make it look interesting and inviting. Show off your playful side and introduce quirky lights, which will make you smile and turn a neglected surface into a feature.

9. Tell a texture story

You don't have to abandon glamour in the bedroom when the temperature drops - instead, layer with soft fabrics, from fluffy sheepskin cushions to silky throws. They won't just be a visual treat, and are essential in a muted scheme, decorated in neutrals that could otherwise look bland. They'll also add a sexy, sensual cosiness.

10. Add some fur-fabulous accessories

Go wild with faux fur, but keep it feminine with a blushing pink theme. It looks fabulous on moody black or blue bed linen, or go for a full-on ice-maiden effect with a snowy white set.