Decorate.

The very word has the capacity to bring well-adjusted, balanced + otherwise intelligent divas to their knees. Ready? Set? Decorate!

Decorate, decorate, decorate

Shivers. I know. But instead of whipping out the plastic and charging everything with a sparkle from here to Manhattan, or wringing your hands over the wretchedness of it all, don't despair. After all, decorating is really the act of giving yourself a chance to shine. And not of the I'm-throwing-a-fete, I neeed a disco-ball variety. I'm talking bringing the You of you – your insides brought outside, to your very own digs. Sheets to paint, boob lights* to candlesticks, decorating is all about basking in your own glow. So spark your senses and shine, baby, shine!

Drawing out the senses

Let's get the basics out of the way, shall we? Design is a lot like fashion. Really.

No, no :: “Whoa-my-god-get-outta-my-way-bitch-gotta-have-it-it's-mine-mine-mine hiss-rawr!” kind of fashion.

Yes :: “Oh, excuse me while I blind you with the light of my fabulousness” kind of fashion.

Classic, darling. It's simple :: Bills for Basics, Coins for Cutting-Edge.

You drop the bills on the for-keeps stuff (think expensive, well-cut suit), and the coins are yours to play with (think this season's hottest colour in a tie). So, let's get started.

The nose knows

It's long been established that we're attracted to various people, places, and things because of their scent (among other not-so-secret reasons). So shouldn't you be falling in love with your own space? Be it spicy, delicate, warm and inviting, or boldly powerful, scent will transform your mood faster than nearly anything else. And I'm pretty sure a luscious vanilla scent has far less calories than HD's Vanilla Honey Bee.

If you're the glam type, consider a Lampe Berger. Founded in the 19^th century by Maurice Berger, a chemist in a Paris Pharmacy, the Lampe Berger was originally invented to clean the air but when the company developed a special line of perfumes, utility soon gave way to beauty. Since 1928, more than a hundred different models have been designed in molten glass, crystal, and porcelain bearing the signatures of Gallé, Lalique, Baccarat, and other super-glamsters. So pick your poison, light one up, and bask in a little olfactory lovin'.

If you're a naturalist, go for Pheylonian candles. Hokey website aside, the company produces the finest quality natural beeswax candles I've yet to come across. Sizes range from itty-bitty tea lights to.. well, gi-normous – giving you oodles of options for creating a dreamy glow. Not to mention a soft and heavenly scent. Sigh.

Seeing is believing

If you're spending this Valentine's Day with your beloved (platonicly Jack style or otherwise), start by clearing the decks. Literally. Clutter not only clogs your physical space, it also clogs your emotional space, and clearing the way for a little naughty-fun'll go a long way toward recapturing that va-va-voom vibe. No messy distraction. That means no paperwork, no dirty dishes, no month-old magazines or newspapers, and no dirty laundry. But you knew that already, right?

If you're feeling a little experimental, consider repainting the love-nest. I'm more of a ‘deep and rich' colour-lover myself, so if you're down with the dusky vibe, try a few of this year's hottest colours as inspiration ::

A bedroom in Black Panther? Meee-owww. If you're jones-ing for something on the softer side, consider this year's lighter palette. It's cool and creamy but still requires a gutsy attitude. Think Simply White in an eggshell finish with the ceiling done up in Portland Gray. Glossed all to hell. The only thing missing is room service!

Touch me

This is where things get interesting. Hard + soft, shiny + smooth, or rough n' tumble, texture has the capacity to launch your space into the stratosphere. A cashmere throw on the sofa. Turkish cotton towels hanging from the bathroom hook. Silk sheets on the bed. Whatever your weakness, every room deserves its own loving touch. Let your intuition guide you and let the touching begin.

Sounds good to me

Ain't nuthin' a little dancing can't cure. Pull down the shades and crank it up! I'm thinking this is just ridiculous enough to pass muster. There. Doesn't that feel good? Pun fully intended.

Taste

Actually, I can't help you here. But I'm pretty sure that with a little creative thinking, you can remedy this one on your own. Happy Decorating, you saucy minx, you.

.. And speaking of Taste

*Some of you may be wondering what the hell a boob light is. Well, look it up.. they're generally conically shaped, sitting relatively flush with the ceiling except for its rather bulbous protrusion, and have a stupid little pastie-looking metal piece that screws the whole thing to the conduit and fixture strap. And they look like a, you guessed it, a giant boobie. Hey, I didn't make it up.

What's your two-sense on (gasp!) decorating? 

About the author: Erica Swanson Erica Swanson, Interior Designer. Style Strategist. Overall Life Simplifier. Learn more about Erica.