A Valentine’s Day Inspired Compilation of Pretty Pictures and FYI Valentine’s Day Facts

A Valentine’s Day inspired compilation of pretty pictures and FYI Valentine’s Day facts to keep you in the Valentine’s Day know.

hearts_wingsofwhimsyAntique French Playing Cards

With Valentine’s Day the subject matter of conversation hearts and music of the heart, I have fittingly updated my Power of Love Spotify playlist.

A good playlist mirrors balanced design and decor. A well-represented mix of classic, traditional, contemporary and modern plays well.

In music, a sampling can be the defining quality of the body of work.

Valentine-redLonny

As the Valentine’s Day inspired images below demonstrate, a well-chosen and well-placed use of the color of love defines the intent.

Valentine's Day inspiredLee Jofa Holland Flamestitch velvet ~ House Beautiful

The color red draws the eye, introduces drama, envelopes the space in depth and frames the focal point.

dwm-maloos-portfolio-interiors-contemporary-modern-neoclassical-transitional-galleryDWM | MALOOS

Pink is such a delicate and graceful color, complementing in soft tones and shades.

Ever wonder why pink is used as the base color in many cosmetic and beauty products?

Sweet-Avalanche-Roses-Flowerona-aFlowerona

A survey of florists of the Society of American Florists shows roses as the most popular flower ordered for Valentine’s Day.

Red= 63%

Pink= 27%

White= 26%

Purple/lavender= 18%

Yellow= 15%

Peach/coral= 13%

Orange= 11%

tea-party-spread-Tea-Party-with-Heart-0212-xlnCountry Living Magazine

Colors associated with Valentine’s Day run the gamut from delicate to high drama.

high-gloss-wallsDomaine

It’s been said Valentine’s Day is a greeting card holiday.

LOVE_Hallmark-card

According to the numbers, more than 145 million cards are sold each year for Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day by the Numbers

Maybe I should say Valentine’s Day buy the Numbers.

Cupid’s consumers will be spending a total of nearly $25.9 billion (that’s billion with a Be My Valentine) on Valentine’s Day, spending an average $192.80 on Valentine’s Day.

~Source: National Retail Federation

Numbers show 94% of those who celebrate Valentine’s Day desire chocolate and candy as the gift of decadent love.

~Source: WalletHub

Valentines-candies-cookiesValentine’s Day Red Velvet Oreo Truffle Brownie Bars

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cordials

Macarons

Triple Chocolate Mini Bundt Cakes

Creamy Fudge Hearts

Chocolate confections, strawberries, macarons (macaroons), meringues, fudge, cheesecake, cupcakes, cookies and conversation hearts are served with Valentine’s Day love.

Shabby Chic Folk Art Heart Cookie

Shabby Chic Folk Art Heart Cookie

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be
seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”

—Helen Keller

I hope you have enjoyed this Valentine’s Day inspired compilation of pretty pictures and FYI Valentine’s Day facts.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love your style!

Valentine’s Day Inspired Interiors and Colors

Valentine’s Day inspired interiors and colors envelope a space in rich depth and hue. Ideal for a Valentine’s Day color palette are softer pinks, rich chocolate browns and shades of regal regal red.

pink interiorPinterest

The correct color balance  magnifies the beauty of the space and time- the antique French desk and footstool, Philippe Starck’s Louis Ghost chairs, and traditional decorative accessories.

 soft-pink-brown-paint-colors

regal-red-paint-colors

chocolate heartsRomantic Chocolate Hearts

Incomparable as always, romantic style is beautifully evident in the lines and curves of, dare I say it, sexy furniture.

Will you be mine?

Alexandra ConsoleHooker Furniture

lovevia

Be still my heart! Mary McDonald for Schumacher  Honeycomb fabric in Ruby is style on tap for a client and upcoming DIY project.

Color me impressed and inspired- the of good design!

honeycomb ruby

Romantic tablescapes begins with a blank canvas of inspiration and repurposed details.

For example, marbled paper in shades of pink becomes a designer table runner.

Dupe the gold place rose with gold spray or craft paint and a bouquet of artificial flowers.

