Modern Glam

HOW TO DO MAXIMALISM

by Claire Bingham

In Paris, the LVMH-owned Cheval Blanc hotel is a gleaming beacon of modern glam. Equally so, the Kelly Behun-designed Los Angeles home of Alicia Keys is an oceanside dreamland and one of America’s coolest homes. Over in New York, the Queen of Serene, Athena Calderone of EyeSwoon’s home hits all the clean-yet-dreamy design notes. The style preference for each of these interiors is classic/dramatic, meaning that a structural simplicity of classic architecture is paired with oversized, attention-grabbing pieces and interesting details.

For instance, deco details may feature elements such as a host of gallery-worthy artworks, prestigious furnishings that lend a contemporary air, marbled bathrooms, gilded stairwells, a swimming pool (of course, with an incredible view). All of these illustrate the modern glam taste: less is more—but the less must be luscious.

CURATED DESIGN

“For me, glamour is sophisticated, elegant and has a standout characteristic,” says interior designer Caroline Legrand, who is known for her glamorous projects

that range from luxury beach houses in Ibiza to her own Modernist pied-a-terre in the Hollywood hills. “Contemporary art has paved the way for an increased appreciation of design with similar attributes,” Legrand continues. “We’re confident to push a bit further in all aspects of design.”

There is an appetite for curated design. In today’s digital world, we are surrounded by visual instruction on how to live beautifully. The finest hotels, restaurants, and interior designed homes all pop up in our daily feeds, so this level of style is less of an enigma than ever before. Whatever the hot-ticket architects and designers are working on, we are mentally taking notes.

PARISIAN CHIC

Experienced in transforming Saint Germain apartments into stylish family homes that feel simultaneously current yet classic, Paris-based property developer Ashley Maddox adds: “I have a personal theory that we are all going to look back at that Brooklyn coffee house aesthetic, with its endless white subway tiles, the sculptural green Ficus, and the ubiquitous three

hanging pendants and wonder, ‘Did we really all want to live with light bulbs hanging off the ceiling?’”

“I think that part of the drive towards a more glamorous aesthetic is a response to the fact that interior design has at once become extremely professional— and with so many new technologies at play.”

Maddox is referring to the difference between a

scheme that has been designed by CAD as opposed to a drawing rendered by hand. “The space often feels weird and out of proportion,” she says. “Likewise, I think you can tell when an interior has been furnished by a series of links on interiors websites. The place somehow lacks a soul, which in turn feels a bit drab—and very far from glamorous.”

Of course, the vicarious delight of researching decoration inspiration may have launched a million Pinterest boards, but a glamorous interior is something that is layered over time. Traditional elements including blown glass chandeliers, velvet upholstery, and thick carpets are chosen to suit the space they inhabit and serve as a visual expression of the person living there.

It’s no coincidence that glamorous interiors are almost always created by glamorous personalities.

A TAILORED HOME

For those wanting to reimagine their environment to create something more glamorous, you could start by looking at the homes of Sydney-based designer Greg Natale, whose skill set is to combine the ornate and contemporary in seemingly effortless unison. Think of it as tailoring: clean lines, repetition of patterns, unadorned walls with statement feature pieces and vivid splashes of color. His interiors integrate architecture, design, and decoration to create visually breathtaking rooms.

A few tips to begin: Light (and lighting) is important. For any glamorous home, large rooms with as much daylight as possible are essential. If there is the option to open an interior wall or install floor-toceiling casement windows, this will immediately set the tone. Architecture and good Italian lighting inform the space.

For decoration, yin and yang juxtapositions always create tension. For example, black contrasts with white, soft feminine shapes stand out against stronger graphic lines, and age-old patina looks incredible alongside gloss. Whatever the color scheme or furniture choice, the crux of the matter is confidence. This is a key aspect that modern glam aesthetes strive for.

“For me, it isn’t necessarily about modern vs. classical, but more about the romance of creating your own elegant world,” says Martin Brudnizki, who is the cult hospitality designer behind the Beekman’s in New York and Annabel’s in London. “That is what we were trying to achieve at Annabel’s—a glamorous escape for people. You might not want to live there, but you can at least put on your best diamonds and have a ball. There aren’t many spaces left for that level of glamour.”

Die Fähigkeit der beiden Architektinnen und der Eigentümer, ikonische Möbel und Designstücke zusammenzustellen, von denen die meisten von großen Namen wie Gio Ponti, Joe Colombo, Gae Aulenti, Gaetano Sciolari und Patricia Urquiola gestaltet

wurden, tat ihr Übriges. Das Ziel, einen szenografischen Raum zu kreieren, ist ohne Zweifel erreicht.

The children’s bedroom, with its playful and cosy mood, is dominated by green shades. It features a Mickey Mouse cabinet and, next to the window, an Eames Armchair RAR by Vitra.

Das behagliche Kinderzimmer wird von grünen Vorhängen dominiert; die Mickey-Maus-Kommode und der Vitra Eames-RAR-Schaukelstuhl sorgen für spielerische Elemente.

Never underestimate what a good chair or sofa can do for your living room. Beyond its shape and proportions (personal preference here), it’s the little touches that make it special. Slim tapered legs will make a chair feel elegant. Brass details elevate upholstery even further. Velvet upholstery is the ultimate luxe touch.

Couch & Chairs SOFA & SESSEL

Unterschätzen Sie nie, was ein guter Sessel oder ein gutes Sofa in Ihrem Wohnzimmer bewirken können. Abgesehen von der Form und den Proportionen (hier gilt die persönliche Vorliebe) sind es die kleinen Details, die ihn besonders machen. Schlanke, spitz zulaufende Beine lassen einen Stuhl elegant wirken. Details aus Messing werten die Polsterung noch weiter auf und ein Samtbezug ist der ultimative Luxus für jeden Sessel.

LEFT Marble-effect wallcoverings in soft peach tones add interest to a space without overwhelming it. RIGHT Understanding balance. This stone textured wall contrasts with the smoothness of the wood veneers and tan leather bed.

LINKS Wandbeläge mit Marmoreffekt in zarten Pfirsichtönen verleihen einem Raum eine interessante Note, ohne ihn zu erdrücken. RECHTS Das Gleichgewicht dieses Raumes entsteht durch die Wand mit Steinstruktur, die mit dem Holzfurnier und dem hellbraunen Lederbett kontrastiert.

Whether it’s crystal chandeliers, gold elements or furniture pieces that look like works of art, “Modern Glam” gives rooms a fabulous update. This book is filled with inspirational interiors and products. For those eager to add more style to their homes, the index contains numerous brands and manufacturers of everything from couches to bathtubs.

Ob Kristallleuchter, Goldelemente oder Möbel mit Kunstcharakter, etwas „Modern Glam“ gibt Räumen ein glamouröses Update. Alle, die ihrem Zuhause einen glanzvollen Auftritt verleihen wollen, finden in diesem Buch inspirierende Fotos ausgefallener Interieurs und im Index die zugehörigen Hersteller und Designer der Produkte – vom Sofa bis zur Badewanne.