The new trend is all about glitzy glam interiors

Carol O’Callaghan sets out to challenge the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles — but minimally, of course

Easy does it with this new trend for glamorous interiors! It’s not the bling look of a few years back, or the bedroom look that introduced mirrored furniture. It’s really more about adding single but strong embellishments while exercising taste and discretion at the same time. That all sounds a bit contradictory I know, but it works.

First of all you need a fairly blank canvas in terms of décor. For all the talk about colour and pattern over the last two years, those of us who opted for neutral interiors during the boom times have largely stuck with them, using accessories and textiles to introduce new trends. That’s certainly the simplest approach and can be reversed easily and affordably.

The ideal background is white, off-white — especially winter white — and in-vogue tints of light grey, combined with neutral furniture upholstery. Then you add the glamour, with restraint.

It largely involves more of an investment than cushions and throws, as furniture, particularly chandeliers and fancy mirrors, are the way to go.

Outsize Rococo-style mirrors with crusty gold or silver frames set on a mantelpiece above the fireplace will draw the eye away from the telly to create a new focal point. Don’t hang it on the wall, just leave it casual and allow the ornate frame to shine. Resist the temptation to add candlesticks and what-nots, unless you want the trouble of reversing it all when it’s time for the spring decluttering project.

There’s a huge demand for chandeliers for every room, especially the kitchen. They provide some stately home grandeur and a conversation piece to mesmerise your guests as they radiate glamour and glitz.

Owners of smaller houses and even apartments are no longer excluded from fulfilling their glamorous lighting aspirations space, or budget, wise. Chandeliers are less bulky nowadays with four-arm versions, going all the way up to 21-arms for larger spaces.

There’s a huge variation in price too. A specially commissioned piece can lighten your wallet by up to €50,000, but you’ll pick up a more modest twinkler for around €395.

Some ceilings may be too low to accommodate a chandelier, so get on the step ladder and measure the length of your proposed chandelier before you start shopping.

Choose a chandelier with a gold finish on the chain and around the wire housing for more traditional décor settings and silver finish in minimal room. Always use clear bulbs to maximise the sparkle effect, and dimmer switches for all-important control of the room’s atmosphere.

For a really fabulous effect that sums up this new look completely, get your sparkling light fitting installed, and site your Rococo mirror on the mantelpiece at an upward tilt so it reflects the light — we’re channelling the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles here. Then throw a few satin cushions on your fashionable grey minimally designed sofa inspired by the 1970s. The result goes to show there are no really new ideas in interiors. It’s all about recycling and reimagining these days.

¦ Next week we’re balancing chic interiors with common sense and practicality.