Glam on a Budget—Blogger Ashley Luengo’s Tips and Home Tour

glam dining room
Photography by Ashley Luengo
TCJ: On that note, you’ve been in this home for about eight years. Has your style changed at all over the years?

AL: Yes! Not only is my current style so different than it was eight years ago but my style is constantly evolving. I am always getting inspired from people and places around me. Each time I see something I love, I take a picture, and if it works in my home, eventually it will impact the way my home looks.

TCJ: We like to think of you as an expert on glam. So, tell us, what are some easy ways to give your home that elegant and glamorous look without breaking the bank?

AL: Keep things simple. Adding some glam to your space doesn’t have to cost a lot. If you keep your décor simple and add in a few pops of gold through accessories, the whole feel will be elevated!

TCJ: We saw that your summer home style consisted of a lot of blue and pink, a trend that we’ve been loving! What do you have on your trend radar for your fall décor?

AL: I am already planning out my fall décor, and there is still a lot of blue and pink, but the hues are getting richer. Dark navy, plums, and blush pinks will definitely be happening!

Glam coffee cart
Photo: Modern Glam
TCJ: We’ve noticed that you’re a huge fan of bar carts. What are your best tips for creating the ultimate bar cart style that’s both practical and beautiful?

AL: My bar cart is one of my most favorite pieces in my home. I love to use it in so many ways. Last fall, I created a Fall Farmhouse Coffee Bar, and during Thanksgiving, I love to use it as a serving piece to hold the desserts. For the everyday, it holds all the bar essentials. I like to gather the liquor on a metallic tray, have a set of glasses for mixing drinks, and a few recipe books for cocktail inspiration! One of the best accessories, no matter the use, is a plant or fresh flowers. This brings life to the space!

Glam pink master bedroom
Photography by Ashley Luengo
TCJ: Your paint and furniture are pretty neutral, but you mix and match a lot of different textures, patterns, and colors in your accent pieces. What’s your secret to keeping a cohesive look when doing this?

AL: The key to keeping the look cohesive is to stick with three main colors. These colors should be repeated throughout the space but sparingly. Don’t go overboard. And it’s also important to add patterns and lots of texture. Patterns will break up the monotony of solid colors. I love to mix stripes with florals. Textures (whether it be through different fabrics or materials) add dimension to the space without competing with the colors. A great way to add texture is with baskets and blankets.

TCJ: Your style is pretty true to your blog name—a lot of glam with a touch of modern. How do you balance creating a fun, glam, bright space with keeping the room comfortable for your husband?

AL: Luckily, my husband doesn’t mind pink. And I think because most of the décor is pretty neutral, the few pink accessories (pillows and art) don’t bother him. After all, our bedroom is pink, too!

glam backyard
Photography by Ashley Luengo
TCJ: Your home is very cottage style—extra cozy, as we like to say! One way that you’ve made practical use of your small space is by having your home office in your master bedroom. What are some other ways you’ve made the most of the space you have?

AL: Since we live in the Bay Area and square footage is a rarity, I love having outdoor spaces that extend our living space. We spend a ton of time in our backyard and on our front porch. We have also reutilized our side yard. What was once a sloped space that was overgrown by weeds, we transformed into a great spot for entertaining, complete with two raised bed planters that we grow vegetables in year-round.