Who knows the secrets of romantic staging better than a wedding designer? Bridal consultant Beverly Clark gives Kitty Bartholomew, host of HGTV's Kitty Bartholomew: You're Home, a tour of her romantic home. A hopeless romantic at heart, Beverly Clark designed her own personal castle with inspiration from French country houses she had visited. It's grand and formal, yet the curves of draped fabrics and French antiques make it comforting as well. Curved niches flanking the fireplace feature luxurious fabric draped on inexpensive demi-lune plywood tables, made to accommodate this hard-to-fit spot. A jumble of textured fabrics -- silk, taffeta, brocades and tapestries -- gives the room a sophisticated yet romantic feel. A tactile velvet couch in soft taupe is loaded with taupe and ivory velvet pillows edged in luxurious ivory-colored bullion fringe (figure A ). The romantic theme continues in the dining room, with gilded French provincial chairs and mirror (figure B). Shirred fabric panels add softness to the ceiling and cleverly cover unattractive speakers. Incorporate curves and soft fabric wherever possible to convey the feeling of romance. Dress up inexpensive furnishings with fabrics that soften the look and add elegance.
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