The first thing to decide is the material of the pole. The traditional pine pole made of pine is now outdated. It has been superseded by a wide selection of painted wooden poles available.

The Silent Gliss Metropole looks good in both modern and traditional settings. The use of a track is functional, smooth as sliders inside the profile carry the curtains across smoothly. A track all means you can avoid using rings or passing brackets and it be can electrically operated. This is particularly useful for bay windows. The sleek, modern look of the pole is easily offset by choosing a decorative fabric with glamorous trims. This combination of old and new works well in a period house.

A metal pole does give you a chance to use different materials such as brass, black-wrought iron or silver. These that will bring another dimension to the window. With a metal pole, there are often finials to add to the end of the pole. This stylish element can be quite quirky. Jim Lawrence, have a wide selection of metal curtain poles and interesting finials. From pineapples to flames and globes, the end of the pole can be a feature in itself.

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Suddenly a range of much more sculptural overhead lighting has been created and the chandelier become funky and artistic.

A good example of this modern industrial hanging pendant / chandelier is from Buster and Punch. It’s a mixture of bulb and shaded lights that would add some modernity to a Victorian hallway.

In a similar vein the glass globes of Fritz Henson will again be a far cry from the old school crystal drops . This bulb based chandelier gives discreet colour to a room without being overbearing.

Graham and Green go for a bit more glamour in their Deco Beatrice chandelier. Available in two sizes this will give a more modern room sophistication and ritz.

For something bright and statement look no further than Rockett St George starburst style spiky chandelier. This will be a taking point for all your visitors as well as lighting up your life.

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A good solution is to break up a solid colour by introducing texture to the walls. The Victorians used Lincrusta (a linseed based thick wallpaper) to cover their walls. I think you would probably associate it with the interior of a pub or a dark Birmingham Peaky Blinder room.

I would urge you to look again at the variety of wonderful patterns in Lincrusta which can be used in any space. The old reputation is more to do with choice of colour – often brown or dark red. Nowadays it is available in pale pastels such as Mylands Osterley or Farrow and Ball Calluna.

This then can hang in any room in the house and add texture and depth.

You can also give a modern space a touch of heritage by using it on a feature wall in a bathroom. Thus can be complimented by using a roll topped free standing bath – keeping the traditional theme but in a luxurious contemporary bathing space.

In a hallway, Lincrusta can balance the upper and lower areas. Using it downstairs but not upstairs but painting both areas in the same colour will create a unified room but there will be a subtle difference between the two floors.

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Looking afresh at terracotta, there are many ways of introducing this strong colour and using it to your advantage. Terracotta can add a sophistication to a study or boot room adding depth and vibrancy. These rooms are made interesting by the use of a dark colour and you can compliment it with accents of neutral tones so as not to be overpowering.

A good contrast to this colour would be a black in a lamp or the exact opposite in a cream skirting and woodwork which will emphasise the clarity of the dark orange. Another contrast would be to use a soft pink tone to punctuate the darkness.

In nature we see terracotta teamed with natural greenery in plant pots. Using this combination would give you a striking and fresh take on the colour.

Metallics also work well with this shade. A brass lamp or copper bowl look good against a painted wall.

This down to earth colour can bring heat and light into your house. Autumnal tones are for cosy and mellow effects.

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Try thinking of bringing the outside into the home by using the themes of rural life, the natural products from the trees and animals around us as inspiration to decorate your home.

In this way wood provides both a serene and rural ambience and a practical style that will enhance any home.

It is surprising how many ways in which wood can be incorporated into a design scheme.

The obvious way to use this calm, natural product is on the floors. A solid wood floor will give you a hardwearing and clean surface that will last a life time if it is maintained. The choice of oak, beech, walnut and pine means that there is something for everyone. The glow of the wood gives a room a depth and calm like no other surface.

Wooden furniture can be made comfortable and chic by using soft pliable materials with it as a contrast. A wooden frame with a velvet or cow hide seat will be funky and modern as well as stylish.

In smaller ways, wooden accessories are now available. The sculptural wooden lights of Tom Raffield provide elegance and charm. They link with the outside space as they are made from purely natural materials and lend an openness to a kitchen space and an interesting dappled light effect at night.

A rustic environment can be luxurious and so by using the wooden theme with the softer textures of fur, wool and linen, you can embrace the hues of autumn and snuggle up in the house of your dreams.

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