Sheer glamour.
Is your home in need of a glamour overhaul? An injection of glitz? Luckily Justin and Colin are on hand to help.Question: what aspect should every home have? Answer: one that really makes a difference.
Indeed, `chez vous' should demonstrate something wonderfully escapist, something so utterly revolutionary that it changes your life. Or, something that simply pushes the feel good factor to the max.
Confused? Well let's unravel the mystery. Are we talking about central heating? No. Are we waxing lyrical about landscaped gardens or a downstairs loo? Erm, no. As much, however, as these aspects have certain merit, they're not what we're proffering today.
Today we're talking about something less tangible. Something escapist, alluring, fascinating and rewarding. We're talking sheer glamour!
And do you know what? You've got Scotland to thank for glamour. And not simply because up north birthed yours trulies.
So where's this going? Well listen up, because we're here to explain that the literal roots of `glamour' come from our homeland (of course) and we're not just talking about the transformations we make on our perpetual mission of domestic beautification.
We're actually, believe it or not, talking historical fact. The term `glamour' originates from the 18th Century Scottish word `grammar' which was all about occult practices associated with learning and casting spells.
The word eventually became `glamour' and has forever since been associated with magic. Today, however, it does have slightly less devilish tendencies, although we've encountered many a demonic decorator and many a sorcering seamstress in our time!
But enough of all thata
The magic of glamour, at home, is about being indulged by timeless and exotic elements that are escapist, attractive and stimulating. Sights, smells and sounds all create an intoxicating cocktail that should enable you, the homeowner, to escape day to day normality and realize your true potential as a fantasist.
This said, the concept of pure domestic glamour is actually quite hard to grasp in home terms, but actually easier to learn by studying people. Yes, measure the glamour quotient of a particular individual or group of individuals and study their attributes to see what really makes them special. Then apply the same principles in your domestic environment.
So now you're very confused? Allow us to elucidate. Only recently, while attending the Scottish BAFTAs to present an award for Best New Work, we noticed that such evenings are the perfect hunting ground for hedonistic excess and the pursuit of luxury.
In fact, the BAFTAs were an explosion of glam ( Lorraine Kelly in a plunging black gown, Edith Bowman looking terrific in turquoise and yours trulies in his and his `matching' black and white kilts.
Is it any wonder then, that we've gone glamour crazy? Still, we digress.
Let's get back to home glamour. Imagine the style of Lorraine Kelly, and then imagine a room with the same sensibilities. Perhaps a single colour scheme with one key punctuation. Maybe an all black room with a gold tiled fireplace or an all white room with a red sofa.
How glam would that be? And proof, were it needed, that people can ( and do ( inspire places. So get trawling through your back copies of Hello! and OK because they can be just as inspiring as Elle Deco.
Two of the key components of domestic glamour are colour and shine. Each is essential when going for the glamorous look and if you want to step it up a notch further to create, for example, that luxurious Hollywood feel then all you need do is add drama.
Combining individual, statement pieces of furniture with the glitz of tinsel town can turn any home into the talk of the town as long as you exercise a sense of theatricality.
And don't worry about cost; glamour isn't necessarily about spending money, it's more about having a sense of fun. Start with a single dramatic element ( either a strong accent colour, a decoratively papered wall or a statement piece of furniture ( and add gloss by using mirrors, acrylic and lacquered furnishings and accessories.
William Robinson International (0115) 979-9790 www.williamrobinson.co.uk, do great black and white wallpapers that are guaranteed to add the luxe factor. Keep your colour palette simple and dress furnishings in rich, rewarding materials such as cashmeres or velvets.
Texture, too, is important (as is contrast), so go for ornate damask or sexy suedes when choosing accessories. Luxurious bed linens, elegant curtains and lots of sparkling accents create fab boudoir glamour and one of our favourite bedding companies is Dorma (www.dorma.co.uk).
Their constantly updated range includes all manner of textural delights with brocades, cottons and velvets stealing the show every time. If you want to keep costs to a minimum and fancy re-working existing bedding, our top tip is VV Rouleaux, which recently opened an outlet in Newcastle's Central Arcade, and which stocks the most beautiful range of trimmings, tassels and iron on beads to enliven even the dullest duvet.
When we're looking for inspiration for home designs we often check out trade magazines or visit bars, clubs and retail outlets to help fire our imaginations. With this in mind, follow our lead and check out the hotel designs of Philippe Starck in London's Sanderson and St Martin's Lane, both of which are temples of contemporary glamour.
For a more traditional take on luxury, visit any of the Hotel Du Vin's stylish des res's dotted around the UK. Or why not stay closer to home and check out high street stores Jaeger and River Island. Both have opted for deep dramatic colours tempered by high gloss surfaces and reflective elements and both capture luxury glamour to the power of 10.
You can also get your glamour in bookstores courtesy of J and C favourite Kelly Hoppen, whose new book, Style, (published by Jacqui Small) is bursting with gorgeous ideas.
The Sensual Home by Ilse Crawford (Quadrille) and Contemporary Glamour by Ali Hanan (Mitchell Beasley) are also terrific tomes of temptation that offer an encyclopedia of alluring inspirations.
Each testifies that home ownership isn't just about bricks and bucks and that escapism and fantasy are just as important as equity and finance. The crucial element to consider is you, so learn to really sweep up at home with the glamour brush whenever you get the chance.
You're sure to be rewarded.
twoboyzmedia@ yahoo.co.uk
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| Publication: | The Journal (Newcastle, England) |
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| Date: | Jan 20, 2005 |
| Words: | 1062 |
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