Parisian Style Interior Design: 8 Tips to Style Your Home (2024)

If you’re looking for inspiration to decorate your home, Parisian style interior design is a great place to start. Paris is known for its sophisticated and elegant style, and this extends to the way Parisians decorate their homes. From the classic Haussmannian apartments to the more modern spaces, Parisian style interior design is all about creating a stylish and comfortable living space.

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What is Parisian Style Interior Design?

Parisian style interior design is characterized by its effortless elegance, eclectic mix of styles, and attention to detail. The style is inspired by the city of Paris, which is known for its fashion, art, and architecture. Parisian style interior design is all about creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and sophisticated.

One of the key features of Parisian style interior design is the use of high-quality materials. Parisians are known for their love of luxury, and this is reflected in their interior design. From marble countertops to velvet sofas, Parisian interiors are all about using materials that are both beautiful and durable.

Another important aspect of Parisian style interior design is the use of color. Parisian interiors typically feature a neutral color palette with pops of color throughout the space. This creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a long day.

When it comes to furniture, Parisian style interior design is all about mixing and matching different styles. From antique pieces to modern furniture, Parisian interiors are all about creating a unique and eclectic look. The key is to choose pieces that are both comfortable and stylish.

Key Elements of Parisian style Interior Design

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Parisian Style Bedroom

The Parisian style bedroom is all about creating a romantic, luxurious atmosphere. To achieve this look, start with a neutral color palette of soft whites, creams, and grays. Add a touch of glamour with gold or silver accents, such as a gilded mirror or a crystal chandelier.

When it comes to furniture, opt for pieces with curved lines and ornate details. A tufted headboard, a vintage vanity, or a Louis XVI-style armchair can add just the right amount of French flair. Don’t forget to layer on the textiles, such as plush rugs, silky curtains, and plenty of pillows and throws.

Parisian Interiors

Parisian interiors are known for their grandeur and opulence. From the Haussmannian apartments of the 19th century to the chic modern apartments of today, Parisian interiors are all about mixing the old and the new.

One of the key elements of Parisian style interior design is the use of architectural details, such as crown moldings, ceiling medallions, and intricate paneling. These details add depth and texture to a space and can help create a sense of history and character.

Another important aspect of Parisian interiors is the use of art and decorative objects. Whether it’s a classic oil painting, a sculptural vase, or a quirky objet d’art, these pieces add personality and interest to a room. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and periods to create a truly eclectic look.

Decorating Tips for a Parisian Style Bedroom

If you’re looking to add some Parisian flair to your bedroom, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. From bedding to lighting, here are some decorating tips to help you create a chic and sophisticated Parisian-style bedroom.

Parisian Style Decor

Parisian style decor is all about understated elegance and a minimalist approach to French country or French decor. Neutral colors, such as white, beige, and gray, dominate the palette, with small touches of muted colors to add interest. To create a perfect Parisian-inspired bedroom, you’ll need to dress your bed with neutral bedding. In winter, prefer flannel sheets, and in summer, you can opt for linen or cotton percale sheets. Egyptian quality cotton is an excellent option as well.

To add some Parisian charm to your bedroom, consider installing picture frame molding on your walls. This quintessential Parisian apartment look is sure to bring some sophistication to your space. You can also add some texture and interest with a plush area rug or a cozy throw blanket.

How to Decorate Like a Parisian

When it comes to lighting, Parisian style decor favors natural light and soft, ambient lighting. You can achieve this by installing sheer curtains that let in plenty of natural light during the day. At night, you can create a cozy atmosphere with a table lamp or a chandelier with a dimmer switch.

Another way to decorate like a Parisian is to focus on the details. Small touches, such as a vase of fresh flowers or a vintage mirror, can make a big impact in a Parisian-style bedroom. You can also add some charm with a decorative pillow or a stylish bedside table.

Creating a Parisian Style Interior

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Are you looking to bring the charm of Parisian style interior design into your home? With a few key elements, you can create a space that is both elegant and inviting. Let’s explore how to create a Parisian style interior.

Parisian Style Room

One of the hallmarks of Parisian style interior design is the use of classic and timeless pieces. Think of antique furnishings, ornate moldings, and rich fabrics. To create a Parisian style room, start with a neutral color palette of whites, creams, and grays. This will serve as a backdrop for your more decorative elements.

When it comes to furnishings, opt for pieces with a vintage feel. A tufted sofa or an ornate armchair can add a touch of elegance to your space. Look for pieces with curved lines and intricate details. A vintage chandelier or a gilded mirror can also help to create a Parisian vibe.

In terms of textiles, choose luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, and linen. These materials will add texture and depth to your space. Consider incorporating patterned fabrics like toile or damask for a touch of French country style.

To complete the look, add decorative elements like artwork, candles, and fresh flowers. A Parisian style room should feel warm and inviting, so don’t be afraid to add personal touches that reflect your own taste and style.

