Paris is one of the most classically romantic metropolises in the world, so it's little wonder someone would want to incorporate its breathtaking romanticism into their home decor. Parisian interiors comprise centuries-old architectural features, gilded accents and antiques, giving each space a unique character. These suggestions can help anyone bring the City of Light into their home.
Parisian design duo Festen recently decorated the new Château Voltaire near Palais Royal. Known for their ability to blend French classicism and modern tastes, Festen coated the hotel's walls with lime plaster and restored old Burgundy stone tile floors to complement the ivory wainscoting.
They also waxed the oak furniture to give it a slight sheen and highlight its natural graining. As Hugo Sauzay — one half of Festen — pointed out, they wanted to avoid perfection and customization, which tends to feel cold.
While these are prime examples of romantic Parisian interior decor, other elements include:
Achieving Parisian interior design is possible at every budget. For some people, a fresh coat of paint and French-inspired patterns can make a tremendous difference in the overall look of the space. These six tips will make embracing Paris' romanticism at home simple.
Neutral colors, including creamy whites and beige, create a soft and warm indoor environment. From the walls to the sofa and other textiles, a layered neutral palette is prime for a relaxing space to host wine parties. It's also the perfect backdrop for antique elements and Parisian glamour.
Crown molding is making a comeback in interior design. Bead and pearl molding, in particular, is more detailed with an intricate row of round shapes — an easy way to create subtle extravagance for a polished Parisian home.
Herringbone wood floors are commonly found throughout lavish Parisian homes. However, if this aesthetic is too expensive, sanding existing floors and restaining them in a lighter tint will create an airier atmosphere. Light floors also deliver much-needed contrast to darker antique furniture and decor.
Velvet, satin and silk are staples in Parisian style home decor. These fabrics exude refinement and sophistication, adorning sofas, chairs, pillows, throw blankets and curtains. Homeowners can play with the different textures, laying them for visual interest and depth. These materials also add a bit of luster to flatter matte materials and surfaces.
Turning a living room or stairwell into an art gallery is one of the best ways to adopt Parisian romanticism. To stay within budget, look for stunning artwork at secondhand stores for a discount and mount it in gilded frames. These pieces may have the same shape and size or varying heights and widths. Ultimately, the idea is to create a miniature museum at home.
Romantic French-inspired motifs typically include toile, chinoiserie and Rococo designs for timeless aesthetics. These patterns look stunning as wallpaper, especially in softer tones. Decorative pillows with French designs also look beautiful on a solid-colored sofa, chair or bed.
Adopting the romanticism of Parisian interior design is like visiting the city itself. Major renovations aren't necessary for incorporating this style, with plenty of opportunities to purchase beautiful secondhand antiques and artwork for every budget.
Ready to turn your home into a Parisian retreat? Whether you're drawn to romantic room design ideas, timeless French style, or the charm of a perfectly curated space, the DecorMatters app makes it easy to visualize and create your dream interior.
Browse stunning romantic decor, experiment with elegant textures, and design a room that feels effortlessly chic. Start decorating today and bring the romance of Parisian interiors into your home!
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