Classical, elegant interiors with feature pieces are the hallmark of Parisian design.
Spectacular fireplaces and huge mirrors with gilt framing are two of the most striking aspects of typical Parisian interior design, but the approach is so much more because Parisian interiors mix traditional design with a chic sense of modern fashion.
This freedom allows you to create unique, eclectic spaces with a common theme where the treasurers of the thrift store or flea market can sit alongside modern furniture.
Discipline is required to faithfully recreate the Parisian design. It is too easy to make your rooms fussy, even messy. When that happens, your style moves from Paris and towards vintage chic – and that’s not what you’re going for here.
Parisian design evolved in the beautiful apartments that are so prevalent in Paris architecture. They feature ceiling moldings, herringbone hardwood floors and other period details.
Perhaps you can’t create all those elements in your home but consider how you might showcase particular aspects of your home such as a pressed-metal ceiling or picture rails.
The typical Paris apartment can be quite dark. This means spectacular lighting and a neutral palette underpin all the elements of the design.
You’ll find thousands of wonderful photographs of typical Parisian design. Here are my tips to help you follow the philosophy faithfully.
1. Start with lighting
It’s not the traditional way to start thinking about interior design, but it is essential with the Parisian approach. Do not over-light your interior spaces. All light should be diffused and ambient. The French love crystal chandeliers, candelabras and wall sconces. Even candles on glitzy holders remain popular. Their soft light smooths the edges of furniture and extremities of the room. If you get the lighting wrong, you’ll wonder why the rooms just don’t look right.
2. Consistency is key
While each room should be decorated separately, it is essential to maintain the theme through your home. Lighting certainly plays a role in this. But more is required to achieve compatibility across all the rooms. Consistency with the use of window frames and shutters, the style of doors, fireplace surrounds and framed mirrors must be faithful to the Parisian approach.
3. Tone down the color
A second element that maintains the all-important consistency is the color of your rooms. Parisians love a neutral color because it enhances the filtered light their apartments receive, as well as creating a feeling of greater space. This approach can feature decorative accents such as gilt-edged mirrors and furniture.
4. Go for glamor
Parisian design is known for its gold-gilt glamor. Wonderfully gilt-edged frames for mirrors and paintings should be a foundation of your approach. You can use your Midas touch on the legs of an armchair, or coffee and dining tables.
5. Focus on furniture
Parisian décor lives and dies on the quality of furniture. The French love European pieces, especially the ornate tables and chairs from the eras of Louis XVI, XV and XIV. Every room must have an outstanding centrepiece. It could be anything from an antique armchair to a freestanding closet in a bedroom or bathroom. The French are not obsessed with matching everything, so your choice can be eclectic but must remain faithful to the ambience of the design.
6. Generous touch of textiles
Similar freedom is permitted with textiles – and Parisian design demands lots of textiles. Thick, rich drapes are a spectacular staple to dress the windows and can even be hung from battens as wall coverings, a modern-day tapestry of sorts. That’s only the start. Table coverings and throw-rugs add visual layers to the plush upholstery of the furniture. The bedrooms provide a greater canvas for fabrics and you can use striking prints on bed linens and for the drapery. White linen over a four-poster bed speaks to the charms of France more than 100 years ago.
7. Get rugged up
Parisian apartments traditionally feature herringbone flooring. This can be noisy to walk on and so in respect for their neighbors, Parisians put down thick rugs to limit the noise factor and also add color and texture to each room.
8. Be liberal with object d’arts
It doesn’t matter which room you’re decorating, you must have object d’art. This doesn’t mean knick-knacks or souvenirs from holidays but truly interesting pieces that alter the space in a meaningful way. These might include paintings and books, or sculptures and ceramics. The French love of ornaments is why flea markets and antique stores are so popular in France.