Nick of Time Valentine’s Day Designs
It’s mid February already and there are a lot of Christmas decorations still hanging up in the neighborhoods! Life sometimes gets in the way of taking down decorations from one holiday and setting out new ones for the next. However, if your Christmas decor is still adorning your exterior and interior, that’s okay! Below are some quick, last minute decor ideas (that won’t look “last minute”) to make Valentine’s Day special in your home.
Valentines Art – One of my favorite designs I’ve seen recently is a little ‘heart art’ – a framed photo of red baby foot prints shaped into a heart – a touching piece that can be pulled out every February to remind the mothers out there of her children. While for some (I’m a sucker for footprint art), it sparked another idea. Create simple art for your home by framing cardstock heart paper cutouts in different colors and sizes. Frame one for a simple above the mantle look (imagine white frame with red heart) or frame a variety for a more dynamic look. Even replace a few frames on your photo wall with this art for a quick transformation.
Mood Lighting – Unpack those holiday candles and lanterns (or summer ones) and put them to good use this month. For a simple Valentine’s look, fill the lanterns with red pillar candles or rose pedals of varying sizes and blush colors. Create a backdrop with the lanterns on a bedroom dresser for a romantic glow at night or as a dining room table centerpiece. No lanterns or red candles? No problem. Create a unique mood lighting experience by taking tea lights and simple red paper lunch bags, cutting heart shaped designs into them and lining your walkway and driveway to welcome your special someone home from work.
Garland – Who said this was a Christmas only accent item? Nix the traditional piney green stuff for a quick DIY paper heart or “I LOVE YOU” letter version. Enlist help from your kids for this one and drape around banisters, above the mantle, hanging from chandeliers and over doors. Some of the most humbling design styles are those that are handmade. So in addition to crafting the perfect Valentine’s cards, keep the fun going with your family and make your decorations in reds, white and pinks. Give the gift of handmade garland this year as your Valentines and give your loved ones something more of a keepsake they can decorate each year with as well.
Pillows – One of our favorite accent pieces are pillows (if you read this blog often then you know that) and here’s why – they are so versatile. Transfer your holiday themed living room into a Valentines oasis with a quick swap of throw pillows and blankets. Incorporate reds, pinks, creams and grays into the mix and even go so far as to use one single heart shaped pillow for added measure. Your neutral colored sofa will radiate love and warmth if warmed up with the plush cushions.
Incorporate a few of these designs this weekend and by Valentine’s Day, your house will glow with love more than usual this year. Some simple, quick to-dos will make your holiday even that much better.