Whether or not you actually care to celebrate Valentine's Day, there's one thing you can't deny: at this time of the year, love is in the air. Sometimes it's the romantic variety--bouquets of roses and elegant perfume--and sometimes it's the Galentine variety--ladies kicking back and celebrating their love and friendship for each other over brunch or Netflix binge-watching. Either way, the Beatles said it best: "All you need is love." And for February 14th, love seems to be all that anybody needs. But for the rest of the year--what happens then?
When it comes to Valentine's Day decorations, the options can seem to be limited to cheap paper hearts, silk rose petals and chocolate. But there's no need to limit your Valentine's Day celebrations to mass-market depictions of romance and love--just as there's no need to limit Valentine's Day atmosphere to one day out of the calendar year!
Keep the love in your home alive with interior design.
Adding some extra elements of romance into your space might be the best thing you do this year (and no significant other required here!). Why? Because this year is all about love! Love yourself and the spaces you inhabit. Adding some romance to your home decor might not change your plans for February 14, but you never know...
Adding romance to your home is all about comfort. As people, we are all different and enjoy different things, which is why our definitions of romance cover a wide spectrum. But something we can all get down with is comfort. Find what makes you comfortable, loving, and loved--and get it into your home and personal space!
Here's how you can bring the romance of Valentine's Day into your home any time of year:
Flowers
Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, and funerals are not necessary for swinging by your local florist (or grocery store) for a pretty flower arrangement. Seriously. And there's no reason to wait for your SO to take your hints--if you want flowers, get some! Treat yourself and your home to the beauty (and romance) of a fresh bouquet. Even if you bought them for yourself, self-love is incredibly important.
Roses tend to be seen as the epitome of romantic flowers, but naturally, you don't have to go with roses--they aren't the only romantic flower. And you don't have to go with full bouquets, either. Bud vases are incredibly cute for single stem flowers. Are freshly cut flowers not your thing (maybe because they don't last long enough)? Go with something that is still growing, like an orchid, or a pretty plant that can be transplanted outside. Either way, adding flowers or plants can easily brighten up a room, particularly on gloomy winter days.
Candles
Next to flowers, candles are probably the next most romantic thing you can add to your home. And not just on special date nights--anytime.
It doesn't even really matter what kind of candles you go with because it's the ideal mood lighting that will really transform your space or evening into something romantic. Light something scented and it can add a subtle fragrance to the room. Taking a bubble bath? Light a candle (or several) while you enjoy your relaxing soak. Want to bring something a little special to your weeknight dinner at home? There's nothing wrong with a candlelit dinner on a Wednesday night--in fact, there's something very right about it. Make it fun!
Soft, sparkling light is what we're going for here, and it can be achieved with or without flames. Battery-operated candles are a safe option to mimic the candle flicker look. If you want more sparkling light, go with twinkle lights. Use them around a vanity, your headboard, in a vase as a decoration...the possibilities are endless (and romantic).
Soft Fabrics
Remember, we're going for comfort in our quest for romantic interior design. And what's more comfortable than soft? You don't have to go out and by a velvet sofa, but you can add some softness by investing in some luxurious throw pillows for your sofa and bed. Think fabrics like silk, chenille, satin, and velvet. An overstuffed armchair with a rounded back. A warm down comforter or duvet. Maybe splurge on those high thread count sheets you've always wanted--if you can't get comfortable when you're going to bed, how can you expect to get comfortable at any other point throughout the day?
Antique Accents
Adding some touches of antiquity or vintage decor throughout your home can definitely add some elements of romantic charm we're going for. These pieces, be it for functionality or simply decoration, can add some warmth to your space, especially if you're trying to avoid the almost sterile-type look of more modern style. Leather chairs, a small vintage end table, antique picture frames can all bring elements of elegance into your home. Think French country: contrast simplicity with the ornate. For something truly romantic, consider a chandelier or two for focal points in your home. Wouldn't one in the bedroom be particularly romantic?
Color & Style
Typically, when thinking of romance or how to make your space feel more romantic, we think of color. For Valentine's Day, pink, red, and white are centralized colors. But you don't have to turn your interior into the third-week-of-February clearance bin. If you're looking for a more feminine romance, think subtle: dusty pinks or pale blues and creamy whites contrasted with some darker taupe or rich browns. Muted tones are incredibly conducive to rest and relaxation, particularly in the bedroom.
But making your decor feminine isn't the only way to make your interior romantic. Everyone has different tastes, remember? Bringing on the "dark romance" is a popular way to upgrade your interior. Ditch the pale pinks and blues in favor of rich colors like black and navy. Clean lines and simplicity, then coupled with silver or gold antiques, really pop against the rich hues to create a comfortable romantic space to sleep, relax, or otherwise enjoy yourself.
