Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
A TOUCH OF LOVE
Romance is all about the senses so create a seductive sanctuary to thrill your beloved – or potential partner – on Valentine’s Day
ROMANCE is all about the senses, so if you have someone to woo this Valentine’s Day, keep this in mind as you transform your home into a place of sweet seduction.
An inexpensive way to sprinkle your space with love magic is to use embellishments – dainty vases or bowls, a small sculpture, candelabra, crystals strung from chandeliers and lampshades.
In the bedroom it’s all about luxury and comfort – a sumptuous bed, decorative pillows, an eye-catching throw – while the bathroom can be turned into a home spa, with soft music, scented candles, an upholstered chair with a pair of white towels and gowns waiting to serve.
If you’re hosting a dinner for two, nothing bewitches more effectively than candlelight, or fairy lights in the garden.
Here are some ideas courtesy of interior designers Liza Watermeyer, Cairey Baxter-Bruce and Dani Abrams.
Create a love cove
Baxter-Bruce suggests: “Suspend translucent drapery and fairy lights above your bed or create a tent-like structure in the lounge.”
Decorate a coffee table with little candles in glass jars and serve spicy snacks to create a Moroccan effect.
A garden dinner date
Dinners in a quiet spot in your garden are as romantic as you can get. “Lead your beloved down a softly lit pathway by lining the route to your table with candles in glass jars, or a string of fairy lights. Add some rose petals to your paths,” says Baxter-Bruce.
Or create your own drive-in setting. “Place a mattress with some throws and pillows in the back of your car/bakkie and set up a projectorto project your favourite romantic movie on a plain wall. Add some indulgent snacks and a crisp bottle of bubbly,” she says.
If it’s dinner for two indoors, use rustic rope to hang glowing, flowery lanterns from branches, suggests Abrams.
Bedroom
This space is all about soft fur- nishings. “Curtains should drop all the way to the floor for an added sense of richness. Cushions, rugs and throws should be in a variety of rich fabrics, from wool to velvet to chenille,” says Watermeyer.
A high quality, pocket-spring mattress is a must, covered with luxurious linen to give you that fivestar hotel feeling. “Choose a threadcount of at least 250 for your sheets, duvet cover and pillow casings, and try go with white.”
Add to this a beautiful headboard or even a four-poster bed for a “touch of antique romantic glamour” says Watermeyer.
More tips:
Mood lighting: Candles are a winner here. Recessed lighting and beautiful lamps add a warm glow, and a dimmer switch is a plus.
Uncommon scents: Fragrance is a vital to the sensual experience. “Consider fragrances like rose or jasmine, or vanilla or sandalwood for those who prefer a less floral scent,” suggests Watermeyer.
Colours: Relaxation is key, so keep the colours peaceful. “Go with natural colours like neutrals, greys, greens and pastels as lighter colours lend to a feeling of space,” says Baxter-Bruce.
Just say "I love you": “Nothing says ‘I love you’, quite like saying ‘I love you’ in sticky post-its on the mirror,” says Abrams.