Image Credit: Sofology
Strictly is back! 10 ways to bring razzle-dazzle into your interiors
Cue the band and bring on the sequins, Strictly Come Dancing is back, which means our Saturday nights are officially spoken for until Christmas.
From now on, you’ll find us hunkering down on the sofa, arguing over who’s given a ‘4’ to the trying-their-best underdog (Craig, we’re looking at you!), willing our faves to avoid the dreaded dance-off and waiting for that first perfect 10 – all while counting down to the annual pilgrimage to Blackpool.
Because as the nights draw in, there’s something wonderfully comforting about our fave celebrity dance show bringing a little sparkle to the weekend.
“Strictly is pure escapism,” says Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors.
“Jewel colours, sumptuous velvet, sparkling surfaces and flattering lighting.
“At this time of year that combination of warmth and theatre feels especially inviting.
“It makes Saturday night feel like an occasion, even in your pyjamas.”
Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys, agrees there’s something about the show that feels especially comforting right now.
“Strictly gives us a little glitz just when we’re craving warmth and cosiness at home,” she explains.
“That combination of luxury and comfort is exactly why the show’s aesthetic resonates so strongly with interiors lovers at this time of year.”
But the razzle-dazzle doesn’t have to stay on screen.
While a totally Strictly-themed living room might be taking things a paso doble too far, there are plenty of ways to bring a little of the show’s fabulousness into your decor, darling!
“When people think of the Strictly look, they often picture sequins, glitter balls and dramatic stage lighting, but the real inspiration comes from balancing those statement elements with rich textures and inviting spaces,” Victoria advises.
“It’s about creating a home that feels elegant and theatrical without losing that relaxed, lived-in feeling.”
Think less dance studio, more mambo magic: a touch of Art Deco glamour, clever mood lighting, fabulous fringing, flashes of metallic and yep, even a glitter ball – albeit a suitably bougie one.
So fluff up the cushions, dim the lights and get ready to give your home a little cha-cha-chic. Oh and of course, ‘Keep dancing’…
Introduce a little Art Deco
Take your cue from the glamour of the Strictly ballroom and introduce a dollop of Art Deco.
Think scalloped shapes, velvet, jewel tones and gleaming brass – all the drama and decadence of Saturday night, but considerably easier to live with come Sunday morning.
Kris Manalo, head of design at Atkin and Thyme, suggests introducing elements of Art Deco styling through rich colours, luxurious textures and distinctive finishes.
“There is something so decadent about the Art Deco era that will instantly give your home a more glamorous feel, without making it feel overly themed,” she advises.
“Warm metal accents such as brass or copper can be paired with a plush velvet fabric to create a space that feels intimate and inviting.”
Kunal suggests looking for curved furniture, fan shapes, fluted glass and antique brass in your search to add to Deco touches.
“An arched mirror or sculptural wall light can bring ballroom elegance into an everyday room,” he adds.
“Walnut, brass and deep plum velvet make a particularly gorgeous combination.”
Create drama through layered lighting
Lighting plays a starring role in creating Strictly’s sense of drama, and it can do much the same at home.
Swap one harsh overhead light for layers of lamps, sconces and pools of warm light to give your room a suitably show-stopping glow.
“Much of the glamour of the Strictly ballroom comes from its lighting,” explains Caroline Montague, an interior designer and owner of Villa Sartiano.
“At home, I would avoid trying to replicate the stage lighting and instead create a more dramatic atmosphere through multiple sources of softer light.”
She suggests layering ceiling lights, wall lights and table lamps, considering different intensities of light for different parts of the room.
“Lower pools of light around seating can create a much more intimate atmosphere,” she continues.
“I wouldn’t try to light every corner equally, as allowing some areas to remain darker creates contrast and gives the room a greater sense of drama.”
According to Kunal concealed, dimmable warm white LEDs beneath shelving will also help to create a gentle glow.
“Add table lamps at different heights and avoid bright reflections on the television,” he adds.
“You want an inviting atmosphere with a little theatre.”
Kris also suggests allowing your ceiling light to take centre stage.
“Opt for something bold, that grabs attention and adds drama to the room,” she says.
“A crystal chandelier can create a similar feel to a glitterball, adding a touch of glamour and opulence while also being a timeless and stylish addition to the room.
“The way the light shines through the crystal is quite beautiful; the polished surfaces act as tiny mirrors, bouncing the light back and forth and projecting beams of light in different directions.”
Look to old-world ballrooms, not dance studios
For a nod to Strictly that doesn’t feel too literal, forgo mirrored dance studios and take your cues from the grand ballrooms that inspired all that glitz and glamour.
Think decorative mouldings, sweeping curves, statement chandeliers, parquet flooring and just a flash of gold.
“I wouldn’t go for obvious dancing references or novelty decor, as I think a themed room would date rather quickly,” explains Caroline.
“What actually makes Strictly appealing is its sense of glamour and occasion, not the recognisable props.”
To translate that vibe into the home, she suggests looking to the interiors of traditional ballrooms for inspiration, perhaps introducing an antique or vintage mirror to bring a little grandeur to the room, or a chandelier for a more theatrical touch.
“One or two characterful pieces, such as an elegant armchair with a curved silhouette or a piece of furniture in a rich, dark timber, can sit beautifully alongside more contemporary pieces,” she adds.
Glitter ball, but make it bougie
Nothing says Strictly quite like a glitterball, but bringing the sparkle home doesn’t have to mean hanging one above the sofa.
Mirrored finishes, antiqued glass, crystal, metallic accents and other light-catching surfaces can deliver the same twinkle in a more sophisticated way – although a well-placed disco ball can look surprisingly chic.
