A private garden, let alone a modest balcony, is a luxury when youre living in Paris. You will never see a bloated sectional dominating a Paris studio apartment or an oversized refrigerator taking up precious space in a tiny kitchen. Are you a lover of French style but feel that you prefer a more relaxed look? Parisian style decor is synonymous with elegance and cosmopolitanism. To this day, French girls love to add the formal-meets-casual chair in their homes. As I previously mentioned, white can instantly brighten up a small, dull space, and it works in almost any bedroom. Embracing wall space is key to Parisian design, insists Pierre Frey. 'The reality of home offices today - certainly in Paris - is that people are not looking to replicate their corporate offices. Check out this article from Apartment Therapy on 6 tulip tables for less for inspiration. 'The marble brings richness and presence to the space; the terrazzo flooring serves as an accent; the copper taps and cabinet handles highlight the other materials while delivering a sense of warmth.' Another option is to search your local thrift stores and antique shops. They are defin, Monochromatic colour schemes Black and White, Don't design your curtains without this one thing, Why you should be decorating with warm neutrals, How to achieve a classic neutral exterior, How to find the right white for your exterior, How to select the right grey for your exterior, A foundation colour palette of black, cool whites and grey, Simple curtains hung above the top of the window, close to the ceiling, Panelled internal doors with generous architraves and skirting boards, Elegant non-matching furniture with occasional antique items. This way you can pin down the exact style that you like and that suits your home and way of living. Although you might not find apartments with elegant molding and parquet floors depending on your city, there are several key elements of French contemporary style that you can implement in any space. Livingetc is supported by its audience. Sophisticated and elegant, this look, which belongs to the salons of one of the world's most beautiful cities, is timeless. This is also a really good way to introduce some understated greyed down colour. Parquet flooring laid in a herringbone pattern is the best way to recreate this style in your home. Haussmann's typical apartment buildings are dotted around the French capital, from the Latin Quarter all the way up to the 18th arrondissement in the north. In this example from Humbert & Poyet (opens in new tab), a Monaco-based studio consisting of local Monegasque Christophe Poyet and Parisian Emil Humbert, the Asterios ceiling lamp marries bold geometry and frosted glasswork, shining a light on the countertop. Parisians never give in to the idea that comfort alone is enough of a virtue to justify keeping an ugly sofa or buying a utilitarian bed frame that merely does the job. Design: Humbert & Poyet), (Image credit: Thibault Pousset. For the French girl, minimal attention is paid to decorating the bedroom asshe opts for an uncomplicated look. The citys arrondissements are home to opulent apartments characterized by tall ceilings patterned with ornate ceiling roses, marble fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that are flung open to reveal panoramic views. This sparkly lighting option can pair beautifully with contemporary decor. It can be an eclectic style, and anything with a lovely patina will work. Whether it is a piece of furniture, an occasional chair or a mirror, without it you won't achieve the style. Previously, she worked on a London property title, producing long-read interiors features, style pages and conducting interviews with a range of famous faces from the UK interiors scene, from Kit Kemp to Robert Kime. If you want a cool grey for your roof, gutters or, Do you love a classic Hamptons style for your home, You can update a bathroom by adding furniture and. Naturally, French-girl style extends to their home dcor. Good quality is the key to this look so buy the best that you can afford and introduce it judiciously. If you can find an antique one with the original mercury glass intact, thats even better! Certainly, a flush door does not look right for this style. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. 'Our designs are strongly influenced by the vivid colours and curved shapes of the Memphis movement with a reminiscence of Art Deco flair, paying particular attention to the interplay of precious textures and materials,'say Raphal Le Berre and Thomas Vevaud of Le Berre Vevaud. Even this basic pendant lamp shade from Ikea can work in a French contemporary space. Stack them on the floor by your bedside or nonchalantly on bookshelves (horizontally and vertically) mixed in with vases, leaning art, and other bric-a-brac. Grey plays a large role in Parisian style. Resist the urge to refinish secondhand items or vintage pieces with a well-earned patina and dont insist that everything in your house be shiny and new. Parisian style decor is adored the world round. 'A large gold leaf mirror is quintessentially French. This is not a style for a jumble of wonderful colour. Though Parisian design represents a wide spectrum of styles, there's a certain look that comes to mind when thinking about properties in Paris. On the contrary, a quiet nook is sufficient and does not interfere with the flow of the interior living space. You may love this style but are possibly disheartened as you can't see how this can be translated to your suburban home. Parisians dont obsess over thread count but keep it simple with chicly rumpled natural linens that look great no matter how unmade the bed. And of course there is no shame in paying homage to the city's most famous landmark with an Eiffel Tower statue, photo or wall mural to summon a Paris view. ', Yves Delorme (opens in new tab) is a French luxury linen brand that also has quality and natural fibres as a core focus. Its about carving out a space in your apartment that serves its purpose while it works for your overall interior. Were always about connecting with Mother Nature, says Richard Boyle, CEO of Fremaux Delorme. