Transforming your home into a Parisian-inspired interior involves recreating the timeless elegance, charm, and sophisticated simplicity that Parisians are famous for. Almost everyone is familiar with the iconic Hausmmann architecture in Paris, but even the most humble spaces have a timeless chic that is typical of the Paris style.
Embrace this look by combining modern and classic pieces to achieve a balance of luxurious elegance and understated chic. Parisians have a plethora of furniture and decor options, ranging from expensive antique stores to numerous street markets and vintage stores. Nailing the casual yet elegant look can sometimes be as simple as making thoughtful design choices, paying attention to detail, and combining textures and colors harmoniously. So while you may not have a special place on the left bank of the Seine, by decorating your space with quintessentially Parisian style, you can recreate the allure of the City of Light right in your own home.
Parisian style always appears effortless, whether it is in fashion or home design. Use these ideas to achieve the simple yet elegant interior style that Parisians are famous for.
Highlight Architectural Details
Many of the Parisian apartments featured on social media have stunning architectural details such as tall windows, intricate wall and ceiling molding, herringbone wood floors, and marble fireplaces. These striking architectural features give Parisian apartments an advantage when it comes to decorating a chic space. Those who are fortunate enough to have architectural details in their home can highlight them and make them a focal point in their interior.
If your home interior design lacks interesting architectural details, consider adding them. Crown molding, wainscoting, ceiling medallions, decorative beams, and stone mantles can give your room depth and a distinctive look that no amount of decorating can match.
A Focus on Natural Light
In Parisian homes, natural light is a treasured element that profoundly influences the atmosphere and ambience. Large windows, which are a staple in elegant Parisian apartments, are often left either uncovered or adorned with minimal window coverings to maximize the amount of sunlight coming into the room. This emphasis on natural light gives the room an airy and spacious appearance while also highlighting its architectural details. Parisian homes have a strong connection to the outside world because they prioritize natural light and views.
You can achieve this look by prioritizing windows in your own home. If leaving them uncovered is not an option due to privacy concerns, choose sheer curtains or window panels that can be pulled back to completely uncover the window during the day.
A Mix of Antique and Modern
The iconic Parisian home features a gorgeous mix of antique and modern pieces blended seamlessly to create a space that is timeless and unique. Parisians achieve this look by combining pieces that have modern, sleek lines with traditional antiques and vintage pieces. They balance clean lines with intricate detailing. For example, a modern minimalist sofa might be paired with an ornate, gilded mirror or a rustic coffee table. This curated contrast adds depth and interest to the design.
Consider your personal style when doing this in your own home. If you prefer modern and minimalist pieces, include a few modern statement pieces for the room, such as a sofa, coffee table, or bed with clean and simple lines. Combine these statement pieces with more traditional decor elements, such as a crystal chandelier or a vintage Turkish rug. For those with more traditional tastes, choose classic pieces as focal points and accent them with modern lighting and decor.
Light and Bright Color Palette
The Parisians’ emphasis on light is evident not only in their minimalist window coverings, but also in their preference for light color palettes on the majority of their walls. White or off-white walls are common in Parisian apartment designs. That being said, Parisians are never afraid to embrace color, which they do not only on their walls but also in their furniture and décor.
Because white has been such a popular color in recent interior design styles, there are many excellent white paint colors to choose from, ranging from warm to cool tones. If white is too stark for your home, there are lovely pale grays, beiges, and creams that will give your space a Parisian feel.
Curate Your Interior Spaces Slowly
Many Parisian homes have been designed and decorated over time, giving them an almost innate sense of history and culture. Parisians view home decorating as a process rather than a destination, so they allow the space to evolve naturally over time.
Adopt this strategy in your own home, and resist the urge to finish the space right away. Instead, consider your space and gradually add beautiful pieces as you learn what you like and what works best in your home.
Create a Functional Interior Design
Building a functional but beautiful interior design exemplifies the French love of stylish yet practical designs. Homes are meant to be lived in, so the design should reflect how you use the space.
Begin by prioritizing pieces that are appropriate for the space’s function, whether it is for work or relaxation. Look for pieces with a classic and durable design that can also be used for seating, storage, or surface space. Arrange the room elements in a way that promotes flow throughout the space while also focusing on balance and symmetry.
Add a Gilded Mirror (or Two)
Many historic French apartments featured large mirrors above their marble fireplace mantles. These mirrors exemplify elegant Parisian style and serve as a prominent focal point, instantly enhancing the aesthetic of the room. The mirrors also reflect the natural light that Parisians value so much back into the room.
Look for large mirrors with ornate and intricate frames that have been gilded or painted gold. Hang or lean them in central areas of the room to create a focal point. Mirrors placed above a mantel, console table, or sofa are particularly effective.
Use Luxurious Textiles
Parisians have a flair for using luxury textiles in a way that evokes both sophistication and simplicity. They favor rich fabrics such as velvets, silks, and linens on a variety of surfaces and elements, including upholstery, window coverings, bedding, and textile decor. As always with French style, they balance the opulent fabrics with simple, straight lines.
Consider using these textiles as upholstery for side chairs, bedding, or a sofa in your home. You can never go wrong with a stylish velvet sofa or linen bed textiles. If you have a limited budget, look for decorative accents made from these fabrics, such as throw pillows, blankets, and a small accent chair.
Include a Statement Light Fixture
Ornate crystal chandeliers and ceiling medallions are common features in historic Parisian apartments. Many modern Parisian designers keep the orante ceiling medallions and pair them with modern lighting fixtures. The homeowner can determine the best lighting type for their home; both modern and historic lighting styles work well, but regardless of style, the light should make a statement.
Choose a room where a statement light will serve as a focal point for the design. Select a lighting style that reflects the aesthetic you want to achieve in your space. A crystal chandelier complements both modern and traditional interiors. If your style is more modern, a sleek and sculptural pendant can add a bold, artistic touch to your interior design.
Enliven Your Space With Greenery
Parisian apartment designs prioritize the outdoors through window views and bright sunlight, but many homeowners make a more visible connection by incorporating fresh greenery into their interiors. Parisians often incorporate plants in various forms, from potted plants throughout the home to hanging baskets on porches and elegant vases with fresh flowers.
To begin your own indoor garden, start with a few low-maintenance indoor plants to test your green thumb. Consider snake plants, pothos, and fiddle leaf figs. These are a good place to start because they are both visually appealing and easy to maintain. Fresh flowers are another defining feature of Parisian style. Arrange seasonal blossoms on side tables, countertops, and bedside tables to add flair to your home, celebrate special occasions, or simply treat yourself.
Incorporate Decorative Art
Paris is brimming with decorative art of all kinds, so Parisians enjoy incorporating art into their interior designs to express their individual tastes and interests. They exhibit art in a variety of mediums, such as paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures, to create a dynamic and eclectic display.
To incorporate art into your home, start by selecting art that complements your style, whether traditional, modern, or contemporary. Choose art that is proportional to the room’s size and scale. Consider hanging large pieces above sofas or beds to serve as a focal point, or combine several pieces to create a gallery wall effect. Use three-dimensional decorative objects such as ceramics, sculptures, and artisanal crafts to enhance side tables, coffee tables, and mantelpieces.
