If you had to use only five words to define France, what would they be? Allusions to France typically centre on its opulence, romance, and majesty. It stands to reason, too.
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When it comes to furniture, decor, lighting, and the overall tone of any room or place, the French have a natural affinity for easily integrating the antique with the contemporary. French interior design has that special “je ne sais quoi” about it that makes it seem elegant and uncluttered.
While the signature French-style interior decor may appear to result from a few simple decisions, in reality, it results from thoughtful curation.
This is why we’ve compiled a list of the top French interior design secrets in an article just for you. This article will further learn about Classic French interior design basics, modern French decor techniques, dos and don’ts of French interiors, colours to opt for and its room-wise execution.
Basic French Style Interior Design Characteristics
- Lighting Theme– Crystal chandeliers, hanging lights, candle wall sconces, and floor lamps make up the lighting scheme.
- Fabric Decor– Drapery fabrics can be anything from brocade and velvet to silk organza, linen, or chiffon (transparent + lightness).
- Architecture– Porcelain granite, hardwood, veneer, and luminous polished stone are just some of the flooring alternatives, while panicles, gypsum mouldings, broad windows, and vaulted ceilings are some of the other architectural highlights.
- Texture and Finish– Interiors with a matte or semi-matte paint finish with floral wallpaper accents.
- Furnishings and Accessories– Various pedestals, flower vases, handmade lacy napkins, and hand-embroidered cushions (beads/ribbons) are adorned with bronze/silver ornaments, crystal, porcelain figurines, paintings of old cotton fabric, and mirrors in big carved frames with gilding.
- French Furniture– Sofas, hardwood armchairs with metal ornamentation, gently curved backs and legs, tables of exquisite shape on the thinnest rounded legs, and little rugs with floral motifs.
- Colour Arrangements– Schemes of Ivory, Light Blue, Platinum, Grey-Green, Emerald, Lavender, and Other Pastel Colours.
What are the Different Types of French Interior Design?
French interior design is always developing, but the style is built on enduring principles. Any interior design style that takes inspiration from France should prioritise creating livable spaces rich in personality. Here are a few refreshing suggestions for French-style interior design that a lot of homeowners are going crazy for-
Classic French Interior Design
Often referred to as “French Traditional,” this aesthetic blends classical patterns and furniture with modern spaces. Accent lighting and gorgeous pendant chandeliers made of crystal or candle stand type of centrepieces are a great way to add a splash of flair to the area and attract attention to the high, corniced ceiling.
The walls certainly do help to create a one-of-a-kind ambiance in here. Other identifying features of this style are tables with claw feet, seats with carved dark stained wooden wings, and open shelving displaying porcelain ware.
Modern French Interior Design
One of the defining aspects of modern French interior design is the inventive combination of technology, practicality, harmony, and texture.
In addition, it emphasises aesthetic simplicity by employing neutral tones like beige, off-white, and grey, with the addition of an accent wall in a vibrant hue like turquoise or deep green.
To have a balanced appearance throughout the area, mix a couple of pieces of vintage furniture with more contemporary pieces. For the upholstery, go with something as simple as organic cotton or as plentiful as velvet or silk.
The interplay of a mid-century modern French interior design with the outdoors, along with clean lines and bright colours are the defining characteristics of this style.
Interior Decoration in the French Provincial Style
In French interior design, the provincial style is characterised by using weathered wood, brass and gold accents, and cosy colour tones like milk and blush pink to create an atmosphere reminiscent of the great outdoors.
Parquetry laid in a herringbone pattern makes for an ornate floor pattern, and pieces of furniture with cabriole legs provide a striking visual impression in the space. In some modern homes decorated provincially, you might also find a white armoire used to store your valuable china. This design incorporates worn patinas and an aesthetic appeal reminiscent of a rustic setting in any environment.
Interiors with a Shabby-Chic French Flair
The French interior design style is characterised by the combination of delicate and feminine aesthetic components with the look of a weathered cottage to produce bright and airy spaces. It gives the room an air reminiscent of a romantic setting.
