A Step by Step Guide to Creating a Romantic Bedroom

Why is it that everyone wants a Romantic Bedroom? Shouldn't the romance start somewhere else in the home?

The living room, with music for the mood, soft rugs and cushions, the dining room with the appreciation of a fine candlelit meal… I think romance is a continuous journey that usually ends up in the bedroom and by that time it doesn't matter what the room looks like! But as you all seem to be searching our site to create Romantic Bedrooms we'd better make the effort to give you some help!

Where to Start Creating Your Romantic Bedroom?

Review what you already have in your room. Make a list.

Think about what your aim is. I.e. do you spend a lot of time in the room - is it to be functional, such as to house your PC or can it be a place of rest as it was initially intended before the dreaded TV and PC entered our lives and changed our bedrooms to become an extension of the living room.

A Step by Step Guide to Creating a Romantic Bedroom
Why is it that everyone wants a Romantic Bedroom? Shouldn't the romance start somewhere else in the home?

The living room, with music for the mood, soft rugs and cushions, the dining room with the appreciation of a fine candlelit meal… I think romance is a continuous journey that usually ends up in the bedroom and by that time it doesn't matter what the room looks like! But as you all seem to be searching our site to create Romantic Bedrooms we'd better make the effort to give you some help!

Where to Start Creating Your Romantic Bedroom?

Review what you already have in your room. Make a list.
Think about what your aim is. I.e. do you spend a lot of time in the room - is it to be functional, such as to house your PC or can it be a place of rest as it was initially intended before the dreaded TV and PC entered our lives and changed our bedrooms to become an extension of the living room.

Some like animal prints to create romance!

Is it to be a place of indulgence, solely for the purpose of R+R+R (Reading, Relaxation and Rest), a quiet haven from the demands of family life? Or are you trying to spice up your relationship by setting the mood every time you go to bed.Do you have a budget?

Are you intending on a fresh start or reusing some items from your existing bedroom? Are you going to make cosmetic changes with the addition of new soft furnishings and rugs or hard changes with wallpaper, lighting and flooring?The next step is putting all your findings from above together.Do you have a look / theme in mind?

Minimal - no clutter, bare basics, texture and plain colours, use softer coloursContemporary - use long flowing fabrics, multiple typesEnglish Country - frills, valances, layers of window treatments, lots or groupings of collectables, well used furniture, French Country - rubbed gold, filigree, decorative framed photos.

Take your look/theme and research it, decide what will be the crucial items that identify that look. These will be the places to start and focus. Can you use any of your existing items with that look; can you alter them to conform to the look? For example - change a bed head/end or change the knobs of a chest of drawers, alter a lampshade…

Basically decoration is a process of collection and elimination - get all your ideas together, select what you like and get rid of the rest.

So take your bedroom and move everything out that hasn't won the right to stay, and this provides the bones for your decorating project.We now need to find a focal point, or major feature for the room, something that will truly draw your attention every time you enter the room. This could be a painting, a chair, your bedcovering, the window dressings or a chandelier (if you have the space!).

From that we can start to select other finishes/products to use that will compliment it. Think of yourself as a painter you are slowly layering the room like a painter layers his oil on the canvas.
You have now dressed the bones of the room and its time to add the "jewellery" or the items that will set off your scheme.

Cushions, pictures, lamps, photographs, candleholders, personal items/memorabilia, lingerie (just dropped that one in there!), tiebacks, tassels, holdbacks, crystals, flowers, vases, mirrors, oil burner, incense, books, throws.

To conclude, design and decoration is an important part of our life, it can change mood and enhance the way we look at life. It is essential that you don't try to recreate something you see in a magazine - use it as a starting point and incorporate your personal bits and pieces into you scheme. You want to make sure you are living in your own home, not a hotel - void of personal identity.

Roll on Mood Creation

Interior design covers a vast scope of subjects, and essentially our job is to create spaces for people to enjoy. So here are the essentials for the job!

Playing soft classical music is a wonderful mood enhancer.
Burning essential oils are great for creating passion.
A framed photograph of a happy moment - a great conversation starter.
Try his+hers embroidered matching bathrobes behind the door on silk padded hangers. Make them a feature.

Light scented candles, and lots of them (turn the lights off obviously), it creates a wonderful glow and a comforting feeling the power of the warm flickering light. (A much cheaper version of putting a fireplace in the bedroom!) But remember to keep them away from any loose flowing drapery, as we don't want your evening spoiled with the firemen arriving!

If you don't like candles, simply turn on the bedside lights (change the bulb to a lower wattage so they are dimmer) or use your main light dimmed (if you have that option).

Champagne on ice, with lovely tall flutes in an appropriately themed ice bucket.
Flowers, the freshness fresh flowers provide cannot be underestimated. Color co-ordinate and select a bouquet to match your theme or style. English Country - a wildflower collection spraying randomly from a ceramic jug. Minimal - a bird of paradise poised elegantly with a palm leaf curled at its base. French country - a bunch of French lavender tied with a ribbon sitting in a colored glass vase.

Chocolates - if you are going for romance then chocolates need to be in the equation. Hand made in individual boxes - His and Hers. We all know we like different types. If you show you know your partners favourite, it gives a good indication that you care.

Ask if your partner wants a foot massage. A relaxing treat at the end of the day.
And there I will stop.

I am sure you can use one or two of the mood enhancers to compliment your new romantic bedroom.