Lessons from French Interiors
What is it about the French and style? Clothes, food, home decor... they seem to
have an innate design sense that leaves many of us coveting all things French.
We'll be heading to Paris soon and of course one of the things on my mile-long
shopping list is picking up something beautiful for my home. Perhaps its vintage
linens, a small painting from
Les Puces, or something for the kitchen. I picked up
salt and pepper grinders
when we were in Paris on our honeymoon and every time I see them, I remember the
city, the gorgeous department stores, la belle vie.
What makes a home quintessentially French? I've gathered a few ideas to give
me inspiration.
1. Ornate furniture
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| Image via French Bedroom Company |
Hand carved details, upholstery rendered in silk, tufting. You'll see
exquisite details like these on French furniture like headboards, armoires, or
settees. I think having even a single piece like this in your home would make
the whole room feel special. A little bit of luxury to catch your eye and
spark conversation.
2. Beautiful lighting
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| via Apartment Therapy |
When you think of a French chateau or the Palace of Versailles, what comes to
mind? For me, its the lighting - gorgeous chandeliers dripping in crystals.
I've long been a fan of statement lighting in a room (here's one
in my bedroom
and one I put in
at my sister's apartment). Lighting can bring interest to a boring ceiling and create ambience. If
you're going to hang a chandelier, add a ceiling medallion as well to really
give the light fixture presence.
3. Architectural Detail
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| via Dust Jacket |
Whether its because of the chevron or herringbone wood floors, elaborate
mouldings, or beautiful door frames , the bones of a French home are made to
stand out. Look how stunning this room is, even bare and without any
furnishings. I'd love to have a formal space in my home like this. With a room
this stunning, you can decorate sparingly.
4. White, Black, Gray, Wood
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| via The Interiors Addict |
If you look at a French interior, chances are it will have a palette of white,
black, grey, and wood. The entire city of Paris seems rendered in this colour
scheme, from the creamy Haussmannian buildings to the grey iron of the Eiffel
Tower. I admit, I wasn't always a fan of white rooms. But the more I live in
my home, the more I crave white painted walls. They are the perfect quiet
backdrop and can make a room feel sophisticated without even trying.
I think that's the essence of French style - it seems effortless. The French
seem to take joy in the details. Beauty can be found in things that are
subdued, simple, but delightful to the eyes and the touch.
Tell me, are you a fan of the French style?
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