Celebrate Romance
Valentine’s Day is just days away, but you needn’t fret. There’s still plenty of time to set the stage for romance.
From tokens of your affection to decorative accents, small little touches will instill feelings of love throughout your home.
The heart has become the symbol most associated with love and Valentine’s Day, and heart-shaped objects are a sure-fire way to mark the occasion.
Steuben Glass, which has been making fine crystal for more than 100 years, offers an array of hearts that are perfect for decorating the home or gift giving. Each piece is hand made at the Corning, N.Y., factory.
“A Steuben heart is a gift of pure emotional intensity and is perfect to mark romantic milestones and life events. It can be displayed on any surface including desktops, vanities, coffee tables, shelving (in a foyer or living space) and any special spot that is close to your ‘heart’ in your home or place of work,” said Corinne Oats, director of sales and marketing.
Those getting ready to pop the question can create the perfect setting with WallPops’ new Heart of Hearts pattern. The die-cut heart-shaped wall appliques come in bright, fun colors and apply easily in just minutes.
Created by Brewster Home Fashions, WallPops are peel-and-stick decorative accents for your home.
“The new ‘Heart of Hearts’ die-cut shapes are the ideal way to add a splash of fun, and love, to any wall,” said Paula Berberian, creative services manager. “Home decorators can show their love for their friends and family, or just good design, with easy-to-customize WallPops.”
Available in shades of blue and pink, the Heart of Hearts pattern coordinates with dots, blox (squares) and stripes in colors like bright pink “flirt,” “way cool blue,” “purple perk” and “stylin’ green.”
But if you’re not ready to commit to a long-term relationship, that’s OK, too. The WallPops can be repositioned and are just as easy to remove from the wall.
Another way to set the mood is with a pleasing aroma. Candles are always an option, but you also might want to head to your pantry for your vanilla extract.
According to the folks at Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, a family-owned vanilla specialist based in Waukegan, Ill., studies have shown the scent of vanilla to have a calming effect and helps reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, the aroma conjures up warm memories, which could be the perfect way to set a romantic mood.
The company suggests putting a few drops of vanilla extract on a hot light bulb to help scent the room, using a drop or two behind the ears as perfume, or placing a whole bean underneath a chair or sofa cushion for a pleasant fresh aroma.
For romantics who have a bit more time and want to incorporate an amorous sentiment in their homes year-round, add a touch of red through your wallpaper and furniture. Color experts agree that red is associated with positive feelings and is a great choice for any room.
In the entry, red is inviting and welcoming; in the dining room, it stimulates the appetite and lively conversation; and in the bedroom, it is the color of romance.
While some may find it a little too stimulating for sleep, this isn’t as much of an issue with red wallpaper. The repeat of a wallpaper pattern can help create a more restful, cocoonlike atmosphere, according to the Wallpaper Association.
“Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year, but there’s no reason why romance can’t be found at home year-round,” said Penny Eudy, product manager for La-Z-Boy, which has three locations in the Las Vegas Valley.
She suggests getting a sofa in a vibrant shade of red. One such piece is the new Demi love seat. Built just for two, it offers a fresh style in deep red and has chic wooden legs in a contemporary style.
