How To Decorate French And Parisian

When it comes to culture and aesthetic delights, for centuries the world has turned to the French for rulership of everything from cooking to dressing to decorating. How do you get that elusive feeling of “French Chic” into your home with confidence? With a few tips from interior designers at Décor Aid, here’s how to decorate in French for the ultimate mix of high & low, old & new.

Stay informed

The French are known for staying on trend by paying attention to the world around them while staying true to the best elements of past periods. So keep up to date with decorative and aesthetic stories and trends by regularly browsing platforms like Apartment Therapy, Pinterest and Elle Décor for inspiration.

Go brave

While there is a certain barreness in many French homes, the nation is not one to shy away from bold moments. To keep the look pleasing to the eye, set meaningful add-ons with bold colors and unique silhouettes to a maximum of three to keep the eye focused and entertained.

Use imperfections to your advantage

Celebrate naturally aged patinas and everyday wear and tear for a rich, vibrant feel that is calming and feels authentic to you. Instead of reworking and reupholstering valuable furniture, use their desperate state as a means of adding texture to a room.

Create a high / low mix

Just like you dress, the elements of a room most likely come from different sources – and that’s a good thing. Instead of going for a one-note showroom feel where everything fits high and low, mixes and fits together, you get a transition feeling that is unique to you and gives you a lot more freedom of play.

Let the story inspire you

Classic elements and motifs are the easiest way to decorate French for a feel that is rich and familiar while enhancing a room with the tried and tested. Think of small busts, Greek motifs, French antiques and sculptural accessories.

Master a formal / casual mix

Create an inviting feeling of living with old and new pieces and luxurious finds and vintage pieces for a look that is anything but tight. Again, it’s about creating a strange mix that feels less like a showroom and more like an oasis.

Play with side by side

Be playful with your pairings and try to achieve what almost feels wrong to create eye-catching conversation moments where everyone talks about the surprising combinations you made in your home.

Playing with color

If bold silhouettes aren’t for you, keep them in small doses like a side chair, bench, art print, and almost any small addition that you can easily move around for an unexpectedly quick room freshener with eye-catching color hits and prints.

Keep it free

Since the design style requires a heady mix of found pieces, keep in mind that close editing is essential for the look to judge well. Leave some areas of a room untouched and undecorated to give the eye a break.

Don’t follow the rules

Make your own rules. Be creative, resourceful, and confident with the mixture you have created when it comes to French decorating as there really is no wrong or right way to master the look as it is a unique feeling.

Images via Pinterest