There’s a certain electricity to New York in December — glittering city lights, frosted windows, and apartments that glow from within. If you love the bold, sophisticated spirit of a cosmopolitan nightlife aesthetic, Modern Glam (a polished cousin of contemporary luxury interiors) is the style to try. Below are five practical tips to help you build a modern glam living room that blends NYC apartment style with cozy winter interior design.
1. Build a neutral, structured foundation for contemporary luxury interiors
Start with clean architectural lines and a neutral base: warm white walls, pale plaster or matte paint, and streamlined mid-century or contemporary furniture silhouettes. This minimalist backdrop allows your glam home decor accents to pop — think marble tables, lacquered cabinets, and a sculptural console. A calm foundation is essential for a true modern glam room.
In this example prepared by the Redecor Art Team, you can see how the cabinet and base linen come in neutral colors while the lamp and the wallpapers add those glamorous, shiny touches this style is known for. The pillows are a bold statement piece – the only dark item in this room.
2. Layer luxury textures for depth and comfort
Luxury textures are what make Modern Glam feel rich and lived-in. Combine velvet upholstery, satin cushions, faux fur throws, and silk drapery. A velvet sofa or seating stool is a great base to add textures on later, either with pillows, cushions, or throws. In this example, you can see how the velvet couch provides a neutral but luxurious base to which you can add the right rugs, marble wall, and of course, art.
3. Curate statement decor ideas and art
Choose bold yet refined accents: a large mirrored wall, gilded frames, or a single oversized abstract painting. Mirrors and metallics amplify light and make small apartments feel grand — perfect for NYC apartment style. Keep accessories intentional: a marble tray, sculptural vase, or crystal decanter can read as luxury without clutter. In this example, you can see that this beautiful velvet stool is paired with marble, an elegant rug, and a shiny wallpaper to exude luxury. The mirror is a feature in this room, not an after thought, which is just what we’d like to see.
4. Add seasonal sparkle: winter-friendly touches for Modern Glam
In December, layer seasonal details that elevate the room without overwhelming it. Opt for warm metallic ornaments, velvet ribbon, low-scent candles, and curated greenery. Keep the palette cohesive — gold, deep green, and soft cream — to balance festive sparkle with modern glam restraint. This bedroom evokes an exciting holiday feeling, without being too rustic or overdone. It still feels luxurious with these amazing textiles, pillows and rug. And of course, you can’t forget the dog! He’s our dream Christmas present!
5. Introduce metallic accents with intention
Modern Glam interiors thrive on the perfect balance of shine and sophistication. Mix metals — gold, brass, and chrome — in small doses to bring dimension and warmth. Think brushed gold handles, chrome lamp bases, or a mirrored coffee table to reflect winter light. The trick is to keep the palette cohesive, using metallics as elegant highlights, not overload. In this example, the small metallic accents in the desk and stool are just what’s needed to make the shiny wallpaper pop. Absolutely stunning!
Modern Glam is about confident restraint: select a few high-impact pieces and let them shine. With the right balance in your designs, you’ll bring a New York-style, modern-glam apartment to life this December!
