Modern or Contemporary Glam Style is one of the most popular interior design styles today. If you think this style is for you, you can download your checklist from the bar above.
So what does a Modern Glam space look like?
It showcases a dose of glitz, but balances it out with modern features – meeting the current time’s preference for simplicity over ostentatiousness.
Modern Glam Style is simply the tamed version of Hollywood Glam or Hollywood Regency Style. The former is less bold, less dramatic and less extravagant.
What one may call a Modern Glam space could be a Hollywood Glam for another — as a matter of taste.
Key Differences between Modern Glam and Hollywood Glam
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Modern Glam Style
uses more contemporary, modern and transitional furniture pieces
can have minimalist traits because of its modern influence
lighting pieces can range from crystal chandelier to mid-century modern to contemporary pieces
can include simplified Hollywood Regency elements
can include classic architectural details but done in a simplified way
can have more of neutrals than jewel colors for a fresher look; or vise versa for more of drama; or can have both
can display symmetry for a more formal look and also asymmetry for more of a casual vibe
emphasis is on materials, finishes and comfort
vs
Hollywood Glam / Hollywood Regency Style
same furniture pieces as Modern Glam, but can include classic pieces
maximalist due to its Hollywood influence that favors the dramatic
generally has statement-making, overscaled, extravagant lighting pieces
can include Egyptian, Classic Greek, Classic Roman, Baroque and Art Deco (Machine Age plus air travel) elements
greatly uses contrast in colors, patterns and textures to create visual tension
tendency to have a more symmetrical layout due to its Greek influence and formal ambience, but can also display asymmetry
emphasis is on glamour, luxury, entertainment and cinematic flair
Color Scheme
Color scheme is not crucial to these styles. Both Modern Glam and Hollywood Glam can come in any palette because their focus is on the overall ambience that the spaces convey.
Here are some options:
mix jewel colors with neutrals for a regal touch
use only jewel colors in dark tones for a moody version
all white for an ultra sophisticated feel
use neutrals only – black, grays, whites and browns, for a restrained look
black and white in equal doses for a striking and dramatic effect
Other Names for Modern Glam
Other names for this Modern Glam Style will depend on the mix or majority of furnishings used. Some may call it Transitional Glam, Contemporary Glam, Transitional Hollywood Glam, Modern Hollywood Glam, etc…
Examples of Modern Glam Style
Below are some examples of this style, each broken down to its elements. Excuse the repetitions as you may find them unpleasant. They are inevitable in the efforts to be thorough.
***As you go through the descriptions, note that this site considers neutrals such as black, white and gray as non-colors. Plants and wood colors are also not considered when a particular color scheme is mentioned.
***Also, you may or may not agree with the color names used, due to the differences in how individual monitors display colors.
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Modern elements:
simplified wall paneling
large panelings on headboard
metal night stands in black finish
clean lines and shapes
simple draperies
minimalist look
Glam elements:
wall paneling
jewel colors: blue-violet, violet, red-violet and red / pink in analogous color scheme
drapes pooling on the floor
gold accents
symmetry
luxurious and comfortable materials that give the space a very soft ambience
Great how colors are repeated on beddings, drapes and artwork for a visually well-put together space. A calming color scheme, with a bit dark and moody air. So fitting for a relaxing bedroom.
jewel colors: citrine yellow, teal, turquoise blue sapphire blue, amethyst purple, peridot green
chrome finish on side and coffee tables
gold finishes on accessories
high gloss cabinet finish
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Modern elements:
monochromatic color scheme as part of minimalist look
strong presence of black and white
simple, modern coffee table silhouette
Glam elements:
red-violet jewel color
classic Chesterfield sofa
wall paneling
marble tabletops
gold finishes
symmetry in sofa and floor lamps
The use of contrasts provides this space with plenty of interest.
matte (dull) versus polished
plain versus patterned
rectilinear versus curvilinear
symmetry versus asymmetry
horizontal versus vertical
classic versus modern – in furniture pieces
Other things that make this space visually exciting:
placing the coffee tables off center
their deliberate difference in size and height, plus
the accessories
They also offset the stiff look of the sofa and floor lamps’ symmetrical arrangement.
Visual balance is achieved by the repetition of elements in the right places.
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Modern elements:
clean lines
large scale tufting on headboard
simple, modern nightstands
black, white and gray in the space
minimalist look
Glam elements:
tufted headboard
symmetry
tinges of gold
classic pattern in flooring
Photo by KatarzynaBialasiewicz Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro
Modern elements:
sectional type sofa
clean lines
simplified wall panelings
lots of white in space
Glam elements:
velvet and silk
wall paneling
plush area rug
jewel colors in analogous scheme: blue-violet, violet, red-violet and pink (red)
rose and yellow gold finishes
The styling is playful in its use of asymmetry. It makes this modern glam living room look casual, friendly and welcoming.
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Modern elements:
lots of whites
simplified wall panelings
simplified circular and pointed arches
chrome finished nail heads
clean lines
transitional style of the chaise longue
Glam elements:
chaise longue – a classic furniture piece in Hollywood Regency Style
emerald green velvet upholstery
other jewel tones in the vases – turquoise blue and rose quartz pink
exposed nail heads in the chaise longue
side table with turnings
wall panelings and arches
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Modern elements:
lots of whites
clean lines
minimalist look
contemporary sofa silhouette
simplified wall panelings
contemporary area rug
geometrical pendant lamp and vase pedestals
Glam elements:
velvet sofa upholstery and pillow cover
jewel tones – amethyst purple and rose quarts pink
gold metallic finishes
plush area rug
wall panelings
Photo by mihalis_a Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro
Modern elements:
contemporary sofa silhouette
simplified Egyptian-inspired coffee table
graphic area rug pattern
black and white in the space
simplified wall panelings
spherical overhead accessory
Glam elements:
jewel tones: teal and orange-like colors
luxurious leather for sofa and pouf upholstery
coffee table with high-gloss table top and bronze-like finished x-legs
gold finish of dog head sculpture
silky drapes
classic floor pattern
wall panelings
Pronounced Hollywood Regency influences:
eclecticism – by using furniture pieces from different sources and different styles. Such as: Postmodern side table, Moroccan pouf, contemporary sofa and area rug and Egyptian-inspired coffee table with x-legs
more of Egyptian influence which is a component in Hollywood Regency – use of black and dog sculpture as a more modern representation of Anubis – the Egyptian Death God in jackal form
Colors are repeated throughout for visual balance and a very coherent look.
