Love is in the air! If you're planning a night at home this Valentine's Day, there's a lot you can do to make it just as fun as a Valentine's Day party or a romantic evening out. Like any holiday, the tone of the day can be dramatically different based on how you decorate. Valentine's Day is a tricky one because you can easily veer into cheesy territory. If the red color palette and conversation hearts are a bit too much for you, don't worry -- you can still create an amazing ambience that feels elevated and chic.

Below, discover some of our designer-led tips for creating a romantic atmosphere at home this Valentine's Day.

Create a Spark with Romantic Lighting

Lighting can have a huge impact on the ambience of your home. The right lighting can transform a living room, bedroom, or dining room. To start with, gather your candles. Taper, pillar, and tealights all create a soft, flickering glow that feels magical. White or cream candles are generally best to keep from clashing with your decor. If you have dimmable lights, turn them down to the lowest setting to allow the candles to really glow. Consider using Moroccan lanterns as both indoor lighting and outdoor lighting to dial up the romantic mood.

Fresh Floral Arrangements

We all know that fresh flowers are synonymous with Valentine's Day. In the United States alone, around 250 million roses are produced for Valentine's Day each year. And yes, roses are always a beautiful choice. However, we recommend splurging on your loved one's favorite flowers this year. They might prefer pink and white peonies, hydrangeas, or tulips -- knowing what their personal favorite is more romantic than opting for the default. A fresh bouquet or two will not only bring a bit of spring into your home, but will also add a delicate aroma to your home. To elevate the visual impact of your arrangement, place your flowers in vases around the room that best celebrate their beauty. Clear glass vases are a good bet when in doubt!

Elevate Your Decor

For your Valentine's Day decor, you can either play up the romance with themed decorations or lean into the cozy factor. For the former, consider accessories like fairy lights, heart-shaped wreaths, and velvet throw blankets. You might even string a paper heart garland along the mantle. If that's not your style, you can always opt for creating a cozy cocoon with soft blankets, cushions, and rich textures. If you have a log or gas fireplace, now is the perfect time to light it to add both romantic lighting and additional warmth. After Valentine's Day is over, you don't need to take your decorations down right away -- you may as well enjoy the lighting and flowers for another week! Read more ideas for how to warm up your home in the winter here.

Create a Magical Tablescape

Now for the main event -- your dining table. Creating a beautiful Valentine's Day experience revolves around presentation and palate. Begin by setting your table with a crisp white tablecloth. This easy and sophisticated base can then be layered with red and gold placemats and tableware. Using your flowers as the centerpiece, you can then get creative with your candles. Tie ribbons around the candlesticks, or consider hand-painting the candles with little hearts or XOs. It's the little touches on your table setting that make the difference here. You might even add a single flower stem to each place setting as a sophisticated finishing touch. When it comes to creating your menu, think about what your loved one enjoys eating. Whether it's a lovingly homemade dinner or a selection of dishes from a favorite takeout spot, they will appreciate the thought. You could even create a custom cocktail for the evening, that you set up on a bar cart. Another option is to cook something creative together that you will both enjoy.

Gift From the Heart

To add to the evening, choose small, thoughtful gifts. A handwritten card and box of chocolates are always appreciated, but you can also branch out to more creative ideas. Some home Valentine’s Day ideas include setting up a home cinema, planning a spa night, or pulling out your favorite board game. Spending quality time together is always the best gift.

February 14th only rolls around once a year, so make it a special day for your loved one. You don't need to be an interior designer (though we are always here to help) to make a few home improvement tweaks that will wow your partner or family. A few floral adjustments, unique lighting designs, and romantic touches can create an ambience that your loved one will remember.

Our Chicago interior designers wish you a Valentine’s Day filled with love!