French style, from fashion to home decor, is considered the most chic for a reason. Whether you prefer rich, Old World decadence or a more modern, understated Parisian feel, the sheer variety of French design guarantees an aesthetic to please everyone’s tastes.
Treat yourself to daily reminders of your time in the City of Light itself, with this guide to infusing your home with Parisian ambience. Ooh la, la indeed!
Photo Credit: Andrew
The French manicure: garden and outdoors
While the formal French style garden is a big ask of any homeowner, certain features can be easily incorporated into your outdoor areas to make a statement. With the emphasis upon precise symmetry and geometric order, the principles of the traditional formal French garden help to integrate the home and the gardens in design.
Meticulously maintained manicured lawns and hedges are a simple way to achieve the look of the French garden. Gravel paths help lead visitors around while adding a visual link to the various elements of the garden. Wrought iron railings on balconies recall those overlooking the wide, lively boulevards of Paris.
The City of Light: fixtures, doors and windows
Take a leaf from Paris’s book and recreate its celebration of light in your own home. Stylish French doors show off the well-manicured garden beyond, effectively introducing the greens and floral hues as features within the home. The warmth of timber French doors maximise the light and ventilation, improving the ambience and giving the impression of broader space.
As for non-natural light, a crystal chandelier can add a Parisian touch to just about any room. The more character, the better.
Black is the new black
Whether you prefer a bombastic palette of deep wine reds and opulent gold finishes, or a contemporary near-monochromatic colour scheme of impressive understated chic, black is an essential element of the Parisian style. It is the accent colour that brings together the room, without ever feeling overpowering or dark. Accessories are an ideal way to achieve this look: a picture frame or lampshade in black or with black trim will add a note of sophistication and help tie together the room’s palette.
Opulent textures
Even if you are more inspired by contemporary French chic than the deep, rich hues and frequent golden touches of the Old World style, playing around with interesting textures is a must for an authentic Parisian feel. Think marble walls and bathroom features to add the luxuriant elegance reminiscent of grand European hotels.
At a humbler level, decorative upholstery patterns and the use of silks, velvets and brocades can enliven the living areas and bring a touch of character. Wrought iron railings on staircases and similar surfaces will also add colour and texture.
Art and timelessness
A recurring motif in Parisian inner decor is the use of clocks as the focal feature of the room. Antique clocks are ideal for helping to render the classic and well-used feel that French style aims for, while standing clocks are a guarantee for adding sophistication and sparking conversations.
For the finishing touch to your Parisian-style home, incorporating samples from France’s impressive array of artistic endeavours is essential. Wall art can add a splash of colour and character to a room, helping to bring it to life. An Impressionist painting could be a fitting place to start.
Sarah Trevor is a freelance writer from Sydney whose passions for travel and interior design keep her inspired. She’s in love with real estate in Mt Aitken, and can’t wait to buy one of the properties
