Menu
Log In

5 Ways to Bring Parisian Style Into Your Home

From traditional French boudoirs to more minimalist abodes and bohemian living rooms, there are easy ways to inject a little je ne sais quoi into your interiors.

Whether your inspiration is Emily in Paris or the films of Jean Luc Godard, there’s no denying that Parisian interiors have a certain je ne sais quoi. From traditional French boudoirs that resemble the painterly dwellings of the Palace of Versailles to more minimalist abodes or bohemian mid-century living rooms, there are easy ways to inject a Parisian touch, even if the Eiffel Tower is nowhere to be seen.

Read on for our tips for emulating the French home decor aesthetic at home.

1. C’est Antique

The trick to mastering Parisian interior design is the clever pairing of old and new. Much like Parisian fashion features a mix of thrifted and luxury pieces, the home is much the same. Look to furniture brands that offer a vintage aesthetic and will bring a sense of charm to the home. For boho rattan details, House Doctor, Bloomingville and Madam Stoltz offer side tables, chairs and shelving. For a more luxe abode, Broste Copenhagen’s velvet armchairs offer a touch of mid-century modern. 

Shop furniture

2. Pass The Paints

When decorating, Parisian interiors err on the side of neutral. Pantone’s Colour of the Year is unlikely to make it onto the living room walls. Opt for a contemporary white or beige base that can be built upon. For highly pigmented rustic colours, Annie Sloan’s chalk paint is the go-to. You can bring subtle elements of colour into the decor and soft furnishings to showcase your personality. Rich jewel tones tend to be favoured for their timelessness. However, a vintage orange mushroom lamp always looks good as long as it’s balanced. Try to stick to a slim colour palette with just a couple of accent tones to maintain finesse.

Shop Annie Sloan

3. Light Years

Parisian architecture is known for its high ceilings, in true Hausmann style. Naturally, Parisians want to make a feature out of it. Forget tiny spotlights: it’s the bigger, the better when it comes to ceiling lighting. Traditionalists would opt for a beaming chandelier that exudes vintage Parisian charm. However, we needn’t take the inspiration too literally. A large rattan lampshade will add a 1960s boho feel while HAY’s rice paper shade will feel fresh and contemporary. Make your space feel warm and inviting with a floor or table lamp to complement the main ceiling affair. A yellow hued bulb will create a cosy feel.

Shop lighting

4. Year Round Blooms

Florals aren’t just for spring, in fact they’re synonymous with Parisian interior design. Taking cue from vintage Chateaus and their regional cottagecore design, botanical accents are common across Parisian homes. For an instant mood boost, keep dried flowers from Berylune or Catkin & Pussywillow in a statement vase in various points of the home - dining table, coffee table, sideboard and bedside table will emit a pleasant aroma and add a flurry of colour. Hand-painted flowers on ceramics and chintzy soft furnishings such as cushions and throws will add a grown-up vintage feel.

Shop the spring edit

5. Keep It French

What makes Parisian interior design so appealing? The French brands. In almost every apartment, you’ll spot a Diptyque diffuser or anything from Merci Paris, all design classics for a reason. For decadent candles, look to Cire Trudon, officially the oldest candle manufacturer in the world. With an authentically French gold emblem, the candles are poured in Normandy. For boho meets cottagecore soft accents, Maison de Vacances have an offering of rattan lighting and scatter cushions adorned in gingham and floral motifs. A Trouva favourite, Vaisselle’s founder, Léa, is French but based in London. With her collection of hand painted check ceramics in a vibrant, feminine colour palette, your tablescape will emit Parisian charm.


Reviews.co.uk Trusted Site