ONE of my very good friends loves chandeliers; she loves the sparkle and the glamorous lifestyle they represent.

Jan 31 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

Unfortunately it can take an awful lot of effort to look elegant in our everyday lives, but making our homes sparkle everyday doesn’t have to be such hard work.

Originally glamour was a spell, cast over someone to change the way things appeared to them.

In more modern times the meaning of the word relates to charisma, beauty, attraction and is often linked with a celebrity lifestyle.

If you want to cast your own spell on your home a good place to start is by thinking of what you would define as glamorous.

Take inspiration from old Hollywood films with stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe or more modern stars such a Keira Knightley.

Think of the clothes and jewellery they would wear.

The best way to transfer this to your home is in the furniture and accessories you pick when decorating.

Thick, heavy cream coloured curtains will always look suave especially when teamed with gold or silver highlights in a room.

Mirrors are great for adding some sparkle; big or small make sure they have a gold or silver frame to compliment your chosen theme.

For more old-fashioned glamour pick gold or for a contemporary look go with silver.

In sitting rooms and dining rooms when it comes to seating chose heavier upholstery to achieve a classy look.

The Hollywood sofa from Barker and Stonehouse – www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk – is perfect to instantly add some allure to a room.

Pick solid darker wood for tables and cabinets and for the floor go with a thick cream carpet, wood or tiles.

For optimum glamour accessorise to the max! Go for a sheepskin or faux fur rug on the floor and copious amounts of sophisticated cushions.

Use lots of candles of different sizes on windowsills, fireplaces and side tables.

Lighting has a big effect on a room.

As well as the many candles, go for stylish up-lighters and vase-style lamps and of course go for chandelier ceiling lighting if you can get away with it.

These look especially stunning in a hallway or hung above the table in a dining room.

Chandeliers give instant wow factor, especially when it’s the first thing guests see.

Pull together the whole look with a large bouquet of fresh flowers in the centre of the room.

A mass of white lilies looks really good and also brings a lovely fresh fragrance to the room. So if it’s a graceful, glamorous look your after - get shopping. Such elegant styling is unlikely to come cheap but once done you can be guaranteed your house will look a million dollars.