Most people would like to add a touch of glamour and individualism to their homes and certainly to their main entertaining rooms. So, how can this be done affordably? Most interior designers would suggest that you can add glamour by accessorising and a more spacious feeling by playing with the light in your room.

This can be done by dressing your window in a certain way and individualism can be added with made to measure curtains rather than simply choosing a ready made curtain. Curtains can be heavy and add warmth or they can be light, air and fresh. Which curtains you choose will influence the atmosphere of your home. A good source of ideas are the countless glossy interior design magazines which are available.

Other ways to play with the light in a room is by adding lamps rather than harsh ceiling lights, or by incorporating glass objects into a room which will add sparkle and allow the light to bounce off them.

Before you buy fabric or made to measure curtains it's essential that you consider the most appropriate colour for your home. Colour can have a massive influence on our mood working at both conscious and subconscious levels. Some colours are known to have an energizing effect while other act in the opposite way having a tranquilizing effect. So consider the use of the room you are decorating- do you want to relax or work in it?

Here are some examples of colours and the moods the conjure:

Blue promotes relaxation and self expression. The colour blue can be calming and is liked by almost everyone representing both strength but also friendliness.

Green represents life and nature. It also signifies growth, renewal and health. Alternatively, it is associated with jealousy and envy.

Red is a hot, strong colour and represents passion and love. It is also often associated with violence and warfare.

Reports suggest that during the run up to Christmas more money is spent in the home on interior design than at any other time of the year. People are generally throwing more parties - welcoming friends and family into their homes and they want to ensure that they look their best.

The rush to complete home improvements by the Christmas deadline sees people doing more decorating and DIY but also more people buy curtains and home furnishings at this time of year.

The motivation is the desire by the host to create the perfect Christmas ambience, to go along with the perfect family Christmas in which everyone is happy, having fun and enjoying each others company!

Harlequin ladybirds are attacking our homes as they spread across Britain at the rate of 60 miles a year, destroying British ladybird species as they go.

The ladybirds are growing at such a rate that there are now thought to be billions in the UK. They invade homes, emit awful smells, stain surfaces and damage walls and curtains.

If your home has been infested with these creatures you will need to replace the damaged furniture. The ladybirds especially like to group together in your curtains hems, they force huge numbers of themselves into tiny spaces and produce a foul yellow chemical when threatened, which stains any surface and smells like nail varnish.

You will need buy curtains to replace the stained smelly curtains if you are unlucky enough to experience Harlequin ladybirds.

Recent reports suggest that TV can have a massive influence on interior design. An example of this is the Emmy award winning show Mad Men which is set in the 1960s. The show has been praised for its authenticity and its accurate portrayal of 1960s design and style.

The home of the main characters perfectly represents the style of the era from its curtains which are sashed and floral in design.

TV shows definitely influence the way we buy fabric and buy curtains according to interior designers. Interior designers are keeping a close eye on the sets in shows like this order to get ideas from the retro sets.