Photo by KatarzynaBialasiewicz Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro
Modern elements:
simplified wall panelings
lots of whites and grays
modern chair, night stand and drop light
Glam elements:
wall panelings
velvet pillow cover
silky chair upholstery
jewel tone, emerald green
fuzzy and plush area rug
elegant portrait of a girl’s profile in the art piece
Photo by poligonchik Getty Images Pro via Canva Po
Modern elements:
lots of white
minimalist look
simplified sofa silhouette
simple, contemporary coffee table design
Glam elements:
velvet upholstery and pillow covers
jewel color – pink rose quartz
sumptuous, sculpted area rug with classic quatrefoil pattern
Victorian-inspired sofa
black piping on sofa and pillow creating high contrast
gold finish of coffee table and candle holders
classic floor pattern
wall panelings and carvings
symmetry
The off-center placement of the coffee table for adds visual interest to the space – combining asymmetry with symmetry.
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Modern elements:
contemporary nightstands, armchair and table lamps
transitional style of bed
lots of white
Glam elements:
multi-shaded chandelier
wall panelings
intricate cornice with carvings
classic baseboard
winged headboard with tufting
luxurious area rug
Asymmetry created by the off-centered placement of area rug and the arm chair on one side of the room gives the space a less stiff look.
Photo by Peter_visual Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro
Modern elements:
lots of whites
modern furniture silhouettes
contemporary drop light
simple window drapes
Glam elements:
jewel colors – sapphire blue, citrine yellow, turquoise blue
classic onion pattern on the columns
gold finish and accents
chrome finish on table base
polished floor and wall finishes
silky chair upholstery
Photo by FollowTheFlow Getty Images via Canva Pro
Modern elements:
Mid-Century Modern Style sofa
simple drapes
lots of whites
geometric pattern on area rug
simple side table and planters
clean lines
Glam elements:
velvet upholstery
jewel color- emerald green
metal finish on nesting coffee table
classic floor pattern
animal fur as accent
drapes pooling on the floor
Asymmetrical layout encourages the eyes to wander around the entire space. Also giving the space a casual feel.
The vintage telephone adds to the retro vibe coming from the Midmod sofa.
Photo by KatarzynaBialasiewicz Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro
Modern elements:
white walls, white side tables
contemporary artwork
contemporary center tables
Midmod branching chandelier
Acapulco chair-inspired piece
contemporary sofa
Glam elements:
velvet sofa upholstery
gold metal finishes
jewel color – rose quartz pink
classic checkerboard floor pattern
shiny, polished finish of the side tables
The Acapulco chair was designed in Mexico, but it is also identified with the Mid-Century Modern Style, since it came out around the 1950s.
Mismatched side tables, pair of coffee tables with different heights, off-centered chandelier and artwork, addition of accent chair on one side — they all bring a casual and inviting feel to this modern glam living space.
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Modern elements:
clean lines
black and white marble
simplified wall paneling
Glam elements:
velvet arm chair upholstery
marble tabletops
gold finishes
wall paneling
jewel tone – emerald green
The arm chair has an interesting postmodern characteristic with its classic-inspired seat and a modernist base.
Photo by KatarzynaBialasiewicz Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro
Modern elements:
clean lines
simple round mirror
simple window treatment
lots of whites
modern take on the wash basin console
Glam elements:
mosaic wall tiling
polished and shiny finishes
classic floor pattern
marble for flooring
gold and chrome metal finishes
crystals on the wall sconce
shaded wall sconce
free standing bathtub with acanthus leaf and animal paw legs
high contrast created by black and white combination for a dramatic feel
cabriole leg for the wash basin console
Photo by Gvoic_M Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro
Modern elements:
minimalist look
use of black and white
clean lines
contemporary sofa and ottoman
simple draperies
Glam elements:
jewel color – emerald green sofa and ottoman upholstery
marble finish of the spiral staircase
gold finish on the classic-inspired chandelier
This 3D rendered space features a beautiful “marble” spiral staircase. In real life, a faux finish can do the trick. Giving the handrails of this staircase a gold finish can bring the glam several notches up the scale.
Photo by 3D STOCK via Canva pro
Modern elements:
use of blacks and gray
nesting metal night stands in black finish
modern area rug and arm chair silhouette
minimalistic look
Glam elements:
gold finishes on the vase and pendant lamp
jewel colors – red-violet on the arm chair combined with the violet wall for an analogous scheme
herringbone floor pattern
Photos by Anna Subbotina & Artjafara Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro
Modern elements:
simple sofa silhouette with postmodern vibe
minimalist look
includes grays and blacks
Glam elements:
jewel color – citrine yellow orange
portrait of a glamorous woman
shiny metal finish on the wall lamps
velvety upholstery
luxurious carpet
There they are. Spaces designed and decorated in the Modern Glam Style. See more of this style in this post where an entire condo unit is done in the same style, with a made-up client in mind.
And remember there’s a checklist you can download from the bar above. You can use it to plan for any Modern Glam decorating project.