To achieve the desired effect of cosiness in the living room, the upholstery is made from a cotton-based material, combined with brand-new furniture that has been given a distressed appearance.
The key to successfully bringing refined beauty into your living environment is to pay attention to the movement of lines as they are expressed through contrasting motifs, shapes, and patterns.
Interior Design Inspired by the French Countryside
This type of French interior design is the one that is used the most frequently around here. It combines various styles, such as French and English, as well as Scandinavian and Minimalist, to create an atmosphere that is simultaneously cosy and open.
The use of wood and ceramics, together with contrasting textures on the walls, helps to create a sense of fluidity in the area, which is reflected in the colour palette that has been employed, which is organic and rustic.
The use of a fireplace made of stone, floors made of natural stone or wood covered with a woollen rug, and light fixtures made of wrought iron are unquestionably some of the most significant elements of this design.
There will also be an area for clear glass vases brimming with lavender, grapes, and sunflowers. The predominant architectural elements include dado rails, large windows, and arched doors and passageways.
What Shades to Choose for Your French Interiors?
French home design places a premium on well-considered colour schemes. Pastels like beige, light grey, light blue, and light pink are frequently used to complement the dominating hue, which is typically a dazzling white used for the walls.
Most style examples have bright hues, but you can also discover darker patterns. If you prefer darker hues, you will find that they are stylish and practical. Pop-colour accents in artwork or furnishings can create an upbeat and welcoming ambience in any space. The following are some more precise colour suggestions.
French Gold Architecture
The colour gold harkens back to classically French “Baroque” design. The embellishments were particularly elaborate and contributed to the overall feeling of luxury. However, even if the modern French aesthetic is all about understatement, we utilise a few gold accents to give our spaces a sense of class. It can be used to create a Gilded Mirror, as well as in the construction of modern lighting and ornamentation.
Designing with Red in a French Style
Red, especially deeper reds like Bordeaux or velvet red, is popular in Parisian fashion. This adds the splash of colour you were hoping for while maintaining the room’s sophisticated atmosphere.
It is a versatile textile that works great for upholstery and decorative accents. In small quantities, it can also be used as paint on walls. Pick one wall you like and paint it boldly to draw attention to it.
All-Black French Style
Since Parisian style is typically associated with a lighter colour palette, the use of black in the room greatly accentuates the style’s other features. It aids in drawing attention to what you want and provides the necessary sharp lines to define the objects in a room. Even better, it complements both burgundy and gold.
Styled in Black and White
Going back as far back as the Gothic era, this has been a style choice. Flooring with black and white chequered was fairly widespread at the time. Even in subsequent French architecture, it persisted. Being true to their heritage, contemporary French designers frequently use black and white in various patterns and applications.
It may be incorporated into the ground, the rugs, the pillows, or the furniture itself. However, the pattern’s high degree of contrast necessitates careful application to avoid looking garish.
Dos and Don’ts of French Style Interior Design
Keep these dos and don’ts in mind while you decorate your home in the all-time trendy french fashion.
Dos of French Interior
- Don’t just leave the ceiling white; add some texture. Also, leave one wall blank.
- Contrast the modern, straight lines of the building with the elaborate, curved lines to create a style that is both unique and strong yet soft.
- For a room decorated in this fashion, muted colours work best.
Don’ts of French Interior
- Don’t fill a room with just one type of furniture; instead, utilise contrasting pieces to highlight the strengths of each.
- If you want to increase the wow effect, don’t be shy about adding one truly enormous, magnificent piece of decor.
- Avoid using an abundance of tassels, fringe, frills, and printed textiles.
Rules to Live By – From French Chic Bedroom to Luxurious Living Room
Rule 1: Be Aware Of Your History
For a home to be considered charming, it must have a unique history and character worthy of preservation. French interior design that succeeds combines the space’s historical significance with a modern sense of comfort.
For those reasons, it’s not a good idea to install recessed lighting in a classic flat, which typically has ornate ceiling mouldings. Instead, dramatic floor lighting may be more suitable.