Kunal suggests treating a single glitter ball as a sculptural object, positioned where daylight can catch it.
For subtler sparkle, he suggests incorporating an antiqued mirrored tray or smoked glass table. “Surround reflective pieces with matte finishes so they feel special,” he adds.
Debbie Leigh, design manager, at ILIV, says fabrics with a subtle sheen can catch the light beautifully and add a touch of glamour without feeling too obvious.
“Try them on cushions, blinds or curtains for a softer take on the look,” she suggests.
Caroline recommends knowing when to stop when it comes to the sparkle.
“A few reflective details can bring a subtle sense of glamour to a room, but if every surface is competing to catch the light, the effect can quickly become overwhelming,” she explains.
Bring on the tassels and feathers
If there’s one thing the Strictly wardrobe department understands, it’s the power of a good embellishment.
Take your cue from the costumes and bring in tassels, fringing and decorative trims on cushions, lampshades and upholstery for a little extra movement and flair.
“A fringed footstool or tasselled cushion adds personality,” explains Kunal.
“Keep trims close to the upholstery colour for sophistication.
“Feather inspired embroidery brings a softer touch of theatricality without overwhelming the room.”
Use rich colours and texture
Strictly isn’t exactly known for playing it safe, and your colour palette needn’t either.
Rich jewel tones teamed with tactile velvet, satin and plush textures will bring some of the ballroom’s sumptuous glamour home.
For a nod to the show’s bold hues Caroline recommends tapping into deep, saturated colours such as burgundy, plum and warm gold.
“These tones can work particularly well at this time of year, bringing greater warmth and depth to a room as we move into autumn,” she explains.
But, as Caroline points out, colour is not the only way to create richness; texture can do some of the work.
“Adding a deep plum velvet throw or a burgundy silk cushion can bring a more tactile quality to a room, giving a subtle nod to the richness and theatricality of the Strictly ballroom,” she explains.
“I would use these touches selectively, particularly against creams and warm neutral furniture, where the richer colours and textures have room to stand out.”
Carve out a cocktail corner
Strictly is Saturday-night entertainment at its most glamorous, so why not make an occasion of it?
A well-styled drinks trolley or cocktail corner brings a little after-dark sparkle to your scheme and ensures refreshments are close at hand when the scores come in.
“Nothing says glamour like a cocktail bar, and drinks trolleys are seeing a real revival this year,” explains Kris.
“They make the perfect addition to a lounge area as we head into autumn, or ‘Strictly season’, as they feel so sociable and welcoming.”
Kris suggests opting for a retro trolley design.
“Or, if you’d rather be able to tuck away your glassware, a drinks cabinet in a warm wood finish is a stylish and versatile option,” she adds.
Choose one theatrical statement
If you want to be bolder and bring in a little more of Strictly’s theatricality, Caroline recommends choosing a single statement piece to become the focal point of the room.
“This could be floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains, an ornate mirror, a chair upholstered in a rich fabric or even a dramatic piece of artwork.
“I would stick to just one,” she continues.
“A strong focal point can bring a sense of drama while still allowing the room to feel sophisticated.
“If several elements are all trying to take centre stage, the room can quickly begin to feel too busy or overly themed.”
Introduce a floor made for dancing
The focal point of Strictly is, of course, watching the celebrities show off their dance moves, with the polished wooden floor becoming almost as recognisable as the routines themselves.
But you can recreate some of that look with the right wooden or wood effect flooring.
“Engineered Wood flooring is a particularly practical choice as we move into autumn,” explains Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets and Floors.
“With wetter weather, muddy paths and leaves becoming part of everyday life, flooring is likely to see more dirt and moisture being brought in on shoes.
“Wood flooring is relatively easy to wipe clean and, with the right finish and regular care, can be a practical option for busy households during the wetter months.”
From an interior’s perspective, Johanna says the earthy tones found in natural wood can also bring an instant sense of warmth to a room.
“As we naturally start looking to make our homes feel cosier, wood flooring provides a warm foundation that works particularly well with autumnal shades such as rust, olive green, burgundy, chocolate brown and cream.”
If Strictly has really inspired you to give dancing a go, Graeme Shelley, managing director at Factory Direct Flooring says LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) not only look the part, but are also super hardwearing and great for shimmying around on.
“AC5-rated laminate also has excellent scratch resistance, and comes in a huge range of styles that look perfectly at home in a living room and can handle a spontaneous samba session,” he explains.
If you want to perfect your salsa Graeme says sound-reducing underlays are well worth the investment.
“Our premium sound reduction underlay is made from heavy duty rubber which can dampen noise by up to 26 decibels, so you can stomp around without worrying about your neighbours,” he adds.
Lean into the cosiness
Strictly season is essentially an invitation to make staying in the new going out, so give your viewing set-up the VIP treatment with soft throws, plump cushions and plenty of sink-in comfort.
“Start with the sofa, as this is likely to become the main viewing spot,” suggests Johanna.
“Layering different textures is an easy way to make it feel instantly more inviting.
“Think chunky knitted or brushed throws, plush cushions, velvet or boucle textures and softer fabrics that you can reach for when the temperature drops.”
Rather than buying a matching set, she suggests mixing a few different materials that complement each other and the space to create a more relaxed, lived-in look.
And be brave with colour too. “Burgundy, aubergine or deep teal will enrich a neutral sofa,” Kunal advises.
“Dim the lights, draw the curtains and make your own seat the best in the house.”
Want more inspiration? Read: The Gentlemen is back! 11 ways to steal its country-house style and BookTok interiors: 7 ways to get the library chic look at home. And check out Greek chic: 10 ways to get The Odyssey look at home.
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