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. love it. Refrain from too many loud pieces in your space as well. Unless of course you have a cosy attic space looking out onto the rooftops. Another key interior aesthetic that is distinctly Parisian is the way interior designers merge practicality with aesthetic appeal. Think about how you live in a space 90% of the time and design around those needs. From plates, bowls, and jugsvintage prints such as toile and shabby chic florals add that French flea market feel to your table. Dont worry about hiding every visible computer cable or electrical wire. French girls love to add texture and color to their apartments with a large, chic antique-looking Persian rug. For example, an elaborate chandelier over a modern dining table is considered quite chic. If panelling is too hard to install in your home, I recommend considering the internal doors that you use and opting for ones with some panelling. One of my favorite places to buy high quality bedding at over half-off traditional retail is Quince. Its a coveted look that is made possible by the architecture of the city, the wide boulevards designed by urban architect, Haussmann, who came to the city and redesigned its narrow medieval streets into something grand, a playground for the flaneur and a brand new landscape to be painted by the newly formed Impressionist artists of the late 19th century. The result is simple, elegant and refined. It is beyond trends instead a mood, a feeling. There is also a playfulness that Parisian design welcomes whether its using a graphic wallpaper on the ceiling or painting the original Louis XVI paneling in a daring color, says Kathryn Ivey. 28 Chic and Timeless French Country Style Kitchens, 53 Small Kitchen Ideas That Prove That Less Is More, The Quick Guide to Every Major Decorating Style. Velvet is one fabric that you can find in almost any chic Parisian apartment. It brings an elegance to a home.'. Published 31 July 22, These are the best bathroom colors for a stylish, relaxing space, according to interior designers. I love the different shades of gray used by Paris-based interior designer Anne-Sophie Pailleret in this romantic and contemporary Parisian apartment. Mirrors, in particular, can bring an ornate element to a space and add a touch of understated glamour. You may have noticed that we are major Francophiles over here at Who What Wear. Its celebrating and maintaining the beautiful, historical bones of a building and then juxtaposing the ornate architectural details with furnishings and finishes that are more contemporary and rooted in early 20th and mid-century furniture. Decorating your home like a Parisian might seem like a challenge if youre not living in the City of Lights, but achieving French apartment style is actually much easier than it looks. This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you want to add some color to your walls, go for beige, cream or gray paint. Instead, balance velvet with simple fabrics like linen. Add a bouquet of fresh flowers on your living room table. Relaxed and casual linen. The table sits on a Le Berre Vevaud wool-and-viscose rug. This really isn't a laid-back provincial style but one that is very sophisticated and a touch of crystal is usually evident. Black, white and grey are perennial favourites in the decorating stakes and the basis for a classic Parisian decorating style. If you are looking for a warm grey for your roof, I love a Queenslander home and this one renovated, Is Coastal style the look that you love? Whites should contain some grey. You can easily find more affordable versions of these famous styles online. Youre more likely to find a gold mirror with a vintage charm and at a lower price. Parisian Decorating Style 7 steps to achieve this look. Spruce it up your cozy outdoor space with some comfortable pillows and a small vase of flowers. A contemporary sofa, perhaps in a stunning bright accent colour, can sit happily next to an antique piece of furniture. Unfortunately, these details are difficult to find outside of Paris where these key Haussmannian architecture elements were popular during the construction of the city. Let me show you how to recreate this look in your home. ', 'Once you have the beautiful mirror and chandelier, mix it with contemporary pieces. A home should never have a fixed style but be a work in progress that changes along with your life. For most of us though, this is just a romantic dream and our homes are likely to have standard size windows. How I Moved to France (and How You Can Too), Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in France, how this architectural style transformed Frances capital city, romantic and contemporary Parisian apartment. Be careful not to overdo it with velvet as it can easily make your space feel outdated. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Designed by Vanessa Scoffier, the rooms at Paris Hotel Henriette beautifully epitomize the modern aesthetic of a Parisian apartment by using simple materials, bold dashes of color, strong graphics and vintage pieces to maximize design in a small space. Instead of trying to change the architecture, focus on the decorating tips below to create a Parisian atmosphere. Just like a body should be dressed with clothes that fit and flatter, a rooms shape, character and history is the starting point of any good design. If you dont have a French grandmother or access to Paris flea markets, incorporate antiques and vintage pieces sourced online. Don't be. Why do Parisian apartments feel charmingly antiquated, yet simultaneously contemporary and chic? I love the unexpected use of a bamboo pendant lamp in this eclectic Parisian home. Its about a call for nature in terms of warming up your interior and making it more welcoming. If youre looking for a more modest