Romancing the Home
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but romance doesn’t have to be limited to a single day. Creating a romantic, cozy home is all about layering sensory experiences and adding personal touches that make a space feel lived-in and deeply loved. A home should be romanced, not rushed.
Repurposing what you already own is a wonderful way to add "heart" to a home because those objects already carry a history. Let’s explore how to create that romantic, cozy vibe using things you likely have on hand.
A HOME SHOULD BE ROMANCED, NOT RUSHED
Creating a romantic, cozy home is all about layering sensory experiences and adding “heart” to spaces with objects that celebrate the soul.
Shop Your Shelves & Closets
Look for items with soft textures or sentimental value. A stack of books can become a pedestal for a favorite candle, or a silk scarf found at a vintage shop can be "rivered" down your dining room table to add texture and set a dramatic stage for a home-cooked meal.
The Art of "The Glow"
Lighting is the fastest way to shift a mood. Move small lamps from other rooms into unexpected corners or onto kitchen counters to eliminate harsh overhead glare. You can even swap standard bulbs for Edison-style vintage bulbs or flickering candle-effect bulbs to create a dusky, intimate atmosphere.
Nature Brought In
Incorporate organic shapes to soften the room. A few architectural branches in a glass jar or a simple bowl of seasonal fruit can add a living, romantic element to a coffee table or nightstand (pine boughs, cedar branches, or fir for a fresh, woodsy scent and look.)
The Sensory Layer
Explore how light, scent, and sound work together to shift a room's energy instantly. Think "golden hour" lighting paired with soft jazz and a signature home scent. For an instant transformation, try a YouTube ambiance video like a rainy coffee shop or a crackling fireplace stream.
Textural Comfort
Texture provides the "soft" side of decorating. Layering fabrics, pillows, and rugs creates physical warmth and tactile comfort. Don't be afraid to drape a heavy knit throw over a chair or layer a smaller faux-fur rug over your existing carpet for added depth.
Heartful Curation
Adorn your most-used rooms with things you love—from photographs and art to mementos passed down from family. These elements provide a "dopamine boost," triggering the brain's reward system and offering a small hit of happiness and stress relief through nostalgia.
The Grocery Store "Romance Run"
Even a quick stop at your local market can provide a romantic upgrade:
The Botanical Corner: Beyond the standard bouquet, look for potted herbs like rosemary or lavender, eucalyptus bundles for the shower, or even textured produce like artichokes and deep-colored grapes to create a "living" centerpiece.
Atmospheric Essentials: Simple tea lights or unscented pillar candles placed in glass canning jars create a warm, flickering glow. If you're looking for scented candles, choose warm, woodsy notes like sandalwood or botanical scents like bergamot.
The Sensory Pantry: Make your kitchen smell like a dream by creating a simmer pot. Toss cinnamon sticks, citrus slices, and a splash of vanilla into a pot of water on low heat for a natural, welcoming aroma.
Ultimately, a romantic home isn't about grand gestures or expensive décor; it’s about the intentionality you bring to your surroundings. By engaging all five senses and honoring the items that already tell your story, you transform a house into a sanctuary. When you design for comfort and connection, every day feels like a celebration of the people and memories that matter most.
JULEA WILL BE AN UPCOMING GUEST ON the NATIONAL ASSOCATION OF REALTORS ‘REAL ESTATE TODAY’ PODCAST/RADIO SHOW on this same subject. Make sure to listen in on your favorite podcast platform.