The Glitter Guide

Red roses are not the only way to express red hot looks on Valentine’s Day.

Circle of Roses Frameless Tempered Glass Panel Graphic Fantasy Wall Art 

One thoughtfully placed book in red jacket perfection, one throw pillow, and one simple glass pitcher win the heart of the space.

pink and red paletteDecorPad

texturingUK Wallpaper

The heart of design is inspiration, and inspiration  is everywhere!

Valentine’s Day inspired interiors, colors, and accents get to the heart of the design and decorative matter through texture, craftsmanship and design application.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

The holiday of hearts and love will be here sooner than later, so let’s unlock some of the fun with these Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

red-door-heart-lock

Heart Shaped Lock Art Print

Valentine’s Day gift ideas range from the traditional flowers and candy to let’s get out of town getaways to extravagant diamond jubilees and everything in- between.

Coming up with the perfect gift is part of the fun.

soap-petalsFloral Bouquet Soap Petals 20 Piece

Chloe L'Eau

Chloe L’Eau

Womens Lab Created Champagne Sapphire 14K Rose Gold Over Silver Cocktail RingLab Created Champagne Sapphire 14K Rose Gold Over Silver Cocktail Ring

The three R’s of Valentine’s Day – Rose, Romance and Red

Men's 2-Pc. Polo Red Eau de Parfum Gift Set

Men’s 2-Pc. Polo Red Eau de Parfum Gift Set

A special and intimate dinner for two prepared at home is an excellent opportunity to show off one’s own culinary skills or at least one’s good taste in culinary kiss the cook treats.

Royal Norfolk Red Beaded Ceramic Dinner Plates, 10.5-in.

Royal Norfolk Red Beaded Ceramic Dinner Plates, 10.5-in.

Dublin Highball Glasses, Set of Four

Dublin Highball Glasses, Set of Four

heart-shaped-plate

roses-red-pink-heart-shaped-box

roses-mixed-colors

This heart shaped bud vase is eerily beautiful- definitely a conversation piece.

Anatomical-Heart-Shape-Form-Bud-Vase-red

Anatomical Heart Shaped Resin Decor Vase Sculpture

Set the table and set the mood with Valentine’s Day themed serving accessories and decadent sweets.

valentines-day-love-letter-cookie

Country Living

A homemade love letter cookie gets to the heart of the matter.

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

2   stick softened unsalted butter

1   cup sugar

3   large eggs

1½  tsp. vanilla extract

½   tsp. salt

3¼  cup  all-purpose flour

Directions

In a large bowl, using a mixer set on medium-high, beat together softened unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and salt.  Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add all-purpose flour, beating until ingredients are combined. (Dough will be slightly sticky.)

Divide dough into 4 equal portions and cover each in plastic wrap, patting into 1/2-inch-thick squares.  Chill until firm, about 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  On a floured surface, roll out dough, a square at a time, to 1/3 inch thick.  Cut out cookies using ornament- or tag-shaped cutters.

Transfer cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 10 minutes.

Bake until lightly golden, about 12 minutes.  Cool completely on pan or wire rack before decorating.

*******
Royal icing creates a firm surface that’s perfect for writing on with food-safe markers.  To make, blend 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons meringue powder, and 3 tablespoons water using a mixer set on low speed for 12 minutes.

Country Living

Les Petits Macarons - by Kathryn Gordon & Anne E McBride

Les Petits Macarons – by Kathryn Gordon & Anne E McBride

I’ve taken the liberty to put together The Power of Love  playlist of love songs for your listening enjoyment.

Pop the corn, fix a cocktail, grab the remote and cuddle up together to enjoy an after dinner romantic movie or miniseries of epic romantic proportion.

valentines-day-food-ideas-popcorn

be-mine-cocktail

Be Mine Cocktail

What do these Valentine’s Day gift ideas and Cupid’s arrow have in common?

They both aim straight for the heart!

Twizzlers Heart Shaped Cherry Licorice NibsTwizzlers Heart Shaped Cherry Licorice Nibs

I hope these ideas help to get your into the planning, the spirit of, and the love of Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine’s Day shopping!

Love your style!