Design that loving feeling!

Make space for love! Valentine’s Day is almost here, but there’s still plenty of time for you to spice up your home with the spirit of love. Whether your intent is to add a touch of cupid to every room, or gather a few key pieces for a Valentine’s Day dinner, here are a few tips to bring some of that lovin’ feelin’ into your home.

Clean up
A tidy house always feels better to be in than a messy house. If cleaning and tidying isn’t your forte, consider hiring a cleaner. You can focus on what really matters - having fun.

Move the mood killers
Create a space that’s just about you both. A little sacred space, protected from all those ‘distractions’. Leave the bills and laptops and other digital distractions. Keep the TV off. Don’t worry, they’ll still be there in the morning.

Make your home smell wonderful
Carolyn Westbrook, author of A Romance with French Living, sprinkles a powdered version of her signature scent-Chanel No. 5 on her sheets while making the bed. Comfort, memories, and romance are linked to smells. Try and make the scent of your master bedroom distinctive, (not the same scent as the rest of your home).

All in the details
Don’t skimp on this. Don’t ignore the fabrics in the room, particularly the curtains. To get that lush, luxurious look, try a double-shirred style. Look for fabric that’s twice as wide as your curtain rods and that extends all the way to the floor. If you want to indulge, consider buying a loveseat and create a nook to cuddle up in your favourite corner. This might fit the bill if you have space constraints.

Celebrate the love
Use symbols of togetherness to remind you about your love for each other. Throw in a few heart print/shaped cushions, romantic wall stickers, DIY candle jars, heart-shaped cakes, a tree with pictures of you both through the years, a painting, a memento with meaning — adorn your house with a few of these.  

Set the mood with a classic soundtrack. Make sure your playlist includes the song from your first date, first dance and first time you both shouted, “I love this song!” If you’re looking to add to your line-up, you can’t go wrong with a homage to Patrick Swayze. Create mocktails or cocktails or whatever strikes your fancy.

Dim the lights. Try to avoid putting on that ceiling light. The key is to create a soft glow rather than relying on the standard overhead-light. Opt to use your lamps, and occasionally candles. Spend your evening surrounded by faint lights. Even your mundane tasks will become more romantic.

Create a memorable dining experience
If you have the space, nothing like creating a setting for dinner on the balcony or under the stars on the terrace. Make it different from any other date you have had because it’s Valentine’s Day! Cook something your partner really loves. Make sure you bring out your best cutlery. Let that spread look fit for a king or a queen. There is nothing better than a wholesome dining experience that fills not only your tummy but also your heart!

The writer is the design head (interiors), Urban Ladder.