Valentine’s Day first became associated with romantic love during the 14th century, when courtly love was all the rage. By the 18th century, it had evolved into an occasion for lovers to present each other with flowers, candy, and even greeting cards. Today, Valentine’s day is still associated with romance, sensuality, sweets, and a bit of excitement. And while you and the object of your affection may plan on celebrating out on the town, there is still plenty of opportunity to bring some of Cupid’s influence into your home. Romance is all about appealing to the senses. That’s true in design, as well!In today’s blog, we’ll be offering some of our favorite, simple ways to romance your interiors, by pleasing the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.Sight
An easy way to spice up your home’s romantic atmosphere: invest in high quality florals, especially those that are highly saturated in color. Pick flowers that add movement, visual sumptuousness, and vibrant color to your space.Color can influence our mood and our emotions in amazing ways. Red is associated with warmth and passion and can summon up feelings of romance. However, if you find red to be a bit too bold, you can always tone it down with lovely pink or purple shaded flowers. Pink and purple are both thought to have a calming effect.
Some of our favorite flowers are peonies, hydrangeas, roses, cockscomb, and irises.
Some of our favorite florists to work with include Brian Coovert and Regina Prange.
After you’ve added florals to your home, think about dimming your lights, just a touch. A favorite of the hygge inspired, dim lighting can create a relaxed ambience, perfect for an intimate night in. And what could be better for a warm, glowy ambience than a few candles?Smell
We just love candles. We have at least one lit in the office every day! Fragrance can make all the difference when it comes to creating a sensuous atmosphere in your home. Place candles throughout your home: on your mantle, in your bedroom, and on your dining room table.
Some of our favorite candles include the Black Coco Havana candle by Aquiesse, the Abd el Kader candle by Trudon, the Roses candle by Diptyque, and the Figuier candle by Diptyque.
If candles aren’t your thing, consider using room sprays and linen sprays. One of our favorites is the Lino New Vento Scent spray by Jo Malone.TouchWhat good is scenting your linens if you don’t own truly luxurious sheets? Soft and luxuriant bedding, smooth and silky textures, and cushy rugs and blankets can truly enhance the overall feeling of romance and desire in your home. Place a plush pelt in front of your fireplace or throw a faux fir over your favorite chair! One of our favorite faux firs can be found at Fabulous Furs.For the bedroom, we recommend sheets by Frette or Comphy to our clients, and use them ourselves too!TasteIf you follow us at all, you know we love good food, wine, and all things dessert. Valentine’s Day is, of course, associated with all three. So how can you appeal to your sense of taste in your home? By making good wine and excellent dessert part of your kitchen staples, of course!Here are a few of our favorites:
Wine-
2013 Hall Ellie’s Cabernet Sauvignonand 2013 Dancing Hares Red Wine.
Bourbon-
Elijah Craig 18 Year Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
Chocolate-
Compartes 24 Karat Luxury Dark Strawberry Champagne TrufflesCompartes Luxury Gourmet Chocolate Gift SetLA Burdick 30th Anniversary Collection
Pastry-
Parisian Macarons by Pistachia VeraSound
Last, but certainly not least, you can set a romantic mood in your home by choosing the right music. We value music’s influence on mood and ambience in our office, even! We have two Sonos speakers and dedicated Crimson Design music channels that, together, help us curate our design team and clients’ experience whenever they’re in the office.
For Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together a little playlist to get you started, found here, and below!
Whether you’re celebrating with a loved one this Valentine’s Day, with friends on Galentine’s Day, or celebrating yourself, we hope this list of tips helps you bring some romantic magic into your home so you can continue celebrating, well into the months to come!
