Celebrities and the ultra-rich can usually afford the ultimate in luxurious surroundings. Unfortunately, most people just can’t afford even the insurance on those homes, much less the mortgage payment. However, there is hope for the daring, imaginative home owner to bring a bit of Hollywood into an average home.

Ceilings
A trend in many celebrities’ and luxurious homes, diffused or indirect ceiling lighting is hot in Hollywood. If recessed ceiling lighting isn’t practical, use a globe or frosted cover to soften the harsh light some bulbs may give off. Fluorescent is out. Incandescent is in.

Chandeliers with elegant, tulip bulbs grace many a high ceiling in stars’ homes. If low ceilings are prevalent, use light shades of paint and a complimenting but contrasting ceiling fan. Highlight each blade with gold or silver scroll decorative patterns to add an expensive-looking accent.

Chandelier with elegant bulbs.
Photo courtesy of Ana12321 on Flickr.

Floors
Bare floors continue to be the “in thing” with the Hollywood set. Hardwood flooring of multiple shades give contrast and continuity. Inexpensive options may include laminate flooring in any straight board design. Parquet designs are on the way out, but a spiral lay of straight boards can draw the eye from the center of the room outward or inward to the middle, depending on the quality of furniture in the room.

Longer rooms look well in lengthy boards, and squarer rooms using medium or thin boards look larger.

In bathrooms and kitchens, light colored flooring is in. Coordinate with the cabinetry for the proper shade and tone. Full-floor sheeting presenting a textured pattern is common in celebrity kitchens and can easily and inexpensively be recreated with minimal expense.

Throw rugs and area rugs throughout the house are must-have items in a celebrity-patterned home. Use the rule of thumb that the more intimate the room, the more lush the rug. Deep piling for rugs in the bedroom is definitely a Hollywood touch.

If carpet is a preference, go with lighter shades. White isn’t necessary, but think tan instead of brown, and you’ve hit the conceptual mark.

Area rugs are often ignored with carpet, but they can spruce up an otherwise blasé base. Coordinate baseboards and moldings for touches of elegance that complement the carpet and rugs.

Hardwood flooring in multiple shades.
Photo courtesy of Jason Meredith on Flickr.

Fixtures and Accents
Standing lamps rule. Place them in corners or beside larger furniture. It doesn’t matter if they are of single brightness or have multiple settings, coordinate gold, brass, copper or chrome stands to match your décor. Use light-colored lamp shades, and you’ve brought Hollywood to your home.

If you have lots of dark wood, fear not. Not every star likes a modern look in the home. Dark wood has a special elegance all its own. Use abundant gold or brass to bring out the richness in the wood. Candlesticks, bookends, ashtrays and figurines coordinate very well with darker woods. Pewter looks great as well.

If all new accents aren’t affordable, try gently spray painting them with high-gloss paint to imitate expensive interiors that luxury homes often contain.

Accents used in decorating preferences of the stars run the gamut. Modern decorating fans use the usual themes: stark but functional with lots of chrome and glass. Traditional decorators prefer gold, brass and copper with a touch of crystal.

Window Treatments
Use of sheer curtains for a modicum of private is common in Hollywood, trusting in the high fencing and state-of-the-art security systems to provide the actual privacy. Ensure they can be drawn aside from the window, however, to mimic the option in luxury homes. Smaller windows might not have elaborate window treatments, but consider larger ones and glass doors as areas of special consideration.

If small children are a concern, or curtains aren’t an option, mark the plate glass with gold or silver paint in patterns of gilded or wrought iron railings.

Sheer curtains that can slide to the side.
Photo courtesy of Steve on Flickr.

About the Author
JC Ryan is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them understand which online colleges and online courses they can choose from to reach their goals, including earning an online bachelor’s or master’s degree, or even an online PhD.

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