To a Parisian, style is paramount. Parisian-inspired decor is characterized by attention to detail and is a reflection of the occupant's personal style. The French celebrate beauty in all aspects of their lives and this celebration is reflected in their interiors.
A consistent theme in Parisian interiors is the mix of old and new, punctuated by unique finds -- Parisian-inspired decor will never be matchy-matchy.
Parisian apartments can be on the darker side, so many apartments are painted white to augment the small amount of natural light that is available. The typical palette is made up of white, off-whites, nudes, soft grays, blues and greens.
Any soft color will work in a Parisian interior, all you need to do is add a little gray to the paint and voilà!
Working in a neutral color palette places visual emphasis on the architecture, like ornate boiserie (wood carving and paneling seen in many Parisian apartments,) exposed beams, furnishings, and last, but not least, texture, which can tie an eclectic space together.
Interiors should look as though they've come together over time. A traditional fauteil (a French-style chair with open arms) here, and a contemporary coffee table there, and unique finds from the brocantes, or flea markets (Paris is famous for its flea markets) and you have yourself a Parisian-inspired interior.
The Art Deco tea set sitting on top of the very contemporary acrylic coffee table across from the traditional fauteils covered in a modern fabric in the image above is a perfect example.
Rooms should never look as though they came from a single spread in a catalog or from the same showroom.
1. A traditional bergère (an enclosed armchair with an upholstered seat and back) covered in a neutral linen will go with just about anything.
2. This x-based coffee table with faux crocodile leather will look great next to a tailored sofa or a more ornate piece of furniture.
3. You can never go wrong with a traditional-style chandelier like this one with an antique rubbed white finish
4. The clean lines of this acrylic waterfall console table will go with any era or style of décor you place near it.
5. A beautiful gilded mirror with intricate carving is practically a staple in French interiors.
6. Antiqued mirror is timeless, and this 3-panel screen with antiqued mirror and a gold leaf finish is perfect as a room divider.
7. This gray sofa with nailhead trim is a great place to start building a Parisian-inspired room.
8. Lighting is always important, especially in the often dark Parisian apartment. This gorgeous mercury glass table lamp will look perfect on a traditional or contemporary side table.
9. This gilded tripod table's organic twig-like base make it the perfect piece to bridge the gap between modern and traditional furnishings and décor.
With its mix of old and new, traditional and modern, Parisian interiors are always chic and stylish, distinct and eclectic.
For more French inspired decor, look at Lamps Plus' Shop By Trend section!
Image Sources: My Domaine; Style at Home; By Koket; Traditional Home;