There’s a sure je ne sais quoi about Parisian condo decor that makes it completely charming. It’s the way in which magnificence meets effortlessness, the place each element—irrespective of how small—feels intentional. Assume rooms that inform a narrative, stuffed with appeal, heat, and only a contact of caprice, as if they’ve been lived in for generations.
Whether or not you’re hoping so as to add a Parisian aptitude to your private home in Madison, WI, an condo in Charleston, SC, or a rental dwelling in Des Moines, IA, this timeless model gives infinite inspiration. On this article, we’ll discover what makes Parisian condo decor so iconic, and uncover how one can carry its magic into your individual area.
1. Begin with the basic Parisian basis
Reworking your private home right into a Parisian-inspired retreat is all about capturing the ambiance that makes the Metropolis of Mild so enchanting. Ken Tate, writer and architect from The Ken Tate Basis displays on his 40-year profession designing French-inspired areas. “What individuals love about Paris is the ambiance. There’s a sure joie de vivre flowing via the areas.”
To create this ambiance, start with a cohesive coloration palette. Ken recommends soothing paint colours for moldings and partitions in shades like vintage white, pale French inexperienced, or blue-grey for a refined but inviting tone. Flooring additionally performs a key function—go for medium-brown wooden with a basic 4-inch board width to evoke timeless magnificence. For an added contact of Parisian sophistication, incorporate toile materials, scenic wallpaper, or each. “Lastly, if ranging from scratch, cove crown molding and a 30-inch excessive chair rail will give it that previous Parisian ambiance all of us love,” he concludes.
Obtain the look your self
One method to elevate the Parisian appeal of your area is by recreating the basic boiseries, or wall paneling typically seen in historic flats. As Pittsburgh, PA-based journey blogger, Rachel from When in Provence explains, “Considered one of my absolute favourite design components present in historic Parisian flats is their basic boiseries, or wall paneling. Right here within the U.S., the place our houses had been constructed lengthy after the model was thought of out of style, an adventurous DIYer may use supplies reminiscent of wooden, metallic or plastic to present the identical raised, paneled look and even discover one of many many kits featured on on-line marketplaces like Etsy. The look is clear, basic, and really Parisian.”
2. Combine classic and trendy items
Parisian condo decor thrives on the suave steadiness of previous and current, creating areas that really feel timeless but refreshingly trendy. For example, “Basic silhouettes like Louis XVI chairs, marble accents, and ornate particulars like gilded mirrors or vintage chandeliers pair superbly with modern furnishings,” explains the workforce at French Quarter Journal in New Orleans, LA. “Add softness and texture with accents like velvet, linen, or silk throw pillows to evoke that quintessential Parisian appeal.”
To infuse the area with much more character, they advocate incorporating Toile de Jouy textiles or wallpaper. These pastoral motifs lend a delicate magnificence that’s each basic and stylish. Persist with a impartial palette—hints of blush, muted blues, or lotions—layered with heat lighting to channel the comfy sophistication of a Parisian salon.
Picture courtesy of French Quarter Journal
Julie Maarhuis from the Paris-based life-style weblog, A Parisienne Life highlights the magic of this harmonious combine. “Consider heat chevron wooden floors, marble-topped espresso tables, and classic velvet cushions. No Parisian area is full and not using a gold-framed mirror and a press release chandelier, however be at liberty to combine it up with some trendy artwork.” Parisians love to combine eras and types, enriching their areas with layers of coloration and texture whereas sustaining a delicate, impartial base. “The result’s an eclectic, inviting cozy area the place you’re surrounded by objects you like,” says Julie. With this mix of classic and trendy components, your area will exude the easy sophistication that makes Parisian flats so iconic.
Picture courtesy of A Parisienne Life
3. Discover decor that feels effortlessly stylish
Easy stylish is the cornerstone of Parisian model—an aesthetic that feels refined but approachable, polished but relaxed. As Jeannine Bergeron from the French life-style weblog French Type superbly places it, “Bringing on a regular basis Parisian model into your private home is simpler than you would possibly suppose. It’s all about creating an area that feels effortlessly stylish.”
She continues, “Begin with a impartial palette of sentimental lotions and delicate taupes to create a sublime but understated basis.” Elevate the area with textured accents like velvet or jacquard pillows, paired with silk taffeta draperies in ivory or pale French blue to catch the sunshine and create curiosity. “Combine previous and new by mixing trendy furnishings with classic antiques,” Jeannine advises. A glossy glass espresso desk feels completely Parisian when styled alongside framed 18th-century prints or vintage market finds.
To finish the ambiance, deal with considerate particulars: mushy, layered lighting, contemporary flowers, curated books, and the nice and cozy glow of scented candles. And, as Bergeron suggests, “Ayez toujours une bouteille de champagne dans le frigo”—all the time have a bottle of champagne within the fridge. With these components, you’ll seize the essence of Parisian stylish, reworking your private home into an area that feels effortlessly elegant and uniquely yours.
Picture courtesy of French Type
4. Comply with the Parisian artwork of juxtaposition
On the coronary heart of Parisian decor lies the artwork of juxtaposition—an intentional mix of opposing types that creates an area each dynamic and complex. As Elizabeth Jones, founding father of Manoir, a French and European-inspired furnishings and decor store based mostly in Boston, MA explains, “One key to reaching Parisian-chic is the intentional juxtaposition of opposing types, reminiscent of transitional design, mixing conventional with trendy components.”
“For instance, pair a basic Louis XVI or bergère chair with a glossy gentle fixture or trendy art work,” suggests Elizabeth. “Or use unconventional materials with daring colours, