Moll Anderson on Romancing Your Home

Feb. 13, 2007 — -- It's the day before Valentine's Day, but Moll Anderson, author of "Change Your Home, Change Your Life," says you can bring romance into your world every day.

And this romance makeover isn't just for couples. Singles need some spice in their homes as well, she says.

For Anderson, Valentine's Day isn't just about love or sex.

"Think of romance as a way for your senses to respond to your environment. Create a sensual space that makes you feel special! Romance your home and, in turn, romance yourself," she says.

So how can you create that atmosphere?

Romance should begin from the minute you walk into your space -- not only in decor, but in creating rituals for yourself that set a romantic mood.

You can design a very romantic setting that's both easy and inexpensive to create. For example, use a mirrored headboard on your bed. The headboard can be made up of four individual mirrors, hung vertically on the wall at the head of the bed -- cheap and chic.

In feng shui, it is believed that you need to have a solid headboard behind your head (not wrought iron or brass with holes in it) in order to promote stability in your relationships. Mirrors placed behind you are also a positive element, according to the Chinese study of spaces.

Engage the Five Senses

Start with touch, with fur pillows and a throw -- the perfect way to spice up your boudoir. Make your own fur pillows and throws for a fraction of the cost by using faux fur and covering your worn-out or outdated throw pillows.

You can use pillows made of various textures and personalize them. Take silk pillows of various sizes and shapes and personalize them with pictures, phrases or quotes that mean something to you. Anderson also recommends treating yourself to a cashmere robe or silk pajamas, as well as good quality sheets.

A personalized bed tray for those breakfasts in bed is also an easy indulgence. A bed tray can be used for breakfast or even for a glass of wine before going to sleep. Just like the pillow, this tray can be personalized with favorite pictures, poems or quotes. It's done on a plain acrylic serving tray and finished off with a metal leaf to create a luxe look for less.

Scent is one of our strongest senses, so it is important to have not only a personal scent for you, but for your home as well. Make your own perfume using essential oils like lavender, vanilla or musk. Make a reed diffuser (using vodka and kabob skewers) to bring the scent into your room, and spritz dryer sheets to give your clothes the same aroma.

Anderson says that vanilla is the number one fragrance men are drawn to. Also, she suggests putting flowers in all rooms of your home -- the same ones, so the fragrances don't compete.

For your taste buds, try chocolate truffles -- the ultimate in decadent desserts. Truffles are chic, but also come with the price tag to prove it. Make your own gourmet truffles by rolling pre-made truffle chocolate in your hands to warm, and then roll in the spices of your choice (cayenne, hot chocolate mix, cumin, wasabi, etc.). Keep for yourself or present them to your valentine in a nice display box that can be re-used.

Turn your candle lighting into a nightly ritual. Dim the lights, strike a match, and watch as inspiring words and phrases start to glow around your home. Make candle holders using clear glass vases, silver leaf, tissue and glass paint.

Turn off the TV and turn on some music. Anderson says that music especially helps women relax.

Get more design tips at www.mollandersonhome.com.