Love shack: 10 tips for seduction

2. Use invisible powers

Think fresh flowers or fragrant plants, room sprays and scented candles, such as these True Grace scented candles (£20) from Graham & Green. Smell memory is housed in your brain’s limbic system, which controls emotional and sexual responses, and research shows that memories evoked by smell are especially emotional. Set the right mood these fragrances: jasmine, tuberose, rose, and cinnamon.

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3. Make it cosy

'Studies show that Swedish women (rated the hottest by European men) make eye contact 95 per cent of the time, and stand six or seven inches closer during conversation than most other European women,' says body–language expert Peter Clayton. So, confine your date to an intimate space. A two–seater sofa, such as the Stanton leather one (£909.98) from Furniture 123 is perfect.

4. Show you're the fairest of them all

Add some luxury and dynamism into your living room or bedroom with mirrors. This 1950s–style Mirrored Sideboard (£399) from Next is spot on the boudoir look and will help you show off your best angle to the max.

5. Create a sensuous space

Alert all his/her senses with romantic music and tactile, contrasting textures. This silk bonsai cushion (£49) from Clarissa Hulse looks great alongside rough pebbles and bare floorboards, with soft, thick rugs (the proverbial shag pile). Try the gorgeous sheepskin rug (from £49) from Funky Rugs.

6. Fill your fruit bowl strategically

Chuck out the browning bananas and instead pile bowls full of pomegranates on the table or sideboard – the fruits are a symbol for fertility. We love these La Rosa Fruit Bowls (£82) by Alessi at a white room. Or as an alternative to pomegranates, try figs – there's nothing more plump, soft and teeth-sinkingly juicy than a ripe fig.

7. Dim the lights

Overhead lighting is far too harsh for intimate exchanges and not flattering to the complexion, so it has to be lamplight. This Aurora table lamp (£110) from The White Company is sensuously curvaceous and will cast a moody glow over your home. Install dimmer switches for extra impact.

8. Pick the perfect dining location

Try low-seat exotic pouffes and a simple table arranged in a location other than the dining room. Go for the ultra smooth Oval Gloss Coffee Table (£199) from Dwell to create intimacy between the two of you. Place your table near a window or by the fire,' says designer William Yeoward.

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9. Engineer foreplay at dinner

Dietician Nigel Denby's top foods for seduction include 'delicious asparagus tips; big, fat strawberries or soft raspberries; artichokes in delicious extra–virgin olive oil; or messy, juicy olives that you can feed each other.' Choose dishes you can share, in the form of antipasti, mezze or tapas and serve them on this ruby red Siena platter (£34) from Red Candy.

10. Prepare the boudoir

Keep the door to the bedroom slightly (and suggestively) ajar. Something silky draped provocatively over the back of a chair or bed sets the tone. Make the bed inviting, says homes author Lizzie O'Prey: 'Try faux fur and cushions; lots of layers.' Disrobe behind this seductive French style screen (£755) from Juliettes Interiors, to further heighten expectations...