Domestic Bliss - Create a Romantic Space for Two

Designing a romantic setting for you and your loved one is a rewarding activity that can bring you closer together and provide you with a special, private place to relax. A bedroom is the most logical choice for this romantic, soothing getaway - a sanctuary from the stress of the outside world. Work together with your partner to create an ambiance that will be pleasing to both of you.

The first step you should take toward achieving a tranquil space is to de-clutter. Get rid of any unnecessary items that can be stored in other rooms such as the living room, closet or office. It's especially important to keep bills and work-related items such as computers and briefcases out of sight - if you can't put them in another room, at least keep them in a drawer or in the closet. Anything that will remind you of stress, worry, or other negative emotions does not belong in this room. Wicker baskets, canvas bins and other aesthetically pleasing organizational solutions are a good way to keep little things out of sight, but still handy.

Color has a dramatic impact on any space. For a peaceful effect, avoid bright colors, gray, and the overuse of black and white. Red, orange and yellow are too stimulating, while pink is associated too much with femininity. Blues and greens are ideal, especially for wall color. Soft, sheer whites and ivories are a great choice for bedding and window coverings. Use romantic, comfortable fabrics and keep the patterns simple. Curtains are better for windows than blinds or shades - they allow light to filter in, creating an airy, inviting effect.

A water feature can be the single most effective item you can place in a room to achieve a soothing, relaxing feel. Decorative fountains can be found in nearly any style or color scheme, whether you prefer clean modern lines, shabby chic or regal, classic decor. A desktop or wall-hanging tranquility fountain will bring the outdoors in, providing the musical sound of falling water. A few good choices include the Sycamore Springs Wall Fountain (pictured left), the Envirascape Garden Leaves Tabletop Fountain, the Polished Sphere fountain and the Zen Bowl Tabletop Fountain.

Lighting really helps set the mood of a room. Overly bright fluorescent lights depersonalize a space and lend an unpleasant institutional feel. Go for soft, intimate lighting - dimmer switches are a great idea if you've already got built-in fixtures; low-wattage bulbs in desktop lamps will softly illuminate the room without being too harsh. Candles are, of course, the ideal lighting for any intimate setting - they're simple, inexpensive, and look beautiful simply scattered around the room.

Using these tips to create a romantic, intimate room in your home will give you a relaxing getaway that will help you de-stress and forget your worries. A little bit of re-organization, paint, tranquil decorative elements and fabric will go a long way towards your sense of well-being. Try it, you'll be surprised at what you can do!