5 Design Tips You Need to Make Your Space Feel More Romantic (2026)
Allure is inherently fluid—the back and forth of conversation, of gestures, of feelings. “Romance is sort of unrigorous,” says Gregory Rockwell. He prefers a contrasting approach to interiors and treats each room as its own unique vibe. “I think of softness in materials, ruffles, generous volumes, lots of fabric, florals, and gauzy, light textures are extremely romantic,” he says. In model Paloma Elsesser’s Brooklyn home, designed by Rockwell, there’s a juxtaposition between the intense, maroon-clad lounge and the airy primary bedroom. The lounge is sexy in its own right, with a zebra print sofa and a plush red carpet. But in the bedroom, a different, softer type of romance is prioritized. The diffused light brings softness, as does a linen or sheer cotton fabric billowing in the wind from a cracked window. While Eckstein insists that “a great room has all of the textures,” prioritizing softness and luxuriousness can help a space define itself. A high pile rug or mohair throw—things that feel good to the touch—invites you to relax, while a wood chair or metal desk might give the room a more functional intention. “I actually think light-filled spaces can feel incredibly intimate when they’re grounded with warmth and texture,” says Hudson. “Even a very minimal room becomes softer when the materials feel lived-in rather than slick.”
Encourage Connection
For designer Madelynn Hudson of MH Interiors, and the mind behind Heidi Gardener’s Kansas City retreat, it’s important to be intentional in how you want folks to interact with each other, not just the environment. “I like seating that encourages people to face each other, rooms that aren’t oversized, and layouts that naturally pull people together—around a table, a fireplace, or a banquette,” she says. “When a space feels easy, connection follows.” Stray away from individual accent chairs, and instead, opt for love seats, settees, plush sofas where you can sit as close or as far as you’d like. Eckstein suggests giving each seat their own world. “Every seat should have a light source and a table, somewhere to set a drink down,” he says. This provides a sense of freedom to live in the space; the furniture is no longer a set piece, you can move freely, without a sense of preciousness. Let the connection happen naturally, don’t force it. As Rockwell says, “Nothing is less sexy than trying to be sexy.”
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