Bring home the gorgeousness and vibrance of urban Parisian style, with these decor ideas inspired by Emily in Paris!

“Paris Seems Like A Big City, But It’s Really Just A Small Town.”

We started this A2Z challenge with a home from Paris, in the movie Amélie. Today, we’ve got another Paris-themed show – Emily in Paris!

However, Emily in Paris is an American show, and this makes it very different from Amélie. While some of the representations of French culture may be questionable, we have to admit that the set designer did an excellent job! It’s no wonder she was nominated for an Emmy award for her work on the show!

Whether it’s the offices of Agence Grateau, Sylvie’s gorgeous home or Emily’s cozy little apartment, there’s an unmistakable Parisian charm in all the spaces, and we think there’s a lot of inspiration we can find in them!

Decor Ideas Inspired by Emily in Paris

The homes and offices featured in Emily in Paris are stylish, for sure, but they also have a certain laidback vibe. It’s like French fashion – effortless but polished, like you just woke up looking like that!

Of course, we know that even that look takes a lot of effort, just like the ‘no makeup’ makeup look. The Emily in Paris style is a mix of bohemian style and French elegance, something set designer Anne Seibel calls ‘Bourgeois Boho’.

Well, you don’t have to live in Paris or have loads of money to pull off this look in your home, all you need are some decor ideas, and we’ve got lots of them!

French architectural elements

Paris has many old buildings with traditional architecture, and it becomes an integral part of the design. Parisian Haussmannian architectural elements include high ceilings, parquet flooring, fireplaces and large windows. You’ll notice these in both Sylvie’s apartment and her office, and they give the spaces that quiet elegance.

Now, even if your home doesn’t have this kind of architecture, you can still DIY some of it. You can easily add flooring with a wood effect in a chevron style to reflect parquetry. There are many ways to fake a fireplace, and hanging curtains very high can create the illusion of high ceilings and tall windows.

Wall mouldings

Many traditional Parisian homes have plaster mouldings on the walls, ceilings and even doors, giving the home that polished look the French are known for. They’re either the same colour as the walls (first picture above), or in a contrasting colour to stand out (second picture above).

The good thing is, this is a style that can be easily faked! There are many peel-and-stick mouldings available today, which you can attach and then paint in a colour of your choice. It’s a quick and easy way to get the French look on a budget!

Light, feminine colours

One reason Parisian design looks so chill and laidback is the colour palette, especially when it comes to paint colours. The French prefer light colours, but they go for the slightly cool-toned, dusty versions instead of the bright, warmer tones we saw in Bridgerton. For instance, powder blue, dusty pink, sage or light gray are perfect for this look.

Since these aren’t bright colours, you can go ahead and drench your walls entirely in one colour. This way, you are able to create an impact without going overboard, and your room instantly gets that gorgeous, elegant feel. You can then use this shade in little pops around the room in cushions and art.

Gold accents

Parisian design may be laidback, but it’s still luxurious! There is no better way to show luxury and wealth than by using gold and brass accents. However, the Emily in Paris style is different from the way gold was used in Crazy Rich Asians – it’s more toned down.

One common way Parisians use gold or brass is in their hardware, like handles and knobs. Other places to use gold are in mirrors, picture frames, and small decor objects. Remember not to use something that is too shiny – the gold tone should match with the overall cool tones of your paint and other colours.

Layered beds

The French take their sleep seriously, whether it’s at night or about mid-day naps! In fact, the average French person gets nine hours of sleep each night – that’s excluding the naps! It’s no wonder then that they treat their beds with great care, setting them up with layers to get that cozy, yet luxurious look.

You can get this look too, starting with cushioned headboards, which you can even DIY. Layer on duvets, comforters and throws, choosing fabrics according to the weather. Make sure to have lots of cushions and mix up the textures – linen, cotton, knit, silk and satin. Now imagine sinking into a bed like that at the end of a long, hard day!

Open shelves

A regular person living and working in Paris is unlikely to have a large house or apartment. In fact, Emily lives in a tiny room at the top of a building, known as a chambre de bonne. With space being at a minimum, it’s natural that Parisians resort to using open shelves, which are airier and more suitable for small spaces.

You can see open shelves in Emily’s and Gabriel’s kitchens, and even in Sylvie’s posh office. While open shelving is prone to looking cluttered and untidy, you can keep it looking cute and relaxed with a little organization and regular maintenance. It’s the perfect spot to show off your cute mugs or knick-knacks!

Mixed furniture styles

You know how French women have this lovely, curated look when they dress? Well, that’s because they know exactly how to mix things from different worlds – old and new or high street and designer. This applies to their interiors as well, where you’ll often find family heirloom furniture co-existing with something contemporary.

This is an easy look to achieve, and you can start with some classic French pieces like rounded-back accent chairs, curved tables, and velvet sofas. You’ll find things like these at second-hand stores. Then get in something sleek and new, like a fun coffee table that brings the entire look together.

Statement lamps

You simply can’t ignore the gorgeous table lamps featured throughout the series, and they’re everywhere! These lamps are noticeable for their sheer size, as well as their unique shades. They’re a great way to add a contemporary element to a space filled with more traditional furniture.

It’s not just table lamps either; Emily’s kitchen and Gabriel’s restaurant also have cute little wall lights that give out a lovely glow – perfect for a relaxing evening! If the vibe matches, you can also go with statement chandeliers that’ll act as a focal point in your space.

Intentional decor

The French don’t clutter their surfaces, but that doesn’t mean that they leave them bare. Functionality is given precedence, with any decorative items being intentional. When they do decorate, they usually go big, like a gigantic sunburst mirror or a huge painting.

Vintage pieces are an excellent choice here, especially when they’re paired correctly. Adding some DIY art also gives the space a more relaxed, laid-back vibe and makes it completely personal. No one is going to have that same piece, which means you have a one-of-a-kind piece!

The spaces featured in Emily in Paris reflect the people living in them perfectly, while staying true to the original architecture. It’s a reminder to celebrate the history of your home or building, and showcase its unique architectural features. Emily’s spaces also show us that you don’t need a large apartment for it to feel warm, cozy and completely you!

This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z Challenge 2026.

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