Opting for a low-key Valentine’s Day celebration this year? A stay-at-home affair can definitely be more meaningful than an expensive night out. But whether you’re planning a homemade dinner or gearing up for a Netflix marathon with your significant other, you’ll probably want to make your space a little nicer and a little more inviting than usual.
If you’re running low on prep time, here are some pointers to getting your home feeling cozy pronto.
Make use of ambient lighting
Ambient lighting is essential for creating an atmosphere of closeness and warmth. Choose candle light for a soft glow, or string lights for an enchanting twinkle. You can also use your dimmer switch, if you have one installed in your home. Just remember that when it comes to mood lighting, warm yellows are your best friend.
Delight your sense of smell
Visuals are important, but by no means should you neglect the scent of your space! Make sure to identify and get rid of any unpleasant odors lingering in your home. Cooking a steak dinner? Leave a little time to air your house out before your guest arrives. Any strange smells wafting around the room can put a damper on an otherwise lovely evening.
Freshly-cut flowers, scented candles, and essential oil lamps are more than just a pleasant addition to a space—they’re also decidedly romantic. Beautiful scents communicate comfort and coziness in the same way good lighting does. Not sure where to start? Try a light vanilla or floral scent.
Tidy up where it counts
Just about anyone can appreciate a home that is spick-and-span. Taking the time to tidy up your space not only creates a distraction-free environment, but it tells your partner that they are worth the effort of cleaning up. If you’re truly pressed for time, focus on clearing floors and tabletops of clutter. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’ll make a world of difference.
Pro-tip: If you’re inviting your significant other as a guest and you only have time to deep clean one room, clean the bathroom. Guests generally aren’t preoccupied with the cleanliness of a host’s home—until they need to use the restroom. People always remember a dirty bathroom. Always.
