he Golden Age of Hollywood, that dictated our sense of style in the 1950s, is alive and well in 2015. Taking the lead from their grandmothers, many Millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000) are reviving the glamor of the mid-20th Century in their choices for home decor.
Unlike the carefree looks of 50s style , “Hollywood Glam” from the 50s is a more contrived and deliberate. After all, glamor, by definition, is “a spell placed on someone to make them see things the spell-caster wants them seen, not as they really are.”
Hollywood Glam decor, when done properly, will exude mystery and sophistication combined with casual comfort. It can be done to fit most any budget, from hiring a pro to “thrifting” on your own. If you are like me, the second choice is the most likely, so here are some tips to get you started.
Furniture — Start with the main pieces as the foundation of your rooms and build from there. For the living room, a 50s sofa and a pair of upholstered armchairs will fill your basic sitting area needs and are often found at resale shops. Small rooms? Try a glass top table with fabric covered chairs in the dining area. This will give an aura of sophistication without making the room appear crowded. For the bedroom try an Art Deco influence with a Waterfall bedroom set. These are an easy find at thrift stores and area auctions and a simple coat of white paint and some glitzy hardware gives you the perfect look.
Fabric — Because the lines of 50’s furniture can be very stark, it is important to incorporate softening elements into your rooms. In the bedroom go for a heavy quilted satin comforter and lots of pillows. Drapes have returned in velvet for a touch of romance in the bedroom, or bark cloth for a warm and inviting living room. Area rugs not only define living areas, they are also a great way to “pull together” even the most eclectic variety of furnishings. Rugs made of animal skins (both real and faux), bright solid colors, and geometric shapes are all at home with Glam decor.
Wall treatments — Gone for the past decade, Hollywood Glam has brought wallpaper back into style. Large geometric patterns are a favorite in neutral shades or black and white combinations and metallic accents are a must. Venetian plaster gives needed texture to a ‘Hollywood’ room and smoky gray mirrors can be used on a full wall or a ceiling. Keeping with the theme, you might try a picture wall with framed black and white prints of your favorite stars of the era.
Lighting — No longer limited to it’s traditional place over the dining room table, the crystal chandelier has found it’s way into both the bedroom and the bath. Heavy crystal-laden examples are the most popular and are still a common find at thrift shops or garage sales in the $10-$20 range. Always have them checked and installed by a qualified electrician.
Accessories — Think BOLD! Popular color palettes for this era of decorating are neutrals, including multi-shades of gray, white or chocolate brown. While monotone rooms in these colors can exude an era of class, they can also seem cold. Spice up your rooms with the hot accent colors for this season: reds, bright turquoise or blues, sunshine yellow or orange. Accessories to watch for include throws and pillows, art glass vases and small accent furniture.
This mode of decorating need not crowd your budget. Before you hit the online shops for pricey reproductions, try shopping second hand for authentic pieces. Spring is here! What better time to get out there and “get your Glam on?” Until next time……..Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation and valuation of estates and may be reached at 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com