8 Tips for Parisian Style Interior Design to Capture The Parisian Charm

1. Stay away from Dark Colors & Embrace Beige/White

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Dark colors are amazing if you’re trying to create a more mysterious or moody interior, but if you’re aiming for a Parisian vibe, you might want to stay away from them.

If you look around Paris you’ll notice that there are not a lot of dark colors in sight.

The beauty of Paris is that it’s full of light and therefore it’s best to embrace the light and neutral colors when decorating your home in a Parisian style.

If you want to go even further and capture the Parisian vibe as accurately as possible, you should also avoid black, brown and navy blue.

These colors may be classic and elegant, but they are much too serious for a Parisian style interior design.

Instead, you should go for bright and light beiges and whites, combined with the occasional hint of gold or copper. You can also go for soft pastels if you want to have a more feminine Parisian home.

2. Hang up Your Favourite Artworks

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If you’re a fan of art, you know how beautiful a well-decorated wall can look.

But if you are also a fan of the French charm, you know that it’s not enough to just hang up your favorite artworks – you need to do it in a Parisian way.

If you’re inspired by French art and architecture, you should go for a lot of black and white framed portraits along with nudes, landscapes, and still lives.

If you are more inspired by surrealism, you should go for paintings with strong colors and surrealistic imagery.

You should also keep in mind that French artworks are usually on the smaller side, so you should also consider the size of your wall when choosing your framed artworks.

3. Add a Touch of Gold to Your Home

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If you’re going for a Parisian look, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll end up adding gold to your décor.

The French are known for their love of gold, and it’s not uncommon to find precious metals in the most unexpected places.

From the handles of antique furniture to the flowers on your table, you will definitely find a place for gold.

If you want to add a touch of gold to your interior, you should start with the obvious: tableware, decorative pieces, and anything that you eat/drink from every day.

You should also go for gold-colored wallpapers and fabrics, especially if you have a wooden floor.

If you want to add a touch of gold to your home, you don’t have to go overboard and paint the walls gold – a picture frame, a throw, a decorative bowl, and other small items can also do the trick.

4. Bring in Softness Through Neutrals

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Even though Paris is all about color, it is also very much about softness and elegance.

If you want to capture the Parisian charm in your home, you should definitely add some softness through neutral colors, fabrics, and wallpapers.

Although Paris is known for its love of gold, it’s also very much about mixing and matching different materials and textures.

The French love to pair hard materials like wood with soft fabrics like silk, and they also love to mix gold with silver.

If you want to mix and match different textures, you should go for light and neutral tones like creamy whites, beige, ecru, and light grays.

5. Less is More (Keep it as Minimalistic as Possible)

If you’re going for a more classic and elegant French look, you should definitely go for a more minimalistic interior.

Paris, as beautiful as it is, is also very much about simplicity and minimalism.

If you’re trying to create a Parisian look in your home, you should definitely do away with unnecessary elements.

You can also go for monochromatic color schemes and only mix a few textures and materials.

You should also consider going for a more minimalistic and clean décor, getting rid of clutter, removing heavy curtains, and going for lighter upholstery.

6. Don’t Forget the Flowers

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If you have decided to go for a Parisian interior, you should definitely not forget to add flowers.

They are an essential part of French culture, and every Parisian home has them – either in vases or growing in pots.

Parisians love to mix different flower types, and there is one variety that you will find in almost every home: the tulip.

Tulips are a very Parisian flower, and they are a must-have if you want to create a Parisian vibe in your home. You can go for single or mixed varieties, either in pots or vases.

You can also go for other French flower types, like roses and lilies, but you should definitely include tulips in your bouquets.

7. Choose Marble or Wood for Your Floors

If you want your home to look as Parisian as possible, you should definitely choose marble or wood for your floors.

The French don’t really have a specific style when it comes to their flooring, but wood and marble are the materials that you will most likely find in French homes.

Wood is a very versatile material, and it can look amazing in a variety of interior styles. It’s often used to create a more rustic and homey vibe, and it works best when paired with neutral colors like gray, beige, and cream.

Marble is another versatile material that can work well in Parisian-inspired interiors. It’s usually paired with gold and silver, and it is also common to find it in combination with wood.

8. Use Aesthetic Books as Decoration

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Books are beautiful. If you have a lot of books in your home, you might want to consider replacing them with decorative books.

You can find decorative books in any bookstore, and they are amazing when used as decoration. You can also go for vintage books or even books written in other languages if you want to create a Parisian vibe in your home.

Decorative books are great for almost any type of interior style, but they are especially useful if you want to create a Parisian look in your home.

You can use them to decorate your coffee table, shelves, and other display surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parisian style interior design?

A timeless and sophisticated aesthetic that combines classic and modern elements to create a chic and elegant space.

How can I achieve a Parisian aesthetic in my home?

Incorporate classic elements, use a neutral color palette, mix patterns and textures, invest in quality materials, and display art and decor that reflects your personal style and interests.

