Armchair Traveller

Summer may be a distant memory, but you can recreate the atmosphere of warmer shores by adding some foreign flavour to your homes. Gabrielle Fagan advises on the Moroccan, Indian, French and African influences that are big news on the high street...

Everyone brings back souvenirs of holidays abroad but as the nights draw in, why not go further and recreate the style of your favourite holiday destination at home? So if you fell in love with the vibrant colours of the Kasbah over the summer, transport yourself back there by using jewel-bright paint shades and richly coloured accessories for your living area.

If you lost your heart to that African safari lodge, go exotic with dark woods, carvings and animal prints. Alternatively, capture French chic for the boudoir with ornate, white-painted furniture and a delicate crystal chandelier. These days the high street home stores are awash with global influences, so you'll only need a few authentic touches - either by using those portable treasures brought back from local markets on holiday, or from some of the many mail order companies here that specialise in products from other countries. So before those memories fade as fast as your tan, go on an interiors journey and turn those rooms into a home away from home.

African Safari
Take your inspiration from the African plains and furnish an interior with safari lodge-style dark wood furniture and sophisticated animal prints. Set the scene first with deep rich wall colours in shades such as Dulux Roasted Red or Sea Blue, £14.99 for 2.5 litres.

Lombok has the ideal furniture in chunky, rich-grained woods. Nirvana four-poster bed, £1,395, an Umpak coffee table, £575. Alternatively, John Lewis has a zebra-printed coffee table, £495, and Havana sofa, £500, or armchair, £350.

Use animal print throws and cushions, and accessories with bowls and ornaments made in the townships of South Africa from RE mail order. Handmade papier mache bowls from £9 each. Add appropriately scented candles for a finishing touch. Mama Afrika's selection includes candles in glass jars, £14.95 each.

French Chic
France is our nearest neighbour and their style - either elegant or classic rustic - works well in our homes.

The materials are timeless - wood, terracotta, stone and metal. Armoires, rustic tables, open shelves and small cupboards suit this look. Oka has an excellent selection in either style. Its classic Camargue chair costs £99.

If you prefer the more dressy salon look opt for white painted furniture from stores like Laura Ashley or Marks and Spencer. Marks and Spencer's antique finish Loire collection is perfect for Francophiles. Extending dining table, £499, pair of chairs, £299.

Mail order company Dibor specialises in French products and has an excellent selection of china, clocks and other accessories.

Far East Opulence
An Indian theme looks warm and inviting in all seasons, thanks to the hot, spicy colours and richly embroidered hangings and rugs that are its characteristic.

If you've got money to spend, invest in richly carved antique furniture from shops such as London's Liberty in Regent Street. They have a whole floor dedicated to all things Eastern.

Marks and Spencer has cushions and bedding in glorious colours and luxury fabrics. Golden Leaf duvet cover in deep red and gold, £49.50 single, and Patch and Sequin throw in purple, plum and gold, £99.

The Pier also has an affordable range of both furniture and accessories to suit the colonial mood, and accessories such as a Eastern Sitting Buddha, £75. Typical Indian homes are traditionally decorated with wall-to-wall ornamentation, with intricate fretwork covering windows, surrounding doors and even hung on walls. There's a range of beautiful patterns on panels, pelmets, and shelf edging from mail order company, Jali.

This theme thrives on reams of sumptuous silks and organzas, drenched in blazing colour and edged with richly woven gold thread for a sari effect. Make it an Indian Summer all year round with walls in colours such as Dulux's red Summer Berries shade, and blue, Peacock Feather.

Arabian Nights
Moroccan chic is ultra-fashionable and easy to create. It's a bohemian, layered style with decorative detail supplied by intricate metal lanterns, Turkish rugs, and copper side tables. Walls work well in painted in strong colours like ochre, terracotta or blue, or paint everything white and bring colour into the room with soft furnishings. If you're looking for authentic Moroccan furniture and accessories, Casbah Collection has a desirable range. Habitat and The Pier have furniture and accessories to suit this style, and John Lewis has a great selection of Turkish rugs and kelims.

Mosquito nets add a sultry feel and RE mail order has a giant rectangular one, perfect for screening a dining table, £45, or one with a canopy for a bed, £40.

Shopping for Souvenirs
Think before you splurge at those foreign markets - a mass of objects will just look like clutter. Choose one or two striking pieces instead. China or pottery is an excellent buy in most countries and brilliantly-coloured pieces will bring a touch of sunshine to a dull winter table. Markets are always a good hunting ground but remember furniture dimensions may differ from British ones. Take room and door measurements with you so you don't make an expensive mistake. Wooden carvings, figures or vibrant wall hangings may dominate or look garishly out of place in a conventional room. Buy with care.

AROUND THE WORLD

Casbah Collection: 020 8952 7137 www.casbahcollection.co.uk
Dibor: 0870 0133 666 www.dibor.co.uk
Dulux: www.dulux.co.uk
Jali: 01227 831 710 www.jali.co.uk
John Lewis: www.johnlewis.com
Liberty: 020 7734 1234 www.liberty.co.uk
Lombok: 0870 240 7380 www.lombok.co.uk
Mama Afrika: 01342 712 599
Marks & Spencer: 0845 603 1603 www.marksandspencer.com
Oka: 0870 160 6002 www.okadirect.com
The Pier: 0845 609 1234 www.pier.co.uk
RE: 01434 634 567 www.re-foundobjects.com