Some designers get a creative kick out of clashing styles, and others prefer working with clean Scandinavian concepts. In between maximalist crescendos and minimalist quietness, a wide range of possibilities is waiting to be discovered. And then, there’s modern glamour.

Faux fur, crystal chandeliers, and brass accents – existing in a spectrum of its own, modern glamour is a brazenly distinctive style. It’s evocative of old Hollywood glam, from which it stems. Though synonymous with the rich and famous, modern glam is made for all of us who live to love, treat, and enjoy ourselves.

It’s more than a style. It’s a philosophy and an attitude.

Here’s how to achieve this dramatic effect as a designer.

What’s the essence of modern glamour?

There are many ways to describe modern glamour. It’s also unusually easy to define it, unlike other styles that reconcile contradictions. Because modern glamour likes its in-your-face identity too much, it rarely changes or evolves.

It’s this confidence that makes it so unique, and we love modern glamour just the way it is, too.

We’ve already touched upon a few recognizable elements of modern glam, such as faux fur, crystal, and brass. In essence, modern glamour combines neutrals and metallics but also adds a pop of color through details. As we continue, we’ll describe all the defining elements.

Before we do that, let’s also mention that modern glam can be subdued for a more neutral effect. A bold move in its own right, this minimalist take on traditional glitz won’t be welcome by all clients. If you have a strong vision of it, you’ll need fabulous renders and luck.

Even then, your client will probably want something like this.

Extravagant lighting solutions

Crystal chandeliers are staples of modern glam, so don’t try to fight them.

In one way or another, your clients will want a statement piece. In modern glamour, lighting fixtures have always been substantial or dramatic, often both. Gold and black are the second-best option if you really want to avoid crystal and make it less cliche. Just make them fancy.

Extravagant fixtures should give you plenty of light for an entire room to dazzle. In contrast to this, try to include soft ambient lighting here and there across the design. Again, crystals, mirrored stands, brass, or nickel are all safe choices. If you must use color, make it peachy.

The plush texture is a must

What’s the point of creating a modern glam design and not having faux fur?

Carpets and throw pillows are obvious options, and they are both good. They allow you to tie the room together thematically without overdoing it with this element. You can hit the same elegant tone if you drape furniture with faux fur throw blankets. It’s subtle but lush.

In nearly all cases, you’ll be using white color as another modern glam staple. Accent pieces such as stools and benches, where white faux fur is combined with wood, brass, or plexiglass, are very much in demand right now. Our favorite alternative is a faux fur bean bag.

Minimal colors

Modern glam is a juxtaposition of neutrals and metallics.

Even though this doesn’t give you a lot of combinations to work with, it certainly helps create drama. Between white and black on one side and gold and silver on another are the pale shades of gray and taos taupe. You can use them for chunky furniture, drapes, and carpets.

The go-to accent color in modern glam is pink, but that’s starting to change. Other edgy variations on the theme include yellow, deep green, and teal. This third color in the palette is for accent chairs and details. It’s supposed to add a touch of playfulness to an upper-class design.

Tufted furniture

Speaking of upper-class, your clients will surely want something tufted as well.

When you pair a white tufted sofa with a pink armchair, you’re saying that you can be both classy and quirky. That is the main attitude behind modern glam. Traditionally, the classy part is effortlessly achieved with elegantly tufted furniture.

For clients interested in modern glam design, tufted furniture is usually the most expensive part of the project. Tufted is typically reserved for sofas and armchairs, but you can save a lot of money if you introduce it with smaller pieces such as benches and ottomans.

Velvet, channeled, or studded?

Velvet, channeled, and studded furniture are all great alternatives.

In fact, velvet and tufted furniture are as popular as modern glam staples, but if you have a client who really wants something tufted and can’t afford it, studded furniture may be the second-best option. It looks very similar to tufted furniture, only more rock’n’roll.

Channeled sofas are a more elegant variant. They look nothing like tufted furniture, but they contribute to the overall design with the same aesthetic. Being more modern than glamorous, they are also an excellent way to achieve a softer, more neutral equivalent to modern glam.

Gold and marble go well together

Gold and marble are just perfect together.

There is something kitschy about this combination, but that’s precisely what makes it so irresistible. Part extravagant, part down-to-earth, this combo is the best and most recognizable characteristic of the modern glam design. It’s not only in-your-face – it’s completely unapologetic.

Gold and marble are a brilliant combination for modern glam kitchens. They are also frequently used together to create gorgeous coffee and dining tables. A marble fireplace with a gold decorative piece on top is another recognizable moment in the modern glam aesthetic.

Conclusion  

Only a gifted and experienced designer can strike the right note between maximalism and minimalism to achieve a modern glam design that feels quirky and expensive without looking kitschy. Modern glam is unapologetic, and it takes risks. That’s not a bad attitude for a designer.

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