The fierce wind last Sunday certainly whipped swirls of leaves from the trees.
As the days shorten, the home becomes more of a nest, and, like hibernating animals, we spend more time tucked up indoors.
Clearly, an efficient central heating system is the key to keeping cosy during the winter months.
But, in recent years, radiators have become more than conveyors of heat, and have become style items in themselves.

Some contemporary radiators really are works of art, and some are so sculptural you have to look twice before you discover that their main function is heating.
Before wielding the credit card, check that your glamorous new radiator is up to the job of heating the room by calculating how much output is needed to keep the room toasty. Most radiator companies have heat calculators on their web sites (try www.bisque.co.uk)/01225 478 500), but a plumber or heating engineer can work out your specific requirements more precisely.
Given the ornate designs on offer you can site your radiator in a prime location in the room. Many designs are vertical, which means that you can make use of otherwise vacant spaces, for example by placing them symmetrically on either side of a chimney breast.
Don’t be afraid to use a modern radiator in a period property or a traditional model in a modern home.
For decorative styling have a look at Jaga’s designs (www.jagahomeheating.co.uk/01531 631533 – these creations are flamboyant enough to create a centrepiece in a room.
One of the first companies to recognise the need for radiators that are groovy as well as functional was Parissade (0208 830 8073/www.parissade.com) - their designs are very innovative but easy to live with.
Nowadays many towel rails are powerful enough to heat the entire bathroom, so having an additional radiator is no longer necessary. But if the towel rail of your choice isn’t up to heating the whole room, you can always team it with underfloor heating, thereby avoiding overcrowding the room with rails and radiators.

However, beware, if your towel rail runs from your heating system, as you’ll be left with soggy towels in summertime - so go for an electric one that you can switch on and off at will.
For a cool look, check out the fabulous Saturn chrome-finish spherical radiator with towel rail which is guaranteed to draw the eye in a bathroom. It’s available from The Radiator Company (www.theradiatorcompany.co.uk/08707 302250), and costs £1,333.
And B&Q’s Concept radiator features snug boxes to cradle small towels, and also has internal lighting. Find out more by logging on to www.diy.com.
Have a look at the offerings of specialist companies such as Radiating Style as well (www.radiatingstyle.com)
This company produces radiators in a kaleidoscopic range of colours - copper red, antique gold, pastel orange, lava, saffron, ultra marine blue...
Finally, on a slightly different note, I’m truly delighted that Chameleon is included in Andrew Martin’s 2009 Interior Design Review. The competition for inclusion is fierce, and out of 500 international applications only 90 are featured.
Chameleon was one of six from the UK to appear - so many thanks to everyone for their hard work.
Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk
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