Romancing Your Home!

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, love is in the air and also on our minds.  This is the time of year that we can get swept away with romance, indulgence and whimsy.  There are so many books, television shows and guides on how to bring more romance into our lives and relationships, but what about our homes?  Follow these tips on how to romance your home and you’ll be guaranteed the charming feeling that romance can evoke in return.

Romance can be defined as ‘full of exaggeration or fanciful invention’.  When I think of the things commonly found in a home, the easiest to exaggerate, are the fabrics.  If your curtains are in need of an update, try a billowing satin fabric.  Perhaps your bed is in dire need of a flirtatious bed skirt, or your plastic shower curtain could be swapped out for a heavier fabric curtain gently held to the side with a tie back?  The four fabric contenders you should be looking for when romancing your home are silk, satin, lace and fuzz.  Yes, fuzz; whether that is wool, chenille, cashmere, etc…as long as it’s fuzzy, it’s in!

- silk/satin -

- lace -

- cashmere -

When it comes to relationships, we've all said it, or had it said to us, “it’s the little things that matter”.  Well the same is true for your home.  In this sense, the little things are our accents; meaning pillows, artwork and other small objects that people like to display.  The current design trend of monogrammed pillows can come in to play wonderfully here.  There are so many different fonts, colors, sizes and shapes that these pillows can come in.  Why not five square pillows, one with each letter of the word ‘amore’ all in different fonts?  For a cleaner, more contemporary look, try a consistent font while still keeping in mind a romantic message. 

Candles also make great accents and spectacular lighting for a romantic evening; however they are not always the safest option.  Nowadays, we can buy flameless candles that flicker and even smell like the real thing…in fact, we can even get them on remote controls or timers.  Don’t forget the candle sticks to incorporate those candles into the room at varied heights!  Think about bringing fresh cut flowers into the space as well; they’ll look great next to those candles.  Dried flowers tend to evoke feelings of death; try some classic fresh cut white tulips or peonies for a change of pace!  Certain flowers look wonderful in a wide vase with floating votives.

Romance is nothing if not sensual; so now is the time to fill your home with the right aromas and tastes.  We’ve just finished the season of that fresh pine or cinnamon & nutmeg scent and it’s too soon for the smell of fresh herbs and citrus.  Now is the time for smells like toasted marshmallow and cupcake; one of my personal favorites is Roses on Cliff Walk by Yankee Candle Company.  The same concept goes for taste; we’re done with gingerbread and it’s too early for fresh fruit…try having some candies and biscotti around to indulge in.  These look fresh and inviting when placed in clear apothecary jars; Williams and Sonoma offers stick on chalkboard labels to help make them look even fancier.  Looking for a healthier option?  Try some roasted pecans with a raspberry chipotle seasoning (for you West Michigan locals, find this spice at The Seasoned Home, located downtown Holland).

- super cute concept -

Lastly, let’s not forget about the things we could keep in our home to make every evening just a little more romantic for ourselves.  Things to have on your checklist: a light weight robe to bop around in, matching fuzzy slippers, bubble bath with bath salts, and a silver tray with two tea cups and saucers to serve you and your loved one a light evening snack!  The list can go on and on, but take into consideration what you can do to romance your home and watch your home love you right back!