Romancing the home

Colour change: Paint is the best cheap date! It's low-maintenance, fun and easy to correct. Go against the traditional aesthetic of cream and burgundy and opt for an eggplant-shade of purple. It will create a dramatic and mysterious feeling when set with a number of simple votive candles.

Fire it up! With today's range of flue-less fireplaces, splurge on a hearth to get you in the mood without the mess. It will add great style to your existing design -- and warmth -- plus, they're easy to install anywhere: dining room, living room or bedroom.

Lovely lace: Antique lace table cloths, bathroom hand towels or dining table place mats are ultra-feminine accessories that will add that old-world charm to your current design.

Lounging around: Instead of the traditional love seat, why not splurge on a sumptuous chaise lounge perfect for a cozy couple. Instant sex appeal to today's sitting room!

Curtain call: Add simple linen curtains on the doorways that transition between the rooms in your home (kitchen-to-dining room, dining room-to-living room etc) to soften the look of your urban oasis.

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