Valentine’s Day is more than just sweet gestures; your home’s design can influence romance too! We asked nearly 7000 of our Redecorators their thoughts on love and design and the results are eye-opening. Is your home sending the right signals? Let’s uncover the truth and see if your space is romance-ready! Trust us, no matter your relationship status, these insights are for you.
Ick-spensive Taste: When Decor is a Turn Off
Bedframe or breakup? 43% of women are not interested if your mattress is on the floor, whereas 44% say dead plants in your home are a dating ick. Putting the bedframe issue aside, 57% of respondents are impressed when their dates have plants that are still alive in their apartment. What do you think? Do you care more about your date’s ability to keep plants alive than whether they have a bed frame?
PSA: Put away the self-portraits – 38% say too many photos of yourself in the home is a major dating ick. Even worse are gifts or memorabilia from an ex, 43% have a BIG issue with it. When in doubt, remember: less clutter means more chance for love!
The #1 Ick of 2025
Love may be blind, but it sure has a keen sense of smell. 80% of respondents said that a funky smell would be their BIGGEST ick. Hopefully you or your date have invested in scented candles, essential oil diffusers or even potpourri – really anything that makes a space smell less like a gym locker and more like home.
A mountain of dirty dishes and facial hair in the sink round out the top turn-offs of 2025. 81% of respondents said a well-maintained bathroom is important & 80% of respondents said a dirty kitchen is a big ick. Apparently, nothing says ‘date me’ like a kitchen and bathroom that don’t resemble a science experiment!
Bonus tip: keep towels and clothes off the floor: it was the #4 most common thing that repels potential date.
Nailed It! Love, DIY & Money Talks
A well-designed space can spark romance, but budgeting for that dream space? That’s a whole other story. Over 20% of respondents have argued over budgeting and spending on home décor – who knew throw pillows could stir up that much drama?
Sometimes the best way around an expensive purchase is to make it yourself. While 17% would never attempt a DIY project with their SO, over 50% (57%) enjoy doing DIY projects with their partner. Turns out, nothing says romance like rolling up your sleeves. One-third (33%) say building or fixing something for their partner is their favorite romantic gesture. After all, who needs roses when you have a perfectly assembled bookshelf?
FYI – Books are a trending topic in love. Not only are romance books some of the best written, but BookTok is taking over: 47% are impressed by a book collection in a date’s home.
Pets and Pillow Talk: A Furry Dilemma
As found in a 2024 survey, pets greatly affect how we design and organize our homes. Since pets play such an important role in both our homes and hearts, it’s unsurprising that they’re a major green flag in relationships. In fact, 55% of respondents love it when their partner has a pet! It’s a great way to bond – whether over long walks, belly rubs (the pet’s, hopefully) or showing off your nurturing side.
More people are team “pets on the bed” than not. 38% are comfortable with it, however, 17% of respondents consider pets on beds a major dealbreaker. If your partner draws the line at pets on the bed, it might be best to keep your pets off the bed if you want to keep the spark alive. After all, compromise is key when it comes to both love and shared spaces!
PSA If You’re Still Looking for Romantic Gift Ideas
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, traditional gifts like flowers, chocolates and jewelry are often the go-to choices. But guess what? Our survey revealed that 32% of respondents prefer a series of surprise dates or adventures over traditional gifts! Feeling less spontaneous? 20% would prefer basic household tasks (e.g. making the bed, walking the dog) done by their partner over traditional gifts this Valentine’s Day.
A little effort at home can go a long way in love. From a clutter-free space to a fresh-smelling home, the right vibe makes all the difference. And who knows? Your decor choices might just spark more than conversation.
*The survey was conducted in January 2025 and received almost 7000 respondents, 95% of which were female
