Met someone new? Get your pad first-date ready
Supported by Outlet Property Services
When you’re dating someone new, it’s always an important milestone when they come round to your place for the first time. Up until then, you might have thought about what shirt to wear, maybe even sprayed yourself with a little Hugo Boss aftershave or got yourself a haircut. But nothing tells a new boyfriend more about you than the décor in your house or flat.
We’ve all been there, right? You’re about to go into a new guy’s home and for a split second you pray it will be more bachelor pad perfection than S&M scary. So if you see a future with the new chap you’re bringing home, you’ll need to make as much effort with the interior décor as you do with the scintillating conversation. Here are some tips courtesy of Outlet that will help you ensure he stays for dinner rather than bolting for the door.
Heavenly scents
Like it or not, one of the first things they’ll notice when you open the door is the way your apartment or house smells. Make sure it’s not the blocked drain or this morning’s burnt toast. You can get great, affordable fragrance diffusers (those little sticks that sit in a pot of fragrance) that work well in any room. Or if you want to double up on the romance, you can combine the scent of a candle with a little mood lighting. We like the Mandarin option by True Grace at John Lewis.
Mandarin candle by True Grace £42 at Johnlewis.com
Sound success
If you’ve got some tunes ready to go as soon as they walk in you’ll get a few brownie points. It’s even better if you can impress the new guy with a chic wireless stereo system at the touch of an iPhone button. There are plenty of Bluetooth or Wireless options available but if you want the premium version for superior sound, go for the Sony or Sonos Play 1.
Sonos Play 1 wireless Hifi £169 at sonos.com
Matters of the art
By putting some thought into what goes on your walls you show you care about style and have a cultural streak. Plus, hanging an impressive painting or photo provides a great talking point. Try and choose something that tells your guests a bit about you, like your favourite city. We love the London prints available at Not on the Highstreet.
London print £44 at Notonthehighstreet.com
Pyramid heart print £17 at Notonthehighstreet.com
Coffee table cool
Plenty of people use their coffee tables for putting their feet up or piles of post and magazines. But if you need to impress someone new, don’t waste the space with a collection of paperwork or last night’s dirty plates. Clear the surface and use it for large books like Mario Testino’s ‘Let Me In’, statement bowls in a bright colour or, if you prefer the minimalist look, simply for your iPad.
Mario Testino coffee table book from £28 at Amazon.co.uk
Lower lighting
Make sure you keep the lighting low for evening dates at home. Those harsh, bright spotlights in your ceiling don’t exactly set a romantic tone (and will show up every blemish). So if you don’t already have them, invest in floor or table lamps that help make the room less blinding and more inviting.
Lamps from £49 at made.com
Bathroom beauty
If you think the new guy won’t have a good nose around the bathroom when he’s left alone, think again. He will probably at least take note of the type of products you use. So if you want to impress, hide the Imperial Leather and replace it with something a little sexier, such as a Tom Ford body wash or a slightly more affordable option from trendy Australian company, Aesop. Oh and don’t forget to actually use them as well as display them. Come out smelling great and a long and happy future together is a dead cert.
Mouthwash £17 at Aesop
Resurrection Hand Wash £27 at Aesop
Outlet Property Services is the original and first-choice LGBT property company and provides sales, lettings, property management, and financial services. To find out more or get in touch click here.