A cosy love nest

Valentine's Day falls in the middle of the work week, but don't let that be an excuse for not celebrating. "Organise a special event at home rather than going out for the night," suggests Melissa Greenauer, principal designer at Greenauer Design Group.

Minor decor changes in the house will compel Venus to pay a visit. "Feng shui practitioners believe that the best way to attract love is to adjust your environment," says Janvi Gaur, interior decorator and owner of Blissland Home Fashion. So say it with flowers, candles, cushions and throws, and transform your home into a romantic sanctuary with these inspiring suggestions.

— Shahana Raza is a UAE-based freelance writer

Love seats

Create cosy seating arrangements with love seats, sofas and chairs. Place them at comfortable angles and let this physical modification translate into sizzling chemistry. "Using the front door as a reference point, the far right corner of your home is known as the ‘relationship gua' in feng shui," Gaur says. "A love seat illuminated with adjustable lighting is ideal for this special spot."

Get in the mood of love

• Keep the television out of the bedroom. Kill the remote. Load up a great playlist instead and listen to songs you both enjoy.

• Unwind in bed, read love poetry or a romantic novel and watch how your subconscious turns you into a virtual love magnet.

• Pictures make a difference. "Your bedroom represents your romantic life. Therefore, the last images you want to see here are photos of dear old mum and dad. Children's artwork and toys will also undermine your love life. Celebrate these relationships in other areas of your household, but keep your boudoir a private retreat," Gaur advises.

Five tips for a great evening

While Gaur feels warm pink and red hues will enhance indoor ambience this year, Greenauer prefers to make it a "white hot" Valentine's evening. Choose a colour that works for you; the idea is to create appealing interiors that will ignite romance. Here are five design suggestions to convert your home into a temple of love by rearranging the elements.

Pick up a decadent dessert on your way back from work and pre-arrange a simple, scrumptious dinner. Let the magic begin when you both get in from the office.

Lay out an inviting table. Bring out the elegant rarely used crockery, set it atop fresh table linen, and mix it in with scented candles and flowers. "Cut out lots of small white paper hearts to scatter around the table," Greenauer advises.

Replace images of lone figures with that of couples in love. It's a little visual alteration with optimum mood-enhancing results. "Artwork," Gaur says, "has a tremendous impact on the subconscious." You can also enlarge a personal photo of your valentine and frame it especially for the day.

Make a romantic statement; dim the lights and illuminate the room with candles. An excellent feng shui love cure, candles bring happy, vibrant and potent energy into the room.

Clear away clutter. Stash away the X-Box and create an intimate, relaxed atmosphere for your Valentine. And yes, don't forget to keep your phone on Silent mode.
 

Set the table

Dress the table with culinary proofs of love. Let simple, elegant crockery complement a sensual setting to make your dining experience a luxurious and lingering candlelit dinner for two.

Scent and light

Ignite the senses with fragrance and light. Let the warmth of iridescent aromatic candles, scented reed diffusers and soft glowing lanterns lend spark to the evening.

Pillow talk

Get rid of lumpy old pillows and worn-out sheets. Soft silks and gorgeous organic linen will invite you to linger in bed. For families with kids, privacy is as easy as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Turn the bedroom into a haven with subtle decor alterations. "New bedcovers and pillows will create the feeling of sneaking off to a hotel for a romantic night!" Greenauer says.

6-piece Samarra bed sets (quilt cover, flat sheet, decorative and normal pillow covers) from Home Sweet Home. Price on request

Living area

Toss vibrant new cushions or a handwoven shawl on to the sofa and alter the energy in the living area. They reduce formality and will encourage your valentine to relax.