Designing for Romance- Furniture and Finishes Friday

This week I have put together a special Valentine's Day edition of  Furniture and Finishes Friday. Designing for romance can be a fun way to add to the holiday, whether you are spending it with someone or just celebrating the joy of having your own peaceful relaxing evening. 

​Valentine's day is not about what you give and what you receive as gifts from a romantic companion. It is about spending quality time with people who are important to you. These design tips are great for those who are spending tonight alone, with friends, or with your sweetheart.  

Romance

Romance is defined as 

1. a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.
   "in search of romance"
   
2. a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life.

It is not defined by who and what, but with an internal feeling and connection. Shared or not. 

Childlike Romance

Celebrating your inner child is such a fun way to approach design. What better way to do that, then to build a fort and fill the space with twinkling lights, pillows and blankets! Building a fort can be such a fun way to take the ordinary everyday things around your space and use your imagination to create a fun little hideaway. 
By yourself? Building a fort by yourself means you have the ability to design whatever you desire. You are only limited by your imagination. Once your magical hideaway is complete, you have not only created a memorable fun moment to cherish, you have a little retreat for the evening, where you can read, dream, or just be in the moment. 

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Romantic spaces that can be shared with Friends and family

​Designing these fun little forts can be a fun way to hang out with a group of friends and just feel like a kid again. It is a great time to put your phones away, the responsibilities of adulthood, and reconnecting with yourself and your friends. The best part is, when you spend time with friends you don't have the expectations that can come with dreaming of a romantic evening with a partner. You can just be in the moment and have some good old fashion imaginative fun!

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Designing to Spice things up with your Sweetheart

If you are sharing Valentine's day with your sweetheart, this can be a playful way to build up to an intimate evening.  It is affordable, meaningful, and a great way to dream and connect. 

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Its All About The Lighting

Lighting is the easiest way to bring romance to a space. Filling a room with candlelight  creates a warm inviting energy, that is both calming and magical. You can add a little more fun by introducing lanterns that fill the room with patterns of light. 

Create interest by adding candles and lanterns at a variety of heights. and clustered in groups.

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Dim lighting in the bedroom can also create a romantic atmosphere!

Make it Fun and Memorable

No matter what you do to create a romantic space, it should be a fun and memorable experience that takes you away from everyday life, for a brief moment. Be in the moment. Take the memory you create from it and infuse its energy into your every day life. Romance is about connection. Though we are reminded of the value of connection on certain occasions, we often live our lives neglecting to make it a priority. 

​Happy Valentine's Day!!