Rule 2: Invest In Anti-Decorative Features
In order to achieve a French aesthetic that is also practical, one must learn to let their guard down a bit. However, that can be challenging. You can always have things calm and steady. Make an effort to put together objects that aren’t naturally complementary, resulting in jarring contrasts.
Consider taking an eclectic approach to furniture selection if, for instance, you have an extremely conventional Parisian taste.
The designer of this main bedroom hung portraits from the 16th century through the 1960s. Among the furnishings are a leather rug by Serge Lesage and a neo-Egyptian armchair from the 1920s upholstered in a fabric by Gaston y Daniela.
The point of this is to create an anti-decorative space. To create the illusion that the owner was personally responsible for the work. It has a distinctly French flavour.
Rule 3: Use “Effortless” French Fashion as a Guide
French homes can look equally exquisite when they’re a little messy or sloppy. So, don’t exert yourself unnecessarily! The French approach to interior design is just as laissez-faire as their approach to fashion.
Do not feel obligated to cling to any particular design style; instead, favour simplicity, a blend of old and modern elements, and personal mementos and souvenirs from your travels to shape the room as you see fit.
Dive Into the French Way of Living
Interior design in France is as much about aesthetics as comfort. That’s because they were designed to follow every step as you navigate the space. Easygoing day-to-day existence is ensured by providing comfy corners to relax and clever places to store one’s many cherished possessions.
A well-planned layout is a prerequisite for a successful French interior design. Everything, from French furniture to paintings, should serve a purpose. The space should be a reflection of who you are and what you value.
France is known for its refined and high-class taste, grandeur, romanticism, and ability to integrate old and new elements. French interior design is known for its je ne sais quoi, classic features such as crystal chandeliers, drapery fabrics, parquet flooring, matte paint finishes and floral wallpaper accents, as well as modern features like organic cotton upholstery and vintage furniture.
There are different French interiors, such as Classic French, Modern French and Shabby-Chic French. Common dos and don’ts when decorating a French interior are to add texture to the ceiling and leave one wall blank, use contrasting pieces of furniture, and avoid using an abundance of tassels, fringe, frills and printed textiles.
Want a French interior design inspired home for yourself? Head over to NoBroker interior design services to make your dream a reality.
FAQ’s
1. What is the difference between French country and shabby chic?
French country design is all about rustic, earthy materials and muted colours, while shabby chic cues from antique furniture and decor with a feminine touch. Both styles can be achieved by incorporating vintage elements and repurposing old pieces, but the overall look and feel will differ.
2. How do I achieve a “lived-in” look?
The key to achieving a lived-in look is to mix different textures and patterns while keeping the overall palette relatively neutral. Then, incorporate items like linen tablecloths, ticking stripe fabrics, sisal rugs, and enamelware into your space for an authentic French country feel.
Read: Fun Bunk Bed Design Ideas that People of All Ages will Love
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3. What are some must-have French country furniture pieces?
Some essential furniture pieces for a French country home include a dining table and chairs, a buffet or sideboard, an armoire or cabinet, and a coffee table. You can find these pieces new or vintage, but make sure they are made of solid wood for a true sense of rustic luxury.
4. What type of lighting should I use?
Opt for a French country look for simple wrought iron fixtures or antique brass lamps. Candles are also key in this style – use them throughout your home to create a warm and inviting ambience.
5. Interior design in the Modern French style: what is it?
French modern interior design takes cues from the city of Paris – it is a unique combination of sophistication from varied sources, and it employs the use of powerful features that are reminiscent of traditional styles.
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Ananth
Who doesn’t love a stylish home? We know Ananth does! From a young age Ananth could never resist reading Architecture Digest, Good House Keeping, and so on. He did it because he was captivated by the beauty of the homes and the way they kept homes feeling like ‘home’ but yet glamorous. He is a wizard at keeping houses looking top-notch and he does it with the least effort. He writes to shares his tips and make loving your home easy.
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