What are some key elements of Parisian style interior design?

Neutral color palette, luxurious materials, ornate moldings, antique furnishings, mix of classic and modern styles, natural light, large windows, high ceilings, cozy textiles, plush seating, and plenty of greenery.

If you liked this post about Parisian style interior design, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest so you don’t miss any more interior design news!

Parisian Style Interior Design: 8 Tips to Style Your Home (2024)

FAQs

How do I style my house like a Parisian? ›

"The hallmarks of a quintessential Parisian apartment are decorative applied molding on the walls, herringbone floors, marble fireplace mantel with a gilded mirror above, and usually a statement pendant or chandelier,” says Melissa Sanabria, founder and principal of Sanabria & Co., which specializes in historic home ...

What are the elements of Parisian style? ›

Parisian style is “chic décontracté” (casual chic). It's all about mixing classic and timeless pieces with more sophisticated and dressy items —whether it's a designer bag, a silk scarf, a piece of jewelry, or a chic pair of shoes.

What is Parisian interior design? ›

French Parisian Apartment Décor Inspiration

Elements like antique chandeliers, vintage-style mirrors, and opulent textiles showcased the charm of classic French country interiors. The gallery also exuded timeless urban elegance through saturated colors, ornate furnishings, and intricate detailing.

How do French people decorate their homes? ›

The French Interior Design embraces the same laissez-faire attitude towards interiors as they do with their style. Keep it simple, mix vintage with new, and allow your memories and treasures brought home from travels to shape the space.

What makes a house look French? ›

A French-style home, also called a French provincial home, is a stone, brick, or stucco house with a steep rooftop and large windows. Often featuring courtyard gardens, iron gates, and gravel pathways, French-style homes are known for their rustic appeal.

What are the classic Parisian colors? ›

Establish a Soft Color Palette

There are always exceptions, but Parisians generally don't decorate with bold colors. You're much more likely to find a room dressed in cream, gold, ivory, and gray.

What is a Parisian fashion house? ›

The city is home to many prime designers, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Balmain, Christian Louboutin, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent, Roger Vivier, Thierry Mugler, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès, Lanvin, Chloé, Rochas, and Céline.

How to look French chic? ›

The Golden Rule of French Style

That means feeling good in your clothes as well as in your skin, with items that are well-made, flattering, and comfortable. Practically speaking, this casual-chic style is often achieved by mixing casual affordable pieces with more tailored items.

How to make a Parisian style bedroom? ›

Choose A Neutral Palette

To give the illusion of a larger space, resident Parisians often opt for white walls which helps to maximise the effect of natural light. Walls that are light and bright make a room feel open and airy, as opposed to dark colours that absorb light.

What is a true Parisian? ›

Parisians are known for their sense of style

They have a reputation for being chic, with high standards of elegance, wear designer clothes, are known for the French beret hat, and good style in general.

What is Parisian aesthetic? ›

Paris aesthetic or Parisian style is effortless, timeless, and can even be described as casual chic. Parisian style is a bit more elevated than French style and requires a certain level of stylish savviness to capture the Parisian's je ne sais quoi attitude.

How to decorate a room like Paris? ›

Opt for Velvet and Linen

Velvet is one fabric that you can find in almost any chic Parisian apartment. Add some French flair to your space by adding a Baroque-style velvet armchair or ottoman. If you don't want to invest in expensive velvet furniture, consider a pair of colorful velvet pillows to liven up your home.

What does a French bedroom look like? ›

The bedroom should be decorated in lavenders, pale lilacs, creams, soft sky blues and sage greens. If a bolder, more rustic style is preferred, try burnt orange tones, browns and yellows. A French-style bedroom would not be complete without a stunning window treatment.

How can I make my house look French country? ›

Florals are essential French country decor; they enliven neutral linens and evoke thoughts of picturesque Provence. For an organic look, simply pair a floral armchair or ottoman with fresh (or faux!) arrangements, just like Casabella Interiors did for this airy reading nook.

What is the style of the houses in Paris? ›

The Haussmann style of architecture, which is also known as Haussmannian, is the architecture that has defined modern-day Paris. In the 19th century, Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, a Parisian official with no architectural background, revamped the city at the request of Emperor Napoleon III.

What makes a house look classy? ›

There are plenty of 'affordable' finishing touches which can make your home look and feel more luxurious – some of which can actually be free!
  1. Paint a feature wall. ...
  2. Go big with wall art. ...
  3. Redecorate / paint. ...
  4. Use colour cleverly. ...
  5. Declutter. ...
  6. Decorate with candles and mirrors. ...
  7. Add house plants and flowers.
Feb 7, 2022

How to make a room look like Paris? ›

Grey, White, And Blue Decor

Grey and white with blue is a timeless French décor combination for a living room decorated in the Parisian style. All hues of grey will give you the best contrast as they pair well with light and neutral colors. These colors also have the benefit of never going out of style.

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