Tina Delia, Delia Designswww.delia-designs.com

CREATE A ROMANTIC BEDROOM OASIS

Banish clutterBanish clutter. It’s tempting to use your bedroom space to store gifts, odds and ends, things that don’t yet have a home. Do not do this. Pick a closet for things you’d like to use, but aren’t ready for just yet. If you don’t have a closet, seek a basement, attic space, or commercial storage for new items, your wedding dress, or out of season items. Also, now is the time to find a new home for duplicate pieces or furniture that just doesn’t fit in your bedroom.

Beneath the bed is the go-to place for storing out-of-season clothing and extra linens. Keep dust bunnies away from what's stored under your bed with shallow wicker or canvas boxes. These smart containers have handles on each side, making them easy to grab and transport as needed.

If you find your bedroom houses more than linens and clothing and there's a pileup of paper, magazines, and photos at your bedside, employ built-in storage solutions to corral such items. This large built-in bookcase found a home in this master bedroom. When the drapes are closed, it gives the space a soft sensual feel and the best part is all of that “stuff” is tucked away allowing romance to take center stage.

An end-of-the-bed bench is a plus for any bedroom. Large drawers store extra blankets and out-of-season clothing out of sight but within easy reach. 

Window Treatments to Shut Out the WorldFor total relaxation—essential to romance—a bedroom should shut out the outside world, by way of blackout curtains or layered window treatments. A three-fold layering such as wooden blinds, topped by sheers, topped by floor-to-ceiling draperies will create the most soothing effect."I love the elegance of a whole wall of drapery, ceiling to floor."

Warm up the color schemeChoose a favorite item, like a photo, a soft throw, a bedspread, and make this the basis of your color scheme. Colors that add a sense of luxury and excitement include gold, or burgundy, or a rich violet. Just the right dash of bold, warm color can go a long way to spark excitement and sex appeal.

Body-flattering choices for bedroom wall color include: pale hues of rose, blue, lavender or gray. Avoid green or yellow: No one looks good in a green reflection; yellow can make skin appear jaundiced.

It's easy to turn up the heat in this dramatic and dreamy master bedroom. A creamy tufted headboard is a bold contrast against deep blue walls and looks especially desirable paired with crisp white linens. For an added punch of color, freshly picked red flowers are a romantic addition to the nightstands. 

This is a Romantic and regal getaway with smoky blue walls, a silk tufted headboard and a soft mohair blanket. Luxurious furnishings and soft lighting are perfect additions to such an elegant space.

Neutral colors paired with romantic and elegant elements like the glass chandelier, tufted headboard, upholstered in Velvet, and raspberry pillow make this bedroom cozy, feminine, and cool.

Romantic doesn't necessarily mean girly. I love the glamorous and dark color scheme, especially when paired with reflective satins and metals. 

Highlight the bed

It is a bedroom, after all. Don’t be afraid to make the bed the focus and make the message romantic.

If you don’t have a headboard, call on a little creativity to help make the bed attractive and inviting. Paint can be useful here. Use a warm accent color on the wall behind the bed. Paint the rest of the room a softer color.

If your situation doesn’t allow for painting, you can hang a group of pictures above the bed, or images from your honeymoon or a special trip together. Look for a special item like a quilt, a series of photos, or even a well-crafted gate borrowed from the garden for a unique, expressive headboard.

Don’t be afraid to utilize a big, bold wall paper. It sets a very sexy mood.

The willowy canopy and curtains give the master bedroom of this home an airy and tranquil but secluded and intimate feel. "Most people love a canopy bed, and sleeping under all that white voile is dreamy," 

Use luxurious linens on the bed. Take advantage of the cozy feel and inviting texture of fabric. Place a soft throw, a folded plush blanket or a few accent pillows on your bed to dial up the romance factor.

Crisp white sheets in thread counts ranging from 450 to 650 create the sexiest tactile experience in terms of bedding. Keep the sheets plain; go no fancier than a top sheet with embroidery. And don’t go overboard with too many pillows. It’s not sexy to have a romantic interlude put on pause while all the pillows are removed.

Take inspiration from something you both love

For inspiration, search for images that are high in romance. Determine what you both like, and enjoy the process of exploring how to mix and match your different tastes.

Buy things you know you will never tire of. I've found out that if you love something, you'll find a place for it." 

You may find your tastes run in opposite directions, as in, she loves modern, he loves antiques. Blending these styles together can make a room look like it truly belongs to both of you. To combine your different preferences together, first decide which style predominates among the pieces you are keeping. Treat this as the main style, with accents coming from the other look. Let each unique piece have its own voice. Similarities like color and line can allow different items to work together.

Final Touches to Set the Mood

Music: Nothing says romance like the right kind of music, so create a playlist just for the bedroom. Don’t use your everyday playlist. And make sure it’s a playlist that can go on for hours—there’s nothing worse than having the music stop before you want it to.

Candles:A scented candle appeals to the sense of smell, which is key to intimacy and arousal. Choose a long-burning candle, and try different scents—from jasmine to pepper, find what you like.

Serenity: The bedroom should be a soothing place for a couple. No cell phones, no Blackberry, no TV, no computer.

Review

1.Banish Clutter.2.Shut out the world with

window treatments.3.Warm up your color

scheme.4.Highlight the bed.5.Take inspiration from

something you both love.6.Music.7.Candles.8.Serenity.