Valentine’s day may be over, but that doesn’t mean the romance has to end. Follow these tips to create a charming hideaway for you and your special someone.

By Dee Dee Taylor Hannah

Just recently back from The Oprah Winfrey Show where I turned a bedroom into a romantic sanctuary and found that there’s always more to learn in the romance department. It was an eye-opener to find that after being with the same man for 18 years there are still many ways to spice things up.

Creating an amorous oasis starts with believing that we deserve to create a surrounding that nourishes our heart and soul. It is not about the money we spend on the space but the love and care that is reflected in our environment. It shows that we respect ourselves and that we want to bring beauty into our lives.

Here are five simple ways to spice up your rooms:

1. Arouse your senses:

• Smell: Essential oils—grapefruit oil is clean and inviting.
• Sound: Music—from rock to classical
• Taste: Aphrodisiacs—chocolate and champagne. Read Food for Passion for more ideas. 
• Touch: Textures—velvets to leather
• Sight: Soft colors and warm accents

2. Lighting: Replace harsh 100 watt bulbs with 40 watt bulbs for softer lighting. Try amber light bulbs to further enhance the softness of your skin tone. Add candles everywhere!

3. Massage oils: Place massage oils in decorative glass bottles on your night tables.

4. Pillows: Toss pillows in soft materials, such as suede, velvet, cashmere and silk, on your bed for extra comfort and to create a feeling of luxury.

5. Rose petals: Cottage Pink rose petals are soft pink and signify loyalty. Adorn your bed with rose petals and enjoy!

Romance is your own creation. To one person it may be a single rose, and a box of chocolates to another. What is your favourite romantic memory? It is important to have a room in your home that you can call your sanctuary from the outside world. In this room you must be able to be yourself and express your true feelings. Romantic novels and romantic movies get us in the mood; revisit some of your favourites and find out what your recipe to romance is and create your own oasis.

My favourite colors for romance:

Floors: Rich, dark brown hardwood with antique area carpets
Walls: Warm champagne color with panel mouldings
Ceiling: Blush pink in a flat sheen level
Draperies: Cream and white silk panels
Lighting: Clear crystal chandeliers
Accessories: Hot pink and orange

So pour the champagne in a crystal flute, lie back on the pink velvet pillows stacked on the bearskin carpet and recite poetry to your partner. The image is yours for the editing…