We all take pride in our homes. We want them to look the very best that they can and to best represent us – our passions, our lifestyles, our families, our livelihoods. We are constantly searching for inspiration, in shelter magazines and on websites such as this one. You might think that much of what you see is unattainable, but it doesn’t have to be. There are ways of creating similar looks. There are ways of replicating expensive tastes without spending a fortune, or very little for that matter.
You want your home to look glamorous, dazzling. You’d be surprised at how simple it is, and how the slightest effort can transform your home from drab to glamorous. I recently spoke with Lynda Quintero-Davids an Interior Stylist and Design Blogger with a reputation for creating a luxe look for less and below she shares her thoughts and tips.
Where does one start when making one’s home glamorous?
There are foundation and essentials to a glamorous home. A glamorous home is always organized. Being neat and tidy goes goes a long way. As does a clean home. Keep your surface clean, and shiny. Glass and metals should always be polished. Your accessories should be edited. This simply means there is no need to have everything you own all out for the world to see all at one time. Rotate your collections, or pull out certain types of accessories seasonally. You may want to add, shift or rotate your color palette according to the seasons. Wintertime tends to feature darker, richer colors, with lots of shiny metallics for the holidays, whereas by contrast summertime may feature calming tones reminiscent of the sea.
Another place to start is to follow your inspirations. Which classic design icons do you like the best? Which do you identify with most in terms of style and lifestyle. Study their work and follow their leads.
Where do we look for glamorous things on a budget?
People too often think sparkle when they think of “glam.” Sparkle and bling are not the same. Sparkle means shiny whereas by contrast bling can get tacky- a bit over the top, and that’s not glamorous. Glamour is striking a balance. With this knowledge You can easily find shiny, sparkling pieces for even the smallest budgets at thrift and consignment stores. Look for items from cut crystal stemware to cleaned glass containers for candles to silver serveware to display in a hutch, open kitchen shelving, or even as a collection on a dining room wall.
It might be a good idea to shop with a smart phone. While you’re shopping, be sure to turn items over, especially silver, and look for the names. You will find many brand names at a bargain. As you’re shopping use Google to find a name and its value to help validate your deal on a budget. Rich fabrics and trims can also add an aura of luxury to a space – sumptuous silk panels in a dining room or bedroom.
What makes something glamorous?
Something is glamorous when it looks special. It could be something as simple as an advertisement for Ralph Lauren. The ads sparkle and shine. The fabrics just look rich and luxurious and the scene in the ad draws you in, giving you a special feeling and a longing to have the items in the ad. Materials can be glamorous. Metals can be glamorous. Colors can be glamorous. These all evoke a feeling of richness and sophistication.
What pieces are worth a splurge?
Investing in quality craftsmanship that will last, for example, a well designed sofa, is a splurge that is worth your while and your money. Highly recognizable and well known items such as a Chesterfield, or Parisian area rug, custom lined draperies with trim, quality made furnishings with rich bookmarked veneers and gilded details will always be a good investment. Furniture and rugs that are well made are wonderful investments. Anything with staying power is worth the splurge. Trendy pieces that are here today but most likely will not be tomorrow are not worth the money.
