Decorating Styles 101: Flirty

Filed under: Your Home, Projects, Fun Stuff, Holidays, Furniture

A fresh take on romantic style, today's hottest decorating trend is fun and flirty -- without all of the fuss.

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's easy to get lost in romantic thoughts of silk, lace and ruffles. But can those thoughts translate into a timeless style for your home? Of course! You just have to use them in moderation.

"Romance in decor is back," says Jenny Komenda, owner of Pearl Street Interiors and author of the popular home-design blog, Little Green Notebook. "I think we're rebelling from the tragic beige microsuede sofas and boxy pleather club chairs of recent past in search of softer lines and colors. Personally, I love feminine and romantic pieces because they add a softness to a room, which looks amazing in contrast with sleek and modern pieces."

For example, if you're thinking of purchasing a curvy and tufted velvet headboard, like this one from Urban Outfitters, Komenda suggests balancing the look with more modern nightstands, like these from West Elm. And maybe consider something more traditional for lighting, like these Robert Abbey brass swing-arm lamps.

Some of our favorite romantic-style looks can be seen above in the photo montage. Master of the "modern feminine" look, Komenda created this living room to exemplify the look. Products include, clockwise, from top left: PS Maskros Pendant Lamp, $89.99, IKEA; Coat of Arms Mirror, $198, Anthropologie; Light Foot Mural Wallpaper, Waverly; Robert Abbey Swing Arm Wall Lamps, $179.91, Lamps Plus; Tea Table, $368, PlexiCraft; Pink Peace Rose, $110, Diane James Home; Willow Sofa, $999, Z Gallerie; Ikat Pillow, $130, Bellacor; Round Corner Hot Pink Throw Pillow, $34.95, Pillow Decor; Ponti Yellow Cushion, The Rug Company; Turquoise Moroccan Leather Pouf, $395, Serena & Lily; White Marble End Table, $208.99, Overstock.com.

"You want a room to look collected and curated, rather than appearing like you chose every piece the same day, from the same store," Komenda advises.

Love this look, but don't know where to start? Here are Komenda's five favorite ways to ease into the "new girly" style:

1. Think pink. "I think almost every room can benefit from just a bit of pink," says Komenda. "I love blush, almost peach, pinks for wall color and upholstery. I just put a small hot pink velvet pillow on my sofa and it's the star of the show in my living room. Even my husband agrees (though he'll only admit that to me)."

2. Go soft. Steer away from the stand-by fabrics (think denim, microsuede and leather) and add softer textures to your space. "I love silk, velvet and faux fur," says Komenda. She also suggests using a flokati rug for added softness with a glam factor.

3. Make a statement. "A good focal point for a room is a big mirror, like this white scrolly mirror from Ballard Designs that reminds me of a delicate coral," says Komenda. "Mirrors are key to opening up and brightening a space." Also check out Craigslist or flea markets for vintage models.

4. Mind the details. Pay attention to the small stuff when it comes to upholstered pieces. Some of Komenda's suggestions: Spring for tufting, add nailhead trim in polished nickel or unfinished brass, or glue a pretty flat tape trim to the skirt of your chair or sofa.

5. Add pops of pattern. "Floral patterns aren't for everyone, but they can be really great in small doses, like on a pillow or a small upholstered bench," says Komenda. Also, remember if you use a patterned fabric in pleated drapery or a bedskirt, the pattern usually gets a bit lost in the folds, which can be a good thing if you really want a floral but your partner isn't as thrilled about the idea.

Want some more decorating inspiration, don't miss:
Best Beds for Sex
Cleaning-Obsessed Celebs
Best Wallpapers for Kids Rooms

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