AUTUMN is the time of year when nature changes its colours, and thanks to the new home collections it's easy to ring the changes indoors too, writes Gabrielle Fagan.

CHOOSE from sumptuous florals, a cool Nordic theme that celebrates easy, stylish comfort, or the glamour of "maximalism" with its emphasis on luxury and individuality.

Whether it's a total revamp or just an update with a few new accessories, your rooms can be fashionably kitted out for the seasons to come.

Make magic with moody autumnal blooms and a touch of gold

"Escape the everyday and saturate your home with glorious jewel tones this autumn," says Lois Vincent, home designer at House of Fraser.

"There are so many ways to use them - in oriental, deco, and bold floral prints - I love that it all feels a bit 'fantasy'.

"You can up the glamour quota by mixing in a few gilded accessories; after all, who doesn't need a flamingo candlestick in their life?"

DECOR TIP: Rich plum and berry shades are the perfect autumnal palette for a cosy feel.

If you don't want to go for full-on florals, choose dusky pink and warm neutrals for a backdrop and then layer up with petal-rich accessories, from throws to bed linen.

Conjure up calm chic spaces that are perfect for nesting

"Simple, minimal and layered - soft crafted neutrals and materials are set against stripped back rustic woods for this calm, tranquil look," says Karen Thomas, head of design for Home at Marks & Spencer.

"This palette is inspired by the change in seasons, and evokes a restful and relaxing feel for the home.

"As we move into autumn, we celebrate the urge to nest and stay indoors.

"Layer soft knits and textures for a casual lived-in feel, and use clean lines and smooth surfaces of cool marble and craft glazes to accessorise your living space."

DECOR TIP: If you're reworking your entire living space, keep to a palette of pale grey, wood and white for walls, floor and furniture.

Declutter to create a pared-back base, and if you want to warm the scheme, add accents of yellow or green in accessories or plants.

Decorate to the max with luxe patterns and textures

"We expect maximalism to be one of the breakthrough looks for autumn and winter, and we're already seeing people investing in bold, bright pieces for their homes," says Fionnuala Johnston, senior designer at John Lewis.

"Maximalism is not necessarily about overcrowding a space, but choosing to be bold by showcasing your own unique style in a creative way.

"Carefully considered mixing and matching of colours, prints and textures is key to achieving the look, and it's the perfect opportunity to layer designs and blend references.

"A good example would be combining a contemporary drinks trolley with tropical, vintage wallpaper, for a refined glamour that celebrates old and new style."

Influential interior designer Abigail Ahern, based in London, has embraced the luxe look and made it her own, with her richly designed animal-inspired Edition homeware for Debenhams.

Abigail's designs frequently top the department store's bestseller lists, and this season's favourites pieces include the Lizard Cushion, £45; Table Light, £80; Bison Planter, £14; Highland Cow Wall Art, £35; Lantern, £24, and Honeycomb Sideboard £760 (range available from late September).

DECOR TIP: Floor-to-ceiling curtains and reflective surfaces, such as mirrored glass and metallics, contribute to the luxe look and create an atmosphere of elegance.

A successful home will reflect your personality and taste and contain pieces that make you smile - don't be afraid to experiment.