Tres Français — Five Decorating Tips to Cultivate Your Parisian Style

Since the Summer Olympics put the eyes of the world on Paris, the design world is once again falling in love with French interior design. There’s a good reason that Paris is home to the world’s most coveted luxury brands and design houses. The French style is chic and confident. It’s built on tradition, yet unafraid to make a modern statement.

The classic Haussmann buildings that define Paris, with their dormer windows and mansard roofs, are marked by a few signature details on the interior. Even if your home doesn’t have a sweeping view of a grand boulevard, you can still take cues from this French style to give your spaces a certain je ne sais quoi. 

Here are five tips to bring a bit of Paris into your home interior. Allons-y!

Parisian Style Tip #1: Patterns on the Floor

When you picture the classic Parisian apartment, you’re undoubtedly walking on a parquet floor. Since the construction of the Palace of Versailles, mosaic hardwood flooring has been a staple of French design.

Patterned flooring – including parquet, herringbone, and chevron – exudes warmth while displaying intentional craftsmanship — a perfect statement piece on which to build an elegant room design. The rich wood tones in the
Virginia Mill Works Capitol Peak Herringbone flooring offer a dramatic contrast to neutral white-gray walls.

Parisian Style Tip #2: Neutral Base with Pops of Color

The streets of Paris are lined with limestone-faced buildings and that creamy white shade is the basis for most interior walls. Choose off-whites that veer towards beige or soft grays, then add textural intrigue to the walls with paneling, crown molding, or faux finishes. 

Once your neutral base is in place, use accessories and artwork to introduce splashes of color. Try incorporating saturated shades like deep blues and rich emeralds, especially with luxurious fabrics like silk curtains and velvet upholstery.

Parisian Interior Tip #3: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

For all the charm and character of Parisian apartments, one thing they don’t usually have is space. Les habitants are accustomed to their cramped quarters, but they use a few visual tricks to make the most of their limited square footage.

One strategy is in the lighting. A chandelier in a reflective metal finish will illuminate every corner of a room and give your design a sense of pomp. To double the effect, hang a few large, ornate mirrors, especially above a mantel. Not only will it look distinguished, but also reflect the light to create the illusion of more space.

Tip #4: Something Old, Something New

Paris might be an old city, but it is hardly stuck in the past. Parisians jealously guard their heirloom furniture and vintage rugs, while supplementing those staples with accoutrements to suit their modern taste.

Mixing antique pieces with modern artwork and fixtures may seem contradictory. Rather, this kind of eclectic mix shows you recognize what makes for timeless sophistication, but have a personal sensibility that shines through regardless. 

La Touche Finale (Tip #5): Make a Statement with Stone

If your space isn’t blessed with a marble fireplace, there are still ways you can use the look of stone to create focal points. Consider this Avella Ultra Fulmine Nero Polished Porcelain Tile, made from porcelain but marbled to take on the feeling of natural stone. It would make for a dramatic entryway. 

For a breezier design, pair the Avella Ultra Polished Marbella Ivory Porcelain Tile with white silk curtains and eggshell wall treatment. That combination gives palatial vibes without so much ostentation.