EPISODE TWO
When people hear the words “sex room” they concentrate on the word “sex” and, for some, that is going to suggest a room filled with whips and chains. But that is not always the case.
Sometimes in my line of work, I'm asked to help put the spice back in the relationship, to bring back the romance.
For Raj and Ryan, I wanted to create a honeymoon suite, to take them back to the attraction they felt when they first met one another.
Their needs were quite specific, but their room was a designer’s joy: basically, a blank canvas.
Sometimes in my line of work, I'm asked to help put the spice back in the relationship, to bring back the romance.
For Raj and Ryan, I wanted to create a honeymoon suite, to take them back to the attraction they felt when they first met one another.
Their needs were quite specific, but their room was a designer’s joy: basically, a blank canvas.
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The room was a large L-shaped space which was not properly proportioned. I decided to zone the space into three areas: the bed, a relaxation area and the living room space. Design elements would tie the three together.
I always start with the bed. The bed is the focal point in the bedroom; it anchors the design and everything flows around it. So, naturally, its placement is critical. |
The existing location was not optimal, tucked in a corner, with no room for nightstands. The natural place for the bed was next to the window. For sightlines, there is a view of the door and the rest of the long room.
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Raj and Ryan had requested a platform bed. For those unfamiliar to the term, a platform bed is merely a low-profile bed which sits on a sturdy base.
The bed linens were an Italian Vintage-washed 600 thread count sateen. Soft and sumptuous, these feel wonderful against the skin, especially if you are naked! Raj and Ryan had hinted they they liked navy blue, so I brought in plush cushions to dress the bed. |
From talking with Raj and Ryan, I discovered that they were drawn to sensation play. Sensation play is a series of physical sensations such as feathers, silk, and massage oils. To anchor this area, I grouped some Turkish chandeliers which threw a dappled light across the ceiling. For the sexual element I added under-bed restraints. Placed beneath the mattress, these allow the wrists and ankles to be restrained for heightened pleasure.
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This area is all about relaxation and sensuality.
The focal point of this area was the fireplace. Nothing speaks more of romance than a fireplace in a room. I surrounded it with candles, red roses, fluffy soft area rugs and throw pillows. It was an inviting area to relax, unwind and make love. Love-making does not always have to stay in bed! To add a personal touch, I hung photos evoking further intimacy. |
I also designed interactive wall art by hanging handcuffs and a riding crop in frames that could be taken off and used for sexual play. A seductive vase from Jonathan Adler held a bouquet of roses.
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This area also needed to meet Ryan's requirements. Not a man cave, but a space where I could include some of his requests whilst meeting Raj's sensuality.
I created a space which was a little more masculine. Here was a place where the couple could kick back and watch some Netflix on a state of the art TV. I added a large L-shaped leather sofa and an acrylic coffee table. There was a ‘welcome basket’ of adult toys, and chocolate strawberries which sat atop a long media console. |
Finally, a gold bar cart, filled with champagne and long-stemmed glasses lent glamor and completed the design.
Details
Around the room, there are many small details of sensuality: a standing sculpture, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Candles, naked forms of Venus, representing beauty and desire. Flickering, remote-controlled candles throughout the room added ambiance and romance, mingling with specialist low temperature massage candles. Rose petals were scattered across the bed.
Faux fur throws, decorative cushions and ostrich feathers added another layer of texture. The artwork was curvy. I added two pieces of artwork: Inhale and Exhale. They are not just about relaxation, they are a nod to the Karma Sutra where breathing plays a big part in lovemaking. The large photo of Raj and Ryan dominating the wall was designed to bring them back to their wedding day.
Combined, all these small details create a highly personal honeymoon suite, touching all the senses.
Faux fur throws, decorative cushions and ostrich feathers added another layer of texture. The artwork was curvy. I added two pieces of artwork: Inhale and Exhale. They are not just about relaxation, they are a nod to the Karma Sutra where breathing plays a big part in lovemaking. The large photo of Raj and Ryan dominating the wall was designed to bring them back to their wedding day.
Combined, all these small details create a highly personal honeymoon suite, touching all the senses.
