GIVE YOUR HOME A VDAY MAKEOVER

Anything and everything in red is a first choice for Valentine’s Day, but why stop there? Go for heartshaped wall art, romantic table settings, and DIY planters to prepare your home for thee day of love

With Valentine’s Day getting closer, we know you must be busy pondering over innovative gifting ideas for your loved ones. But if you want to earn extra brownie points, why not give your home a makeover for the day of love?

Experts say that romantic décor is more about evoking emotions than the actual look. And the easiest way, they share, is through fabrics. You didn’t think it was that simple, right? Well, it surely is as soft and delicate fabrics have great sensory appeal. So, go shopping for bed sheets and upholstery in velvets, silks, linens, laces, or sheers. Voila! A plush yet romantic makeover is already accomplished. While sheer curtains add a touch of delicacy to the décor, heavier drapes, especially the ones in velvet, can give the room a luxurious feel.

RED ALERT

Yes, yes, we didn’t forget red. The colour of love is ideal and foolproof on the day of love. Interior designer Shantanu Garg says, “You can add various accents in this hue to your living room. You can go for red candles or candle stands and place them on your centre table. Want to add a little drama to your sofa? A nice stole in a rich fabric like brocade will do the trick. In case you don’t have a stole available, search your closet for a thick sari or shawl in any shade of red.”

Home décor expert, Saba Kapoor says that fairy lights in shades of red and pink come in handy as an excellent lighting option as wellll as ffor creating a romantic vibe. “Put them in clear jars or wine bottles and place them at different locations around your living room,” she says.

For those who are not so much into red, décor expert Raseel Gujral suggests, “Brighten up the décor with cushions to set a cosy mood. To add a fun vibe, play with neoncoloured cushions, designed with quotes, phrases or joyful words.”

AN INTIMATE FLAVOUR TO MEALS

“Personally, I love to decorate the dining table and make it more intimate,” says Garg, adding, “A red napkin in lace with cutlery in monotone shade will brighten up any table.” If you are keeping the rest of the table sleek and simple, you can decorate your dining area with a dramatic floral chandelier. One can also go for elegant silverware as it tends to glimmer in the candle light, creating a lovely glow and the perfect ambience for a romantic meal.

ART ATTACK

Have you thought about declaring your love on a wall? Gestures such as handmade paper hearts or DIY planters not only look super cute but could also get you in the good books of your special someone.

If you are not up to wallpaper art, then Sarita Handa, interior décor expert, says, “Take old photographs and frame them in rustic wooden frames. Use different sizes and make a collage for an artsy feel. Arrange them aesthetically on a neutral-coloured one, to create the perfect wall art.”

DON’T FORGET THE BATHROOM! PLACE FRESH FLOWERS AND A FRAMED MIRROR. GO FOR A COORDINATED SET OF TOWELS AND BATHROOM ACCESSORIES, AND CHANGE WHITE FLUORESCENT BULBS TO INCANDESCENT ONES IF YOU ARE UP FOR SOME EXTRA EFFORT

Frame old photographs in rustic wood frames and make a collage. Arrange them aesthetically on a neutralcoloured wall for an artsy feel.

SARITA HANDA INTERIOR

DÉCOR EXPERT

(Above) Give you bedroom a makeover with soft and delicate fabrics, such as velvets, silks, linens, laces, or sheers

Fairy lights in shades of red and pinks can create a romantic ambience

(Above) These DIY planters require minimum effort but will definitely woo your beloved’s heart; (top left) Play up with cutlery in monotone and a few accents in red

(Above and right) Brighten up the décor with cosy cushions

PHOTOS: ISTOCK