Part II of creating a romantic bedroom for Valentine's Day & Beyond...
You might not want to be that obvious (or would you?), but in this post, I continue to give some ideas to build up the romantic qualities of the bedroom - layer by layer. I call it “Layers of Love.” Maybe you can bring out the "Let's Make Out Pillow" once you've created your Love Retreat!
After re-doing my own bedroom when I was single, I told my soon-to-be-husband that I was creating layers of love for Valentine's Day. I did all the things that I am telling you in this post (well - almost all of them!) - and six months later, we were engaged. I think that it all really helped to set a mood for us. Designing for all of the senses is important every day - but for Valentine's Day...it's extra important!
Drape Fabric: If possible, add draped curtains or gauzy fabric to the bed. This gives your bed a cocoon-like aura that’s so romantic. Here’s a great (and inexpensive) idea that we did for a beautiful home that we staged in Muttontown NY.
Area Rugs: You want a tactile experience for your feet as well, so why not bring in something luxurious – such as a soft rug.
Accessories that Set the Stage for Romance: If your budget allows, bring in opulent silks, velvets, tapestries and textured fabrics for the bedding, pillows and throws.
Lighting: Besides candles, bringing in beautiful lighting can help set the mood. Chandeliers not only look beautiful but they can also cast a lovely glow in the bedroom. Remember to install a dimmer switch as you don’t want harsh lighting overhead. I’ve also seen two small chandeliers over each nightstand – and the look is so beautiful and romantic.
Lamps with beautiful silhouettes or gorgeous damask fabric and beaded lampshades on the nightstands (also on dimmers) add another soft dimension. You might want to have an uplight in a corner to cast a beautiful shadow. Think about how a beautifully lit plant in a corner can look with an uplight gently delineating its curves on the walls.
Art for the Bedroom: Think about adding a scene that both of you love – a landscape or perhaps a place that you vacationed together (Paris, Rome…Hawaii). You don’t want to be overtly sexual with your art – just a suggestion of the love and togetherness that you both share.
Mood Music and Sounds: Continuing the sensory experience, you may want to add some soft music to your love recipe. Pick your beloved’s favorite music and add it to your ipod for that special night. Be it classical or contemporary, music played so softly in the room will add to the romantic mood. You can also think about a sound machine to add forest sounds or some gently moving waves.
Lastly, Add Something Sweet: Whether it's chocolate or some simple Sweethearts from your childhood, adding something for the palette finishes the layers of love. Don't forget some champagne (or red wine, if you are eating chocolate!). Forget your diet today - it's allowed!
So start doing some of these things and I know that you will have a beautiful Valentine’s Day. Give yourself permission to just linger and cuddle and enjoy some special time together.
Happy Valentine’s Day to All!
Link to purchase Alexandra Ferguson's pillows
Pillow from Alexandra Ferguson on Etsy, details below
You might not want to be that obvious (or would you?), but in this post, I continue to give some ideas to build up the romantic qualities of the bedroom - layer by layer. I call it “Layers of Love.” Maybe you can bring out the "Let's Make Out Pillow" once you've created your Love Retreat!
After re-doing my own bedroom when I was single, I told my soon-to-be-husband that I was creating layers of love for Valentine's Day. I did all the things that I am telling you in this post (well - almost all of them!) - and six months later, we were engaged. I think that it all really helped to set a mood for us. Designing for all of the senses is important every day - but for Valentine's Day...it's extra important!
Drape Fabric: If possible, add draped curtains or gauzy fabric to the bed. This gives your bed a cocoon-like aura that’s so romantic. Here’s a great (and inexpensive) idea that we did for a beautiful home that we staged in Muttontown NY.
Romantically draping gauzy fabric on this bedding helped sell this $3.5 million home
This is an easy and simple way to add fabric when you don't have a canopy bed: From Redbook
A luxurious Flotaki rug; Image from Apartment Therapy
Accessories that Set the Stage for Romance: If your budget allows, bring in opulent silks, velvets, tapestries and textured fabrics for the bedding, pillows and throws.
Lighting: Besides candles, bringing in beautiful lighting can help set the mood. Chandeliers not only look beautiful but they can also cast a lovely glow in the bedroom. Remember to install a dimmer switch as you don’t want harsh lighting overhead. I’ve also seen two small chandeliers over each nightstand – and the look is so beautiful and romantic.
The bedroom from "It's Complicated" had a small chandelier over a night table - not over the bed.
And you don't necessarily have to have a traditional chandelier. Modern lighting works beautifully as well, as seen in this bedroom designed by Lee Ann Thornton
Lamps with beautiful silhouettes or gorgeous damask fabric and beaded lampshades on the nightstands (also on dimmers) add another soft dimension. You might want to have an uplight in a corner to cast a beautiful shadow. Think about how a beautifully lit plant in a corner can look with an uplight gently delineating its curves on the walls.
A beautiful lamp, mirrored night tables, tufted headboard
and a picture of you and your love is a recipe for romance
Art for the Bedroom: Think about adding a scene that both of you love – a landscape or perhaps a place that you vacationed together (Paris, Rome…Hawaii). You don’t want to be overtly sexual with your art – just a suggestion of the love and togetherness that you both share.
Soft tones call for gentle art as in this room designed by Gerri Bremmerman
Art and pillows can be very holiday specific
It can be more masculine-oriented (with a mix of feminine decor),
as in this room designed by LuLu Powers
Or, it could be artwork depicting a favorite topic or pastime. Room designed by LuLu Powers
Make it personal: Perhaps you made (or received from your love) something that was special. Make sure that that is prominent in the room. My husband made me a small framed photo of our initials that we carved on a bridge in Paris. He added the words “On a bridge in Paris.” I love this present every time I see it and it reminds me of how much in love we were then and are still today. You might even consider making something special for your love for this day. Some decorative cupcakes, a heart made out of construction paper (remember doing that in gradeschool?). It doesn’t matter how beautiful – it’s the thought that counts.
Easy to make (easier to buy) sachets made from Toile de Jouy fabric and lavender from Provence Available at www.fabulouslyfrench.com
Mood Music and Sounds: Continuing the sensory experience, you may want to add some soft music to your love recipe. Pick your beloved’s favorite music and add it to your ipod for that special night. Be it classical or contemporary, music played so softly in the room will add to the romantic mood. You can also think about a sound machine to add forest sounds or some gently moving waves.
Lastly, Add Something Sweet: Whether it's chocolate or some simple Sweethearts from your childhood, adding something for the palette finishes the layers of love. Don't forget some champagne (or red wine, if you are eating chocolate!). Forget your diet today - it's allowed!
Image from www.freedigitalphotos.net
So start doing some of these things and I know that you will have a beautiful Valentine’s Day. Give yourself permission to just linger and cuddle and enjoy some special time together.
Happy Valentine’s Day to All!
Link to purchase Alexandra Ferguson's pillows
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas for "romanticizing" one's bedroom. My bed is similar to the first one pictured in this post. Have been thinking about doing sheer drapery on the canopy. I think you have convinced me to give it a try! Great article.
Mary Habres
http;//encorehomestagingredesign.blogspot.com
Thanks Mary - you know - I bought that at Bed, Bath & Beyond...so cost-wise it's a very reasonable way to drape a bed. You could go a little bit more expensive too. I will try that for my next client - who has the wherewithal!
ReplyDelete