October is the perfect month for curling up on a sofa and this month's body & soul tip looks at how to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, nurture and protection in your home.

Cushions in attractive fabrics are wonderful for giving your sofas and chairs an inviting feeling. They help to soften the shape of the furniture, but a few well-chosen cushions are better than too many, which prevent you from sitting comfortably.

Curtains, sofas, chairs and throws made of fabrics that are attractive to touch make a home more intimate. Velvet, wool and cotton are particularly nice to feel and, when combined with warm colours or patterns, give an instant glow to a room.

Table lamps are one of the fastest ways, next to candles, to create a cosy atmosphere. One or two table lamps in the living room will produce a soothing, relaxing light. Choose lampshades with slight yellow, orange or pink tones to create a warming glow.

An open fire is unequalled when it comes to conjuring up a feeling of warmth and intimacy. In ancient times, the hearth was regarded as a magical place, somewhere that provided heat and nourishment.

Nowadays, gas open fires have made the hearth more convenient, since they can be automatically lit and don't require cleaning out. If an open fire is not practical for you, candles - although a lot smaller - can create the same atmosphere.

Warm colours - essentially those colours based on red and orange - tend to advance visually, which means they appear to come closer. Warm colours should be used in rooms that feel or appear cold, are large or don't receive much sunlight.

For more ideas why not take a look at Josephine Collins' book Home Sanctuary.

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