Romantic Decorating Ideas

by adminmav on February 20, 2012

Did you know that you could create the feelings of warmth, love, and happiness just by following a few decorating secrets?  Here are some easy design tips you can use to add the mood of romance to your rooms:

  • ColorsWhen you think of love and passion, youprobably think of red.  Red does stimulate the libido by increasing your heart rate and breathing, but a lot of red may make you too passionate.   In other words, a room that is all red can make you feel angry and agitated – not great feelings for igniting romance!  So use red sparingly in the bedroom.

    The most romantic and soothing color is pink; however, it’s the least preferred color among men.  Shades close to pink, like mauve and lavender, are nice compromises that evoke warm feelings in both women and men.

    Soft blues are very soothing and romantic.  Because they slow your heart rate, they can help you get a great night’s sleep, so soft blues are great for a bedroom.  But stay away from them in eating areas, where they can affect your appetite.

  • FabricsCombine luxurious, sensual fabrics in rich textures – like silk, chenille, and linen.  Make your bed with high thread-count cotton sheets; a full, down-filled comforter; and loads of fluffy, soft pillows.  Add extra throws at the bottom of beds and on sofas.  Cover your windows with full, neutral-colored, sheer fabric panels that appear to be blowing in the breeze.
  • LightingSoft lighting is essential for a romantic mood.  During the day, your sheer window panels filter the sunlight, creating a warm, intimate glow.  In the evenings, use light sources from all directions, and not just from overhead.  Turn on table lamps softened by lampshades, use up-lights near plants or fabrics to create shadows, and put your overhead lights on dimmers.  Candles are, of course, great for romance, but be extra careful near your flowing fabric.
  • Entice all your sensesSet the perfect romantic mood by taking all of your senses into account.  Soft music, sachets and potpourri, fresh flowers, and a large bowl of plump strawberries will all add to a romantic ambience.

The next time you think about injecting more romance into your home, skip the advice columns and do it through decorating!

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Warm Up Your Home with These Decorating Ideas

by adminmav on December 13, 2011

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Your home is your haven. In the winter, it’s nice to come inside to escape the blustering cold. And, of course, you want your home to feel warm and cozy. Here are some easy ideas for warming up the atmosphere of any room in your house.

Texture

Texture will affect the atmosphere of a space. Smooth, shiny surfaces evoke a cold feeling. Avoid stainless steel and laminate furniture. Stay away from satin and other shiny fabrics. Glossy tile will also add to a chilly feeling for your feet.

To add warmth, bring in layers of thick, cozy texture. Throw a soft rug over a cold floor. Lay one or two chenille throws on the sofa. Choose wool, velvet, or other heavy fabrics for your window coverings.

Light

The lighter the room, the warmer it will feel. Adding light is a great way to combat the cold feelings of winter. Get a few extra lamps, open the shades, and turn up the overhead lighting. Full spectrum light bulbs will add additional warmth and cheer to a space.

Candles are also lovely in winter. The glow of the flame gives off a cozy warmth. The right scent can also evoke snuggly emotions. Perhaps a baked apple pie scented candle?

Color

Choose warm colors from the palette if you want a warmer feeling in your home. Reds, yellows, and oranges are the warmest hues. If you don’t want to paint the walls, you can add colorful accessories. Get a few extra pillows and blankets in warm colors. You can always swap these out as your needs change. The extra layers will also add to the warmth of the room.

Layout

In the winter, you can pull your seating pieces away from the walls and closer together. The closeness will suggest a comfortable conversation area, perfect for snuggling up with family and friends.

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How to Find Design Inspiration

November 4, 2011
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Are you starting a new design project, or looking to redesign a room in your home? Many homeowners feel overwhelmed and stressed when starting to decorate. “Where do I start? What should I do first?” Often, a homeowner will jump right into furniture shopping or choosing paint colors, but if this is your first step, [...]

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Spice Up Your Kitchen Style

September 13, 2011

Since we spend so much time in our kitchens, they need to feel and look great.  Here are lots of quick, fun tips for updating your style and adding flair to one of your home’s favorite hang-out spots. Choose a bright new color.  Paint is an amazing way to make over the look of a [...]

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Dorm Decorating? 8 Fun Ideas for Your College Pad

August 23, 2011

Decorating a college dorm room can be a challenge.  The room is usually small, and the decorating needs to be temporary.  Use these fun ideas to make the most of your personal space. 1. Mirrors Hang mirrors to add depth and dimension.  Hanging several smaller mirrors in a group can add lots of visual interest, [...]

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Create a Spa Retreat

July 8, 2011
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Imagine a spa in your own home. It’s possible! With just a few updates, you can transform a boring bathroom into a tranquil spa retreat. The first thing to keep in mind is that – even though you are decorating a bathroom, you need to treat it like any other room. Think out of the [...]

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