Let's talk about floors and walls.
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The floor in the room was a light-colored carpet. Sometimes carpet is called for in a bedroom, but here I found hardwood flooring more appealing, especially since it allowed me the opportunity to use area rugs. So, I ripped out the carpet, and used a budget friendly Aqua guard river wash laminate. This instantly gave the room a different feel.
The walls were very plain and lightly textured. I didn't want to just use paint, I wanted wallpaper. Although the very mention of wallpaper brings back memories of something your grandmother would have, the latest wallpapers are very different indeed. However, before the room could be wallpapered, the walls had to be skim coated to ensure they were smooth. I chose a light, natural wood grain wallpaper from Graham & Brown.
The walls were very plain and lightly textured. I didn't want to just use paint, I wanted wallpaper. Although the very mention of wallpaper brings back memories of something your grandmother would have, the latest wallpapers are very different indeed. However, before the room could be wallpapered, the walls had to be skim coated to ensure they were smooth. I chose a light, natural wood grain wallpaper from Graham & Brown.
Let's talk dirty!
Erotolalia is the correct term for dirty talk; speech that can contains language of a sexual nature used to increase gratification during intercourse.
I took Raj and Ryan to a sound studio to help them sexually communicate. With consent, I wanted them to experience the erotic and, let’s be honest, the fun nature of dirty talk. Separating Raj and Ryan in different sound booths was important, so was blindfolding them. I needed them to be in their own world, to allow them to create their own images without distraction. Although it is only a few moments onscreen, the whole scene took a few hours. It was fun, emotional and completely liberating.
Dirty talk means something different to everyone and it can be a complete turn on and highly arousing; however, there’s no harm in practicing to become more confident. My suggestion is to start slowly, you might like to read an erotica novel to get comfortable with the language. And since I’ve mentioned erotica novels, reading a novel to your partner can be an enormous turn-on. Erotica is one of the most exciting genres, catering to every taste, scenario and kink.
I took Raj and Ryan to a sound studio to help them sexually communicate. With consent, I wanted them to experience the erotic and, let’s be honest, the fun nature of dirty talk. Separating Raj and Ryan in different sound booths was important, so was blindfolding them. I needed them to be in their own world, to allow them to create their own images without distraction. Although it is only a few moments onscreen, the whole scene took a few hours. It was fun, emotional and completely liberating.
Dirty talk means something different to everyone and it can be a complete turn on and highly arousing; however, there’s no harm in practicing to become more confident. My suggestion is to start slowly, you might like to read an erotica novel to get comfortable with the language. And since I’ve mentioned erotica novels, reading a novel to your partner can be an enormous turn-on. Erotica is one of the most exciting genres, catering to every taste, scenario and kink.
And now, a few select toys from the room!
Remember, adult toys really are a personal choice. Talk about them with your partner, create that conversation.
Tips for a Honeymoon Suite
Ambience
Candles, fresh flowers. Create a mood, curate an experience.
Adult Toys
If you’re unsure how you want to spice up the romance, start small. A couples' vibrator is a great way to start. Feathers for sensual play. Quick release handcuffs. Under-bed restraints. Some sexy lingerie, then build from there.
Lighting
Make it soft and sensual. Use low wattage bulbs. Consider adding dimmers to overhead lighting.
Area rugs
Soft, fluffy, layer them to make more of an impact.
Bed
Adorn the bed with throw pillows, go the extra expense of having fine luxury bed linens.
And finally
Have fun! It's only sex.
Candles, fresh flowers. Create a mood, curate an experience.
Adult Toys
If you’re unsure how you want to spice up the romance, start small. A couples' vibrator is a great way to start. Feathers for sensual play. Quick release handcuffs. Under-bed restraints. Some sexy lingerie, then build from there.
Lighting
Make it soft and sensual. Use low wattage bulbs. Consider adding dimmers to overhead lighting.
Area rugs
Soft, fluffy, layer them to make more of an impact.
Bed
Adorn the bed with throw pillows, go the extra expense of having fine luxury bed linens.
And finally
Have fun! It's only sex.
