The Sunday News
Yoliswa Dube
GIVE your bedroom a complete romantic makeover or just spice it up with a few well-placed accessories. There’s no one definition for a romantic bedroom in terms of décor.
You can dress your walls with shimmering patterns to add glamour, choose deep, passionate reds to create an aura of seduction, or rely on subtle hues for a more feminine, relaxing feel. An enchanting bedroom is one that offers an inviting atmosphere and promotes intimacy, but whereas one person prefers a warm and soothing environment, others will need a little more fire to get turned on.
Start by closing your eyes and thinking of all the things that excite your senses. Think of places you find most romantic in the world. Is it a tropical beach with swaying palms, an isolated country cottage, a boutique hotel room overlooking the Eiffel
Tower, an elegant night club or a blue and white terrace restaurant in Santorini? Then design your bedroom in a way that reminds you of these places.
Above all, don’t be egoistic in pursuing your romantic bedroom ideal. Let it be a pretty and feminine space, but make sure it’s not alienating to your partner. Conflicts in taste can really distract the atmosphere of passion and closeness, so before introducing any major changes, ask if the other person is OK with them.
The bed may be the hub of passion, but make sure it isn’t the only place to sit in a romantic bedroom. A cosy seating arrangement creates an air of intimacy and provides a tranquil space for the “me time” with a good book and a glass of wine.
Sofas, chaises, ottomans, loungers or accent chairs — consider what you’re going to use the space for and choose furniture accordingly.
Depending on the size of your bedroom, anchor the sitting area at the foot of the bed, put it in front of the fireplace or push it into the corner. And make sure there is a soft blanket and a little coffee table to set a cup of hot chocolate.
A little glamour almost always sets romance ablaze. Crystal chandeliers, silver vases, golden picture frames, wallpapers with light reflecting patterns, luxurious silk bed linen and heavy ornate mirrors — there are multiple ways to add some luster and shimmer to a bedroom. Of course, let’s not forget the candles. Few things contribute to a romantic atmosphere more than the gentle glow of flickering flames.
There’s nothing sexy and romantic about a well-lit room, and overhead lighting tends to be quite unflattering. Soft, filtered light and shadows will not only help you feel more comfortable, but will also set a romantic ambiance for a relaxing time together.
Actions speak louder than words, which is so true about love and affection, but a little declaration of adoration will not do any harm. Let that special someone know how much you care with a lovely pillow slip, put your picture together in a heart-shaped frame and make red the accent colour. Consider wall decals with love quotes or any other messages that make it clear love is in the air.
Creating a truly passionate atmosphere is about
appealing to all senses, so take the same approach to smell that you take to sight or touch. Beautiful furniture and silk bedding will not do their job if the rug beside your bed smells of a wet dog and the mattress hasn’t been aired for years.
Ban pets from the bedroom, move the laundry hamper to the bathroom, ensure proper ventilation, and change the sheets regularly. Use scented candles and fresh cut flowers to awaken you senses, bearing in mind that the scent should be stimulating, not overpowering. Of course, it is going to be a matter of individual taste.
No matter what decorating style you opt for in your romantic makeover project, there’s one truth that applies to all bedroom designs, especially when you have romance in sight — clutter kills the spirit. What you need to invoke sensual energy is balance and relaxation which is hard to achieve when you’re steeped in chaos. — decorlove.com
