Domestic Romance: Tips to Create Ambiance at Home

Valentine's Day is on a Monday this year, which likely means we'll spend a low key night at home and probably do something more on the weekend. If you'll also be spending the night at home here are five suggestions to make your place more comfortable, inviting and romantic on Valentine's Day--or any day.

  

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS

A foolproof way to brighten up your home and make it a feel good space is to decorate with some buds. A great idea is to create a monochromatic arrangement of tightly clustered flowers in small glass vases or mint julep cups.

SWEET SCENTS

Add to the ambiance with a subtle interior spray or aromatic candle in your favourite scent. Your home will seem totally welcoming when it smells amazing. Don't forget to spray on some perfume too!

TEXTURED AND SOFT

Touch is such an important sense, especially when you're trying to create atmosphere. Think of investing in some good Egyptian cotton sheets, a soft fur throw or even some silk if that's your thing.

DECLUTTER

Organizing and tossing the things you don't need won't cost you a thing, but you'll be glad you did it long after Valentine's Day is over. Coming home to stacks of letters, scattered papers or unfolded clothing can be stressful. If you want your home to be a romantic escape getting organized is a great way to start.

DIM THE LIGHTS

This has got to be the most effective way to bring a little romance into your home. Harsh, bright lights just don't have the same effect as dim lighting or candles. The kind people at the Home Depot recently sent me two Philips light bulbs (their energy efficient 9W Dimmable Ambient LED, said to last up to 20 years, and the 14 Watt R20 Energy Saver Reflector Soft White Flood Bulb, which will also save you on energy costs), both of which I'm excited to try to add a bit of low lit ambiance.  Of course, candles are always a great, atmospheric alternative to a glaring overhead light. 

How to do you make your home inviting and romantic?

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

Images: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Spotted: Faux Fur & Mock Croc

I love the casual mix of prints, patterns and fabrics in this outfit.

I guess it's because I've always had a soft spot for some

soft faux fur and mock animal prints. (Photo by Tommy Ton via Jak + Jil)

Which is why I was really attracted to some of the

accessories that Urban Barn has put on sale recently.

Like their faux fur throws and pillows--

such a great way to warm up a living room.

Not to mention their collection of mock crocodile items.

I guess my Christmas wrapping paper this year pretty much

gives away how much I love the glam look of mock croc.

I really love the chargers (which come in a variety of

colours), but the placemats, trays and storage units

like the remote caddy are also pretty stylish.

What do you think?

Sponsor Welcome: Mikasa Dinnerware

I have a confession to make: I have a tiny obsession with dinnerware. We're talking casual dinnerware, formal dinnerware, fine china, round or square place settings--there is just something about a beautifully laid table that really speaks to me. And while I already have my fine china set and two sets of everyday casual dinnerware I figure there's always room for more. Thing is, I don't have an unlimited budget when it comes to changing up my table spreads, which is why I think companies like our new sponsor Mikasa--a reasonably priced source for plates, silverware sets, crystal, gifts and flatware sets--are just great.

Recently I fell in love with a table many of you have probably already seen--Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar's gorgeous Thanksgiving spread for Lonny. I was immediately drawn to the fab DIY gold accent pieces as well as the linens and, of course, the amazing fine china. I'm hardly as talented at unearthing vintage gems as Eddie and Jaithan are so, when looking for something new, I turn to companies like Mikasa instead.

I think this vintage-y Indigo Bloom dinnerware set would be a great start to creating a look inspired by the one above. What do you think?

I've also always loved Mikasa's crystal--pretty, delicate, but not so out-of-this-world expensive you have to worry if you break a few. I mean, at the kind of parties I want to go to people don't need to be concerned about dropping a super precious plate or chipping a pricey piece of stemware. After all these items are meant to be used and enjoyed. Mikasa's crystal is also perfect if you have to pick up some champagne flutes or wine glasses for the holidays (they come in red, too). Buon Appetito!