What is Parisian Interior Design? (2024)

FAQs

What is Parisian Interior Design? ›

Parisian décor is all about ornate architectural features accentuated by a mix of traditional and modern minimalism. Sally Jones. Sally Jones. Sally has been a professional writer and editor for more than 15 years. She specializes in home and lifestyle content.

The Key Elements of Parisian Style:

Clean lines, neutral colors, and timeless silhouettes form the backbone of a Parisian wardrobe. Less is more – a few well-chosen pieces take precedence over a closet bursting at the seams.

Opt for Velvet and Linen

Velvet is one fabric that you can find in almost any chic Parisian apartment. Add some French flair to your space by adding a Baroque-style velvet armchair or ottoman. If you don't want to invest in expensive velvet furniture, consider a pair of colorful velvet pillows to liven up your home.

French-style interior design is an artful blend of classic and contemporary elements. It effortlessly captures the essence of sophistication and elegance through luxurious fabrics, ornate details, and a harmonious mix of old and new.

Architectural details like tall ceilings with molding and grand chandeliers make a Paris apartment feel elegant and refined. However, there's no need to live in Paris to incorporate touches of it in your living, dining, bedroom, or bathroom spaces.

"The hallmarks of a quintessential Parisian apartment are decorative applied molding on the walls, herringbone floors, marble fireplace mantel with a gilded mirror above, and usually a statement pendant or chandelier,” says Melissa Sanabria, founder and principal of Sanabria & Co., which specializes in historic home ...

Herringbone floors, ornate molding, elaborate fireplaces — with a canvas this beautiful, it's no wonder Parisian modern spaces feel so refined. If you're up for a labor of design love, installing architectural features like picture molding, a fireplace, and natural wood flooring can dramatically transform your home.

Establish a Soft Color Palette

There are always exceptions, but Parisians generally don't decorate with bold colors. You're much more likely to find a room dressed in cream, gold, ivory, and gray.

Choose A Neutral Palette

To give the illusion of a larger space, resident Parisians often opt for white walls which helps to maximise the effect of natural light. Walls that are light and bright make a room feel open and airy, as opposed to dark colours that absorb light.

Parisian style is refined, elegant, glamorous, and collected. While Parisian interiors are less 'distressed' than French Provincial style, the mismatched melody of antique, vintage, and contemporary pieces adds a beautiful soul, nostalgia, and character to the home.

What does a French bedroom look like? ›

The bedroom should be decorated in lavenders, pale lilacs, creams, soft sky blues and sage greens. If a bolder, more rustic style is preferred, try burnt orange tones, browns and yellows. A French-style bedroom would not be complete without a stunning window treatment.

French-country style combines rustic and refined elements to create inviting spaces. Here are the key characteristics that define this design style: A balance of well-worn, down-to-earth elements and delicate, elegant accents. Weathered finishes, exposed and painted wood, wrought iron, and plush upholstery.

A typical Parisian-style apartment would have white walls, floor-to-ceiling wall paneling, old herringbone parquet floor, tall windows, sometimes double windows with iron balcony, moldings, and marble mantels both in the living room and the bedrooms.

Indeed, French building codes require this separation. The location of French toilets is tied to a number of cultural issues, especially public vs. private space and concepts of clean vs. dirty.

A pied-à-terre (French pronunciation: [pjetaˈtɛʁ], plural: pieds-à-terre; French for "foot on the ground") is a small living unit, e.g., apartment or condominium, often located in a large city and not used as an individual's primary residence.

Effortless Chic: French style is often characterized by an "effortless chic" vibe. It's about looking put-together without appearing overly planned or fussy. This often involves mixing high and low fashion pieces with a nonchalant attitude.

Parisian style is much more effortless compared to French style while being a little bit more sophisticated. While Parisian style may seem easy to reproduce, making a fashion statement while being a minimalist requires a particular style-savviness; think of it as a kind of art.

The word ingrained in most discussions about Parisian chic style, effortless, shows in the clothing that is comfortable and very simple. Basic, evergreen, and high-quality pieces that suit you well are at the core of any French chic guide. Simplicity is the starting point from which the French build their wardrobes.

The French national motto “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” reflects the core values of French society. Equality and unity are important to the French. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité'are often identified as essential to what it means to be 'French'.