LIGHT PLAY
Lighting is essential to the romantic look. “With lighting, you can create different levels of mood and feeling,” says Ann Morgan, manager of marketing and sales
for The Lighting Gallery. “The easiest and most inexpensive way is to use dimmer switches. That way you can go from task lighting to romantic lighting.”
     DeWayne Formby, showroom manager of Vieux Antiques, points out, “The shades of sconces and lamps set a mood simply by the way they redirect the light. Also, chandeliers, especially French crystal, are very elegant. The crystals deflect and reflect the light, creating colors and shadows.”

FITTING FURNITURE
Chaise lounges are romantic, says Formby, “especially if they have ample room for two.” He also likes antique pieces with wooden carvings that commemorate an event, like a wedding, as can be found in furniture handcrafted in the French countryside.
     With the arrangement of your furniture, you can soften the angles of your room and, thus, soften the atmosphere. The softer the better. For instance, layer pillows on your sofa or bed to make it more inviting. Add throw rugs at off-angles onto your floors. Ottomans add soft edges, so instead of a coffee table, use an ottoman.

COLORS & TEXTURES
In its use of color, romantic style has come a long way from all-pink rooms. Romantic style is easily identified by its soft use of color and variations on cream, rose and dusty neutrals. “Purple and lilac are hot colors this year, especially when paired with brown,” says Joni Webb, designer. “Red is always romantic and wonderful when used in a room such as a dining room that isn’t used during
the day. Lighting, maybe a chandelier, can set just the right mood.”
     Soft textiles also are indicated, using fabrics such as satins, silks, tone-on-tone jacquards and elegant fringe. Gorgeous toile, florals and stripes can bring together
the look in a stylish way. Romantic bedding is one of the easiest ways to bring these beautiful fabrics into your home.
     Many elements can make a room romantic — furniture, fabric, lights — yet the human factor remains the most important. As Formby says, “Other things help create a romantic room, but really, people make the romance.”