This Valentine's Day, Do a Project Together!

Roses, chocolates, romantic candlelit dinners? Yes, it's Valentine's Day again -- the time of year where we celebrate our love for our significant other. So, while we all love to be romanced, get flowers at work, or bask in some much-deserved pampering, what if this Valentine's Day you celebrate in an entirely different way?

We aren't suggesting that you forego any of the abovementioned luxuries, but what we are saying is that if Valentine's Day is about being together, why not do something together? Something that improves both where and how you live together?

Now, you might have already made your home a romantic haven, but as every do-it-yourselfer knows, doing it yourself doesn't mean you have to do it by yourself! Besides, improving your nest is just another way to connect with your partner and show that above all, you can make a great team.

A shared experience of working together can be exhilarating because you share in more than just the planning and the execution of the project, but you get to show off the final result to all of your friends and family! Proving to everyone that you're building more than just a solid relationship, you're building your lives together.

So now, onto some projects built for two!

Jane Tip: We know that working with your significant other may not always be a pleasant experience. There are surprises, frustrations and if things get really stressful, the occasional blow up. If the situation does get hairy, try not to take it out on your partner. Remember, the debacle at hand is temporary. For tips on how to work with your mate and not drive each other crazy, click here. Now, as to a few perfectly romantic projects to get the embers glowing.

Fire it Up!
A beautiful fireplace is a perk that can mean the difference between a great home and a place that just passes. Once the heart and heat center of the home, a fireplace has turned into a coveted luxury that most everyone wishes they had. But, not all of us can be so lucky.

Or can we? If you daydream about cuddling up next to your significant other in front of a fireplace this Valentine's Day, a faux fireplace can make it possible. Besides the romantic backdrop it sets, a faux fireplace makes a room more interesting from an architectural perspective. Adding a mantel can give your home the flair it needs without the flame! Prefabricated mantels are widely available, or you can make your own using scraps from other projects.

If it's the heat you are craving then a "portable" fireplace may be just for you. They don't require a chimney, are smoke-free, and can be placed in any room in the house. Although these models run on the expensive side, this may be the investment the two of you need to get a little cozier with each other.

For more ideas on how to go faux, click here.

Awe-Inspiring Arbor
Nothing says romantic like a pathway arbor. These classic arched entryways are a staple of beautiful gardens and are well within your grasp. If your yard is lacking that something extra, consider building one with your mate. Just imagine that come summer you could have a fantastic conversation piece envied by all of your neighbors. This is one project that definitely benefits from having a second person involved!

Note: Before you commit, check your local building codes as they may prohibit structures over a certain height or width. You also may need to get a permit, which is easy to obtain if you stay within certain guidelines.

Make a Room for You
Who hasn't longed for a day at the spa or an extended vacation in the middle of a long week? It's important that you and your loved one get away together once in awhile to reconnect. With vacations too few and far between, creating a sanctuary within your home is a great way to escape, so create a room that belongs to just the two of you.

Are you making the most of your bedroom? Is it a place where the two of you just crash at the end of the day, or a place where you can really relax? If your answer was the former, think about making some simple improvements so you can really enjoy the space. Since it is Valentine's Day, you can even make it more romantic. Even installing new curtains or replacing your ratty sheets count as improvements, so put your heads together!

Maybe your bedroom is in good shape, but that bathroom has seen better days. Updating an aging bathroom can be as easy as changing out a faucet or installing a new showerhead, so don't be afraid of change. Giving yourselves a bathroom that suits you both, that gives you privacy and even a little luxury, is well worth it.

Get it On - the Home Improvement Way
So, while we encourage you to indulge in some champagne and candy, we would also like to see the two of you do something together. Remember, it's not just the other person you are celebrating; it's the relationship you have built. Nurturing the home you live in simultaneously nurtures your relationship. So, invest in your nest and you will see many positive returns!