How to create an at-home glam room fit for the stars: from Mariah Carey’s luxury beauty suite to Rihanna’s blend of trendy and bold, and Kylie Jenner’s Barbie-themed haven

Jan 22 , 2025

Kylie Jenner opts for bold choice in her glam room decor. Photo: Handout

Once a lipstick pit stop, this is now a full-blown curated retreat with immaculate lighting, luxury trimmings and dedicated storage, where getting ready is a ritual

There’s something undeniably alluring about a room designed purely for getting glammed up. Glam rooms strike a balance between practicality and luxury, with just the right amount of vanity (in the best way). What once was a quick pit stop for a swipe of lipstick has evolved into a curated retreat, where flawless lighting, impeccable organisation and a much-needed escape from everyday chaos take centre stage. Honestly, who wouldn’t want their own private haven to start – or end – the day?

Khloé Kardashian in her glam room. Photo: Handout

No one does glam rooms quite like the Kardashians. Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, these spaces have become full-on beauty sanctuaries for the sisters. Every detail is meticulously considered, from custom storage to lighting that’s practically red-carpet-ready. Bullard’s expertise shines in Khloé Kardashian’s glam room, where mirrored walls capture every angle, and a bulb-lined vanity ensures a Hollywood-level glow. Then there’s Kylie Jenner, the queen of bold choices – her glam space features US$20,000 worth of Barbie prints, neon signs and lipstick-coloured wallpaper. It’s eclectic, playful and unmistakably Kylie.

A glam room in one of Mariah Carey’s old houses. Photo: Handout

But the Kardashians didn’t start the glam room revolution. Celebrities like Mariah Carey have been turning wardrobes into luxury beauty suites for decades. With rows of clothes, a spacious multi-mirrored set-up and a trove of make-up, Carey’s glam room feels more like a luxury suite than just a place to get ready. On the other hand, celebrities like Demi Lovato are pushing the boundaries of what these spaces can be. Her glam room features bold statement pieces like a Gustaf Westman Curvy Mirror and a Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy, showcasing her eye for incorporating fun design elements.

The pandemic further fuelled the trend as homes began serving multiple functions. What was once an A-list luxury has now become a must-have for influencers and YouTubers, whose on-camera presence is part of their brand. Hong Kong-based Chester Tsung, Huda Beauty’s country manager, believes the key to any glam room is harmony. “Strike a balance between sophistication and simplicity. Decor that delivers your personality; a fine carpet under an ornate sofa, or a scent that calms and soothes,” he suggests.

The right sort of lighting is an important factor, as Paris Hilton proves in her glam room. Photo: Handout

When it comes to lighting, there’s one golden rule: it’s everything. “For me, the style of a glam room can follow personal preferences, but the most crucial elements are lighting and mirrors,” says Phoenix Mok, Nars Hong Kong lead artist. “I prefer a Hollywood-style mirror with bulbs around it, allowing for a more flawless and perfect make-up application.” Bad lighting makes for instant make-up disaster – think unsightly shadows and patchy foundation. The Kardashian glam rooms are known for their lighting set-ups, with diffused light hitting both sides of the face equally.

Long beauty sessions demand seating that’s as comfortable as it is chic. A well-designed seating area not only enhances the room’s aesthetic but also transforms getting ready into a luxurious ritual. And let’s not forget what’s underfoot. “A tasteful carpet changes everything; it can easily strike a balance between sophistication and simplicity,” says Tsung.

But beyond seating and decor, what truly sets a celebrity-level glam room apart is custom storage. Gone are the days of tossing beauty products into random drawers. Everything has its place, from perfectly sized compartments for lipsticks to dedicated slots for mascara. This meticulous organisation keeps things tidy and elevates the space to the level of a high-end beauty boutique.