However, the way to pull off a stylish home this autumn/winter is to grow a love of funky florals and pretty botanicals.

"It's a reaction to all of the minimalism that's been about for a while, " says Belfastbased interior designer and stylist Maureen Collins.

"Homeowners are looking for something softer, and a bit more embellishment. It's a response to the reality that life has become harder, faster and crueller."

Flower-filled prints are also a great way of blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Dress patio doors and windows in floral fabrics or leafy looks to increase the sense of connection.

While swapping your white or beige colour scheme for a blast of pattern and colour can be a sharp shock, Collins points out that a lot of modern floral motifs create a shadow-like effect. "Some of the big patterns combining colours are quite subtle, " Collins observes.

You can also ease yourself into bold prints by using them on small areas such as cushions and throws or putting a floral trim on a curtain or blind.

Once you've dipped your toe into living with fabulous florals, the chances are you'll never want to go back to safe but bland schemes again.

You'll probably soon find yourself progressing to different-sized florals.

"Pattern really works well with pattern and the effect can be surprisingly softening, " Collins enthuses.

Companies such as No-No Design and Harlequin make mixing it up easy with their pattern books, Collins says. A style secret of hers is to complement a strong colour with a softer version.

For a bit of full-on glamour, check out Julien Macdonald's 'Paradise' wallpaper for Graham & Brown where large black leaves are set against a scarlet background.

At KA International, the trend is to mix florals with stripes and plains. "A chaise longue or a rounded sofa can look really well in an overall floral pattern.

Alternatively, you could go for a floral Roman blind, a plain sofa and a striped chair, in similar colours, " advises Paula Campbell, general manager.

For autumn/winter there's a move towards warm, earthy hues such as burnt orange and chocolate browns, she says. Red and aubergine are also popular. Even taking the simple step of lining an old sideboard with floral fabric can really perk up your place.

Combine the hankering for both florals and black with New Zealand designer Jeremy Coles' new 'Blossom Noir' light from his 'Aloe' range within the 'Flora' collection. A pendant in three size options, it oozes dark good looks and is available through Lumitech in Ballymoss Road, Dublin.

Made from individual handmade porcelain leaves geometrically arranged around the light source to act as a diffuser, the Aloe design produces a calming, glowing light. 'Blossom' represents the mid-life and full beauty of the flower. This little black beauty previously only came in white. Check out the switched out style at the Newbridge Silverware restaurant and watch out for further ranges based on New Zealand and European plant life.

Also blending black and florals is Designers Guild with blossoms in wallpaper and fabrics. Marks & Spencer's Damask fine china collection in black and white is just the thing for some teatime monochrome magic.

For something a bit more colourful, 'The Painted Garden' earthenware collection from Wedgwood is set to appeal. Flowers have frequently appeared in Wedgwood tableware designs.

'The Painted Garden' is the latest in that tradition, with Flowers taken from the Painted Garden: A Year in Words and Watercolours, an illustrated journal and sketch book by Mary Woodin. A keen gardener and watercolourist who trained as a textile designer and later as a ceramic designer, her botanical illustrations record a year in her own garden.

Jasper Conran's 'Chinoiserie' green dessert plate, also for Wedgwood, features a delicate design that is gracing some of the best-dressed tables this season.

Rugs are a great way of rolling out the floral or botanical look without having to invest too much time or money.

Marks & Spencer's autumn/winter collection features both a large floral wool rug in cream and lavender and a fern rug, again in wool.

B&Q is in on the act too with its Floral Trail Rug in muted tones while its Bamboo Bud rug in chocolate makes a stronger statement.

Gentle botanicals can be used to create a restful ambience in the boudoir. When you feel in need of a duvet day, do it in style with the Anushka bed linen range from Habitat.

The Paul Costelloe 'living' range for Dunnes' Stores incorporates florals in its luxury-for-less cushions. Complete the picture with a Maddie mug and tray, again from Habitat, and you've got the whole floral vibe covered.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Maureen Collins: p. collins630@ntlworld. com Habitat: Dublin, Galway & Belfast www. habitat. ie Harlequin: www. harlequin. uk. com Jeremy Cole: www. jeremycole. net KA International: Jervis Centre, Dublin, 01-878 1052; 17 Rockhill, Main Street, Blackrock, Dublin, 01-2782033; Drawbridge Street, Cork 021-4276409; Middle Street, Galway, 091-563156