Bring home the glamor and elegance of French chic with the Parisian decor style! Contrary to popular belief, this style is easier than you think!

Have you always marveled at how French people make everything look so effortless? Whether its losing weight while eating delicious French food or looking classy and elegant in simple clothes, the French way is unique. And this is exactly the spirit that is reflected in the Parisian decor style as well!

Decor Styles 101: Parisian

Parisian decor is exactly what you would expect it to be, if you know anything about the French. It is effortless, elegant, sophisticated, beautiful and still has a relaxed quality to it. Parisian decor is by no means casual, but it’s still very much livable and practical.

The reason Parisian homes share this aesthetic is because the French aren’t too experimental when it comes to decor. They prefer traditional pieces, while also mixing in a little something that keeps the look current and not dated. At the end of the day, we have to admit – the results are stunning!

While a Parisian styled home may look like it was born that way, there is some amount of work that goes into it! To help you achieve the same kind of look in your home, it makes sense to understand what makes this style different from the rest.

Characteristics of Parisian Style

• Parisian apartments often have certain in built features like herringbone floors and elaborate molding details
• Large windows are a common feature of French homes
• Parisian homes almost always have large, intricately framed mirrors and crystal chandeliers
• The walls are usually white and balconies have black wrought iron railings
• There is a preference for more expensive textures like brocade and velvet
• The styling looks natural and organic – not like it was styled for the sake of it

6 Ways to get the Parisian Style in your Space

1. Start with Basics

Paris has several old buildings, even as far back as the 7th century, and these are still very much in use. As a result, most Parisian homes basically already have some details built in, like fireplaces, molding and large windows. You can get this style even if you don’t have these built ins, by starting out with basic pieces that are classic. Parisian style is considered the decor version of the ‘little black dress’ – it is evergreen and can be styled any way you like!

2. Prioritize Quality over Quantity

In the book ‘Why French Women don’t get Fat’, we read that French women stay slim even though they eat multiple courses – because they eat only a little quantity but of the best quality. The same spirit extends to Parisian decor, where the focus should be on getting just a few pieces, but ensuring that they are of top notch quality – whether they are furniture, art or decor accessories.

3. Mix and Match

French style is sophisticated, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun mixing and matching! To prevent it from looking garish or out of harmony, try mixing beautiful objects belonging to different styles or eras. For instance, combine a vintage ornate mirror in a room with modern chairs. Or a modern art painting with a vintage armoire.

4. Avoid Crowding Things

Parisian style leans towards being minimalist, although you have the freedom to display some gorgeous pieces. The key is to ensure that there’s a lot of negative space so everything has some ‘breathing space’. Again, opt for a few large beautiful pieces than a collection of smaller ones. This also applies to furniture, ensuring there is a lot of place for free movement.

5. Include Pieces of Parisian Decor

Parisian decor doesn’t mean sculptures of the Eiffel Tower – although there’s nothing wrong with using them! Get classic Parisian accessories like a gold framed mirror, candle sticks, marble busts and lots of books. Gold accessories are preferred to other metals, and brass also works. Avoid anything that looks too plastic or cheap.

6. Don’t Try too Hard

The most important thing to remember when going for the Parisian style is that the entire space should not looked ‘set up’ or staged. It should seem as if all the pieces are just naturally in the position they are because that’s how you use them. Avoid too much symmetry or a look that’s forced.

Finally, remember that the French don’t like to rush things. Just like they take their time to savor their latte, they build their spaces slowly and gradually, choosing to wait for the right piece rather than settle for a cheaper version. This may not work if patience is not your strong point! However, if you are ready to put in a little time and effort in research, you’ll have a space that’s carefully curated, beautiful and completely worth it!

This post is a part of the Blogchatter A2Z Blogging Challenge 2021.