I'm spending Valentine's Day at home, but want to decorate with something other than candles to set the mood. What would you suggest?
Emily G. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and design expert Tommy Smythe, answered;
The best way to ensure you've got your romantic bases covered is to address all five senses. Romance is not necessarily a décor issue alone, but having a comfortable environment with all the senses addressed can't hurt!
- Sight: Wall colour is the number one way to make a fast and easy change in any room. While love in the afternoon might be on the radar for the very wealthy and the unemployed, most of us prefer to woo each other in the evening. Dark and mid-tone moody paint colours are the way to go here.
- Taste: Put away that 9 1/2 Weeks DVD! Food and sex do not mix (not in real life anyway)! That said, if a lovely intimate dinner at home is the plan to get that special someone in the mood, your table top and food presentation need to be on point. Use the good stuff - crystal and fine china, or whatever you have that's the best of the best, it will send a message that you care enough to make an effort.
- Touch: Fabric choices can add a great deal of romance to any environment. We can't all afford to recover the sofa, but the addition of a couple of throw pillows in a soft and luxe material will do the trick. I like silk and cotton velvets or mohair; they are soft on the skin and look lovely by candlelight.
- Sound: Music can make or break the romantic mood and using ugly stereo equipment can ruin your décor! Use a tiny iPod dock nestled discretely into the bookshelves or buy a retro and stylish Tivoli system if you just can't hide your 'equipment'. Big, black plastic has no place in a romantic home.
- Smell: Fresh scented flowers are key. Certain types of tulips have a honey-vanilla scent known to be attractive to men and red is the colour of passion and love... need I say more?
Tommy Smythe is Sarah Richardson’s aptly dubbed “design sidekick” on Sarah’s Cottage. Tommy has worked with Sarah as an integral member of her design team for over eight years. He is a regular editorial and lifestyle contributor to both Style at Home and Canadian House and Home magazines.
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