Whether it’s a baguette casually tucked under an arm, an impossibly intricate dainty pâtisserie, or a sophisticated outfit that was seemingly just thrown together, when it comes to effortlessly chic style, the French have consistently set the benchmark. Simultaneously polished and laidback, the ways of the French are emulated by style-conscious citizens around the world, with endless study dedicated to achieving French girl style and beauty.
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Equally covetable is the French approach to interior design. Sophisticated and elegant yet utterly devoid of stuffiness, the French seem to nail interior decor every time. From countryside chateaus to Parisian apartments, the French approach to interior design finds the right balance between welcoming and luxurious, and classic and contemporary.
While we may not have apartments with Hausmann facades or ceilings with intricately carved mouldings, it’s still possible to imbue your home with a French touch. Here’s how to incorporate chic French style into your interiors.
1. Keep the base neutral
While pretty pastels and rich jewel tones have their place, French interiors often start with a blank canvas. Fresh, clean, and invariably timeless, white walls allow architectural details to shine through, allowing for increased space to experiment with other design and decor elements. However, the right shade of white is crucial. Look for a white hue with a warm undertone; when the sun hits, it’ll cast a welcoming glow over the entire space.
2. Don’t shy away from colourful furniture
Though white walls are a mainstay in Parisian apartments, they aren’t devoid of colour. Add depth and interest to your interiors by selecting statement furniture in bold hues. Velvet sofas and armchairs work well in either jewel tones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire or pastels like baby pink, pale blue, or mint green. For a more subdued look, try incorporating colours like mustard or olive green.
3. Embrace imperfection
The key to nailing French interiors is always keeping everything looking a little…undone. Rather than meticulously arranging your wares, opt for imperfection with mismatched candlesticks on the mantelpiece, books and flowers strewn on the coffee table, a slightly rumpled duvet on the bed, and an oversized gilded mirror or piece of contemporary artwork nonchalantly placed on the floor, resting against a wall. Lived in rather than overly styled.
4. Mirror, mirror
A mainstay in many a Parisian apartment, an oversized gold gilded mirror lends a glamorous aesthetic to any room. To style it like the French, avoid hanging your mirror and instead opt to place it on the floor or atop a mantlepiece for a look that’s equal parts lavish and undone.
5. Decorative moulding
Ornately carved ceilings are often found in French apartments and houses, with neutral hues and laidback decor allowing the finer architectural details already present to shine. While you may not have European-style carved ceilings, you can achieve a similar look through decorative moulding. Applied to ceilings and walls, it provides your home with a touch of old-world French grandeur. For an elegant carved appearance, paint your mouldings the same colour as the ceilings or walls they’re placed on.
6. Lavish living
While French homes often lean into the undone look, they’re in no shortage of luxurious touches. In addition to an oversized gilded mirror, try incorporating decor like velvet throw pillows, statement silk curtains, gold or silver candlestick holders, or a dramatic chandelier into your home.
7. Opt for patterned wallpaper
If stark white walls aren’t quite your thing, try a more maximalist approach in the form of patterned wallpaper. Rather than papering an entire room in one pattern, paper a feature wall and paint the rest of the walls a complementary colour.
Words by AR Staff
Feature image courtesy of Crosby Studios