lighting fixture, try clean, modern options. Scroll through any French influencer's Instagram and you'll spot a statement trendy velvet sofa, which lends a hint of opulence and sophistication to any space. Balance is key when it comes to curating your home like a Parisian. Follow Making your HOME beautiful on Instagram. Ornate metal and glass side tables will also complete the look. So how do we emulate that aesthetic in our own homes? Oonagh is a content editor at Livingetc.com. However, if your future adobe is not in Paris, you can still add French flair to any space with my tips below, Frenchify your Life with These Amazon Buys Pt. One element of French contemporary style is mixing bolder, detailed pieces with simpler, cleaner items. If you dont want to invest in expensive velvet furniture, consider a pair of colorful velvet pillows to liven up your home. Parisian apartments rarely include can ceiling lights or dimmers; instead they use a multitude of light sources to create different atmospheres and moods, mixing table lamps, task lights, floor lamps, wall sconces and candlelight in all four corners of a room for balance. Don't be tempted to buy furniture that all matches. Think wildflowers of all different varieties or go for of-the-moment dried plants (almost dead plants) for a very French-girl vibe. Key to Parisian decor is the celebration of the old and new in the same setting - embracing the ornate ceiling roses, the look and feel of an older apartment, but mixing it with the new and the contemporary. With so many elements to the Parisian apartment, it is easy to overdo your space with too many items. You can download it for free here. It's a statement investment piece we've seen on practically every fashionable girl's Instagram. If you want to add some color, try a bold accent pillow or a textured throw blanket. Im Samantha, a colour professional and designer. If you do have a home with high ceilings in a classic style then you may be able to include some floor to ceiling wall panelling. Highlight whats special about your space. If you want to know more about the history of Pariss historic Haussmannian apartment buildings, check out how this architectural style transformed Frances capital city.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'lilycherie_com-box-4','ezslot_3',113,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-lilycherie_com-box-4-0')}; If youre searching for a new apartment to go with a French contemporary style, look at older spaces with more character. If you are starting from scratch and don't like timber floors then a pale grey tile would be my choice. commission from the retailer or it may be a product that we produce Even if youre not living in a tiny Parisian apartment, avoid cluttering your home with knick-knacks and useless items. French contemporary style borrows from different styles, blending modern elements with traditional design. There are many architectural features that are ideal for creating the perfect French-inspired space: an antique fireplace, parquet wood floors, high ceilings and applied molding. If you dont have any luck in store, sites like 1stDibs and Chairish offer a selection of antique French mirrors, but they are usually more expensive. Parquet wood floors and applied molding are two particular elements that are relatively easy to add to your space. A quintessentially French way to light your apartment is with a chandelier. So many people realise that sitting in your living room for months at a time looking at your white walls, they want to have a more comfortable and welcoming interior. Design: Stephanie Coutas), (Image credit: Francis Amiand. (Image credit: Stephan Julliard. Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. Or a soft pale grey can be introduced on the walls and panelling or for architraves and doors. The more undone the better. ', Next, a crystal chandelier. I love the pops of green with the white bedding in this Parisian bedroom. Choose linen in subdued tones such as white, beige, blush, sage green, and gray. Its about mixing the family furniture, mixing it with antique dealing and finding flea market finds for a reasonable price mixed with high-end pieces. The appeal of Parisian style is that if you get the basics right you can then make it look more traditional or contemporary depending upon your personal taste. Design: Le Berre Vevaud), (Image credit: Idha Lindhag. People want workspaces that are in harmony with the rest of the apartment.'. Celebrate the beauty of everyday objects like tableware and bath linens and dont hide away all of your books or restrict yourself to art that matches your color scheme. However, don't despair if you love this look but have a tiled floor as you can use rugs to zone areas. A typical Parisian style apartment would have generous, tall windows. 2, A Day in the Life of an American in France, I Tried Living Like a Stereotypical French Girl. 1, Frenchify your Life with These Amazon Buys Pt. Dont stick to one style but aim for a more lived-in, eclectic atmosphere that feels assembled over time. In small, Parisian apartments where its sometimes difficult to get any sunlight, light-reflecting white walls do wonders for brightening up a space. What is the fabric of choice for bedspreads and curtains in Parisian apartments? When I talk about Parisian interiors I think about textures and comfort more than anything else and even more than ever people are asking for textures - mohair and jacquard, wool and linen, because sustainable living is in the mind of everybody,' says Pierre Frey of Pierre Frey Paris (opens in new tab), a design brand specializing in fabrics. A chic introduction of a pink velvet chair or an emerald green lounge is certainly not out of place. Thanks for reading. I have an entire post on How I Moved to France (and How You Can Too). The ideal Paris apartment melds iconic character and elegance with practical luxury, making one feel transported, yet completely at home.. Visit our corporate site.