Bringing Glamour to Your Room

Adding glamour to your home is simple according to interior designer, Jan Showers and her new book Glamorous Rooms. Below are a few of Jan's tips mixed with a few of my suggestions:

Jan's Tip: Interesting Art adds so much to any space and fortunately, is available at many price points.

My suggestion: Purchase blank canvases and have fun making your own creations. You can also staple an interesting fabric over a stretcher and hang it to add pattern to your room.

Jan's Tip: Nothing adds more shimmer, shine and glamour to a room than a mirror. They should be placed strategically either to reflect something wonderful or in a room with very few windows, a mirror can create the illusion of one.

My suggestion: If you don't have the space for a large mirror, add small mirrored elements such as mirrored place mats on the table or mirrored light sconces like the ones below:

Z Gallerie's Lucerne Sconce in White can add luminous glamour to your home for only $14.95! The glossy white frame and simple mirror are perfect for any setting. I love putting candles in front of a mirror because it gives off such a beautiful light.

Jan's Tip: There is nothing like books in a room to create character and glamour. I like them stacked on tables and even on the floor under tables. Used bookstores are a great fun because you may find a real treasure such as an out of print photography, art or design book.

My suggestion: Keep all of your books in one room and organize them by size or color. Mix in interesting mementos from your shopping excursions or travels.

Jan's Tip: Use glass for color and sparkle. Most upholstery fabrics have little or no sheen so wonderful collections of glass can add this element.

My suggestion: Keep an eye out for interesting accents that catch light. I love the way Jan uses beautiful murano glass pieces but you can use your own collections to achieve the same look.

Jan's Tip: Lamps are the jewelry of any room. You should buy the best ones you can afford. Jan loves glass, ceramic and sculptural brass lamps. Lamp shades are very important. Lamps also provide the most flattering light as they are at eye level. Overhead lighting makes people look tired.

My suggestion: Look for lamps at garage sales and flea markets. It is relatively inexpensive to have them re-wired and to have a wonderful custom lamp shade made.

Check out Jan's book for more of her wonderful and sophisticated tips and ideas to add glamour to your home.