Who doesn’t want a bit of romance in their lives?
Alas, we can’t help improve your dating profile or increase your match rate, but we can offer a fresh take on your home’s decor: the new romantics.
This fun look may sound like a Brit-pop band, and you may fear it’ll skew girly pink. (Relax, that’s Barbiecore, of course!)
Instead, new romantic design is equal parts delicate femininity, natural beauty, and, yes, intimacy. And just like romance, this decor trend can be embodied in sweeping gestures and small, simple ways.
Susan Brandt, the green thumb at Blooming Secrets, notes that “cut flower gardens have been a trend in the last few years,” which makes creating this look at home even easier.
And lucky you—summer is the best season to embrace the new romantics since this style takes advantage of lighter fabrics, too. Ready to dive in? Here’s what the new romantic style looks like and how to make it your own.
What is the new romantic style?
Curious about this carefree home style? According to Pamela O’Brien, interior decorator at Pamela Hope Designs, “The look is characterized by soft, feminine colors, floral patterns, lace, ruffles, and ornate details.”
It’s also trending right now because it dovetails nicely with other popular decor types, including “cottagecore,” shabby chic, and farmhouse.
“All of these styles emphasize comfort, coziness, and nature, which are important to the romantic style, too,” says O’Brien.
Hang delicate sheer panels
Heavy curtains signal to hunker down inside, and they also block the lovely sunlight of summer. Instead, O’Brien says romantic style means “draperies should be full and billowy.”
So bring on the look by switching out wintry-looking curtains for gauzy panels.
You’ll still have window coverage since these sheer, filmy versions will filter the light. Bonus: They’ll flutter attractively in the breeze when the windows are open.
Find inspiration outdoors
If you have some flowers growing around your lawn or on the patio, then you’re already on the way toward incorporating nature—and romantic vibes—in your rooms.
Love a strong scent? Lilies are your go-to. And for amazing pops of color, zinnias are a strong choice. Or clip branches for a sculptural look.
To keep your cut flowers looking their best, Brandt suggests saving those plant food packets that come with bouquets.
“This powder helps the flowers from wilting, but just use a little bit and save some for other bunches,” she says. And look for long-lasting blossoms such as peonies, which look lovely for up to two weeks.
“Or put lavender in a vase without water, let it dry,” she adds. “And then this way, you extend its life and the fragrance gets stronger as it dries.”
Make floral prints of the star
Not every homeowner has access to a garden of black-eyed Susans, so for this cohort, the experts suggest fabrics infuse your rooms with new romantic appeal.
Throw pillows are often an inexpensive way to pump up a bed or couch, though floral peel-and-stick wallpaper is also a smart option.
O’Brien recommends choosing plump pillows with layers of trim. (Think lace, ribbon, tassels, or pompoms.)
Want even less of a commitment? Dish towels, coasters, or stylish paper goods with flowers will also do the trick.
Light a few candles
Whether you add votives to the nooks by your bathtub, pillars in lanterns on the patio, or simple tapers on the mantel, nothing says romance the way lit candles can.
The flickering light you’ll achieve throws shadows and adds a cozy ambiance.
Just be sure to keep wicks trimmed for neatness and safety, or go for flameless options if you have pets and kids in the house.
Add soft textures
A mohair throw, corduroy slipper chair, or pair of furry footstools signals softness and femininity, two of the hallmarks of romantic decor in the home.
“A touch of romanticism can also be added with sensuous fabrics like velvet, lace, and vintage prints,” says O’Brien.
Collect some art
Refreshing your art display is another quick way to bring the new romantics into your home.
Regroup a gallery wall with a theme (flowers, nature). Or “consider oil paintings of dreamy outdoor scenes or romantic still lifes,” suggests O’Brien.
You can also save money by focusing on posters or inexpensive prints and hanging them together for the same effect.
