Opulent Glamour

Glamorous patterns are glitzy, grown-up and luxurious. They are superbly dramatic and capable of bringing wow-factor to any home. Characterized by monochrome colours and bold lines, opulent, glamorous patterns are not defined by any particular design styles. Florals, geometrics, abstracts or figurative patterns may all be involved – it is more to do with colour, texture, scale and how they are used than what they actually consist of.

The colour range for this style is strictly sophisticated. Primaries are generally too harsh, pastels too soft; instead, black, ivory, grey, turquoise, crimson, aubergine, taupe and chocolate take centre stage, alongside gold, silver, pewter, bronze and other metallics or pearlescents. A subtle, or even not-so-subtle shimmer, shine or lustre is highly desirable. As important as colour is texture. The lush pile of velvet, the soft density of flock, the high gloss of glazed ceramic or the sheen of satin all have the luxurious feel that is essential here.

Just as colours are heightened and textures conspicuous, the scale of glamorous patterns is larger than life. Forget petit repeats, daintiness or subtle intricacy – this is all-out, look-at-me, bold scale. The patterns themselves tend to be open rather than dense, however, with a relatively pale background, which provides a visual ‘breather’ and means that they are striking rather than overwhelming. Style-wise, flowers, leaves and plants feature heavily, but do not include naturalist reproductions. As well as their scale being altered for dramatic effect, outlines are simplified, more so than with other types of pattern, so that colours can be limited and used in large blocks. Florals frequently tend towards an abstract or geometric look; geometrics, meanwhile, often have an opulent, Art Deco-inspired appearance.

These patterns also look sleek, sophisticated and internationally appealing; vernacular culture is given a miss in favour of globe-crossing worldliness, so what looks great in a New York high-rise appears just as good in a Stockholm townhouse. The spirit of the city is inherent in this look. It's sexy, sassy and mature, appealing to the well-travelled type who is accustomed to airport lounges, valet parking and room service.