Romantic Style 101

Romantic is a comfortable style that appeals to the senses through soft fabrics, floral patterns, lace, painted furniture, a pastel color palette, light filtered through sheer curtains and aromatic flower arrangements. Here's how the style breaks down:

Colors: In the pictured bedroom , pale blue, dusty pink and creamy white are held in place with a rich taupe to keep the look from becoming too light. While color schemes can vary in romantic-styled rooms, a space that contains a few soft, muted tones is much more conducive to rest and relaxation than a menagerie of bright hues.

Furnishings: Femininity is key when it comes to outfitting a romantic-themed space, but that's not to say a man shouldn't feel welcome. To start, focus on a few items with graceful curves, and then fill in with a mixture of more masculine attributes such as striped fabric, an overstuffed chair and dark wood accessories.

Fabrics: Soft, supple fabrics are absolutely critical to creating a romantic mood. For the utmost in luxury, silk should be high on your list, even if it only makes it onto a pillow. In a bedroom, good coverlet candidates include chenille, matelassé and velvet; the textural quality they bring into the room contributes to the overall aesthetic.

Accents: A subtle sparkle and shine are certainly appropriate in a romantic room. Choose a few cherished pieces to show off, such as a pearlized shell and a silver vase or framed family photographs.