French design is just as recognizable as French fashion. Just like French fashion, Paris apartments have that certain something that feels so elegant, yet effortless. Also like French fashion, there are certain staple elements in French homes that immediately catch the eye. Parisian architecture is well known for its design elements like floor-t0-ceiling windows, parquet flooring, and picture frame molding. However, there are also plenty of elements you can incorporate into your current space without starting from scratch. Best of all, you can finally figure out how to replicate that certain “je ne sais quoi” that you see in photos of French homes. Read on for 15 decorating tips to achieve the Parisian apartment style of your dreams.
1. Gild Your Space with a Gold Mirror
Parisian apartments masterfully balance elegant and effortless pieces to achieve a harmonious interior that is refined, yet personal. A gilded mirror is the perfect way to add a hint of luxury to a curated space. It could take center stage above a fireplace mantle, or highlight an unused corner in your living room. Either way, an ornate mirror will help to open up your space and make it appear larger, as well as add a luxe feel to any room.
For smaller spaces, you could also choose to include a gilded mirror (or multiple) as part of a gallery wall. One of the best places to find quality, interesting mirrors is your local antique or thrift shop. Otherwise, there is a wide variety of options online that embody the antique spirit as well.
2. Incorporate Elegant Patterns into Decor and Accents
French girls have mastered the art of balance in their fashion style, and so it only makes sense that the same principle would carry over to their apartments and homes as well. You might think that Parisian apartments are full of white walls, clean wooden floors and simple furniture, but French decor also incorporates plenty of eclectic, interesting designs and patterns that add personality to a space. The key is balance, to keep these patterned design elements from becoming overwhelming.
From pillowcases to wallpaper to couches, a beautiful toile or floral pattern is the perfect way to put your own spin on your Parisian-inspired space. It’s an easy way to make a room feel like yours. Make sure to choose a pattern that speaks to you personally.
3. Add Depth to a Room with Picture Frame Molding
An interior designer will tell you that an instant way to add depth to your room is to add molding. Whether you’re adding crown molding to your ceiling or picture frame molding to your walls, this little detail goes a long way to make your space look more expensive, intentional, and historic.
The French love the charm and history found in so many Parisian apartments. Instead of modernizing them, the Parisian style calls for embracing these little details and quirks that make their architecture and homes so unique.
4. Find Your Home’s Signature Scent
It may seem simple, but a beautiful candle can go a long way to elevate the look (and scent) of your home. The French know that a space is more than just its looks – the five senses go a long way in making a home feel comfortable, lived-in, and relaxing. The right candle could become your home’s signature scent and instantly remind visitors of you whenever they walk inside.
Diptyque is a personal favorite of ours here at MCO, but there are plenty of great candle brands out there. They also don’t have to be French! Here’s a tip for you: pay attention to the notes that reappear again and again in your current favorite candles you have at home, and then you might consider investing in a more expensive candle that embodies those same scents.
5. Brighten Up a Room with Fresh Florals
Don’t forget about the impact that fresh florals can have in your home. In small spaces, flowers can add a breath of fresh air to your space, as well as a pop of color. If you love neutral furniture and decor, a rotation of new arrangements can be a great way to infuse different colors into your room depending on the season and your mood.
Florals also add an organic element to your space. In a design philosophy that’s all about balance, flowers can help to complement more ornate elements like your gilded mirror or marble fireplace.
6. Treat Your Bathroom with a Clawfoot Tub
A clawfoot tub is one of the first things that comes to mind for me when I think of Parisian decor. It’s also at the top of my own wish list when I think of my future dream home! Not only is it a piece that gives your bathroom the perfect antique vibes, it’s also the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a good book. Modern tubs are designed for maximum water capacity, while clawfoot tubs are primarily designed for the user’s comfort – this means that they’re as comfortable as they are a beautiful addition to your bathroom.
7. Add Elegance to Any Space with a Crystal Chandelier
During the reign of Louis XIV, crystal chandeliers were popular in French homes due to the influence of the aristocracy of that time. They were a symbol of wealth and grandeur, and from then on were a popular design element in Parisian apartments and homes to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Now, whole rooms are designed around an antique chandelier.
A crystal chandelier, no matter its size, can add a beautiful reflecting effect to your space. Especially in small rooms, it can help make your room appear brighter. Even in a bathroom or bedroom, a crystal chandelier can make the perfect statement. (And besides, who doesn’t want to feel like royalty in their own house?)
8. Lay Down an Ornate Rug
An ornate rug is as beautiful as it is practical. In a Parisian apartment, a large rug can help muffle noise on wooden or tile floors. Rugs can also help to protect the integrity of your flooring (this is especially true if you live in a place with a lot of snow or rain, which can easily be tracked in during bad weather).
Rugs can also bring an element of coziness to a space, especially in Parisian apartments with high ceilings. Plus, they’re an easy way to build a bridge visually between modern and antique elements. They can also be used to divide a large, open floor plan into smaller seating areas.
9. Dip Your Toe Into Antique Furniture with a Vintage-Inspired Chair
Vintage pieces, or vintage-inspired pieces, help to balance out the clean, modern look of contemporary decor items in Parisian apartment/French apartment style. Antiques, or even items from local flea markets, are a great nod to the rich history of French architecture and design.
Antique-inspired dining chairs or accent chairs can help to complement the look of a sleek, modern couch. If you aren’t ready to commit to the antique look on a larger scale, smaller pieces of furniture are a cost-effective way to try out different styles.
10. Use a Marble Mantle as a Focal Point
Speaking of antique elements, marble mantles are another mainstay in Parisian interiors. Even if they’re not surrounding a functional fireplace, a mantle can serve as an elegant centerpiece of the French living room. These architectural features are the perfect displays for apartment living. They can hold your gilded mirror, fresh florals, picture frames, candles, and more.
Even if they’re not marble, mantles can introduce a new texture to your space whether that be wood, stone, or something else. They also come in a wide variety of colors to fit your decor tastes.
11. Find Outdoor Inspiration in Wrought-Iron Balconies
French often refer to their outdoor spaces as balconets or balconettes. Some of the most well-known images of Paris depict the large windows, intricate architecture on pale stone buildings, and wrought-iron balconies throughout the French capital. The visual is almost synonymous with the city itself. In reality, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee and pastry.
If you want to add some French flair to your outdoor living space but don’t have an upper-story balcony, you could incorporate a similar theme with outdoor furniture. An iron or metal bistro set or bench will help you achieve a similar effect, even if you have a small outdoor area or garden.
12. Light Up Dark Corners with a Floor Lamp
We have a motto in my household – “Don’t turn on the big light unless absolutely necessary!” Lamp lighting goes a long way in illuminating your space in a softer, more romantic way. A Parisian living room is bathed in as much natural light as possible, but once the sun sets, lamps, candles, and sconces help to maintain a peaceful environment without harsh overhead lighting.
A tall floor lamp is the perfect companion to a cozy armchair and reading nook. Light up the darker corners of your space with a fixture that fits your personal style. And don’t forget to check your local flea market for interesting vintage finds – some of my own favorite lamps have been found searching through antique stores.
13. Invest in a Velvet Sofa
Parisians love a velvet sofa. If you follow any number of French interior design accounts, the first thing that your eye is often drawn to is a statement-making couch. A structured velvet sofa is the perfect balance of contemporary style and luxurious, classic elements – like velvet.
These couches are the perfect way to incorporate bright pops of color into your space. If you’re thinking about taking a leap of faith to invest in a velvet sofa, I can personally testify that our olive green couch is the best purchase we’ve made yet for our home!
14. Curate a Collection of Vintage Pieces
Speaking of the perfect balance, a collection of thoughtfully collected antiques and heirlooms can transform your space and complement your contemporary style. Antiques provide interest, history, and unique elements to a French apartment. Whether it’s adding a thrifted piece of art to an accent wall or a display of family heirlooms on the coffee table, antiques add depth when juxtaposed against modern furniture.
A carefully crafted selection of antiques (or antique-looking pieces) can make your home look curated, and intentional. They also help your space look more lived-in, and cozy!
15. Add Character with Herringbone Parquet Floors
Last, but certainly not least, wooden parquet floors are another mainstay in the Parisian aesthetic. In fact, French parquet flooring dates all the way back to 16th century France, when artisans began to fit together small pieces of wood to make geometric patterns. The previously used marble or stone floors were heavy and difficult to maintain and expensive to install, so the lighter wood was a great alternative.
During the 1600s in France, this type of flooring was installed in a wide variety of buildings and was considered to be an elegant design choice. Its popularity was further cemented in the late 1680s when Louis XIV, the King of France at the time, utilized it at the Palace of Versailles. Herringbone, Versailles, and Chevron (pictured above) are all popular parquet patterns still used today.
How to Transform Your Space – The Parisian Way
Your home is your sanctuary, and if it doesn’t feel that way, it’s never too late to transform it! The Parisian apartment style might be just the inspiration you’ve been looking for – and finding inspiration here doesn’t have to mean a complete demo. Little changes, like adding a few antiques to your space, can go a long way in changing the feel of your room. Incorporating even a few of the design elements above will help bring a little bit of France to your home – no matter where you’re located!
Craving more inspiration straight from Paris? Up Next: 9 Parisian Style Outfits You Can Easily Recreate
I’m so glad to see that chandeliers are still in style. I have one in my kitchen and one in my dining room. I love them.
Same here! I can’t get enough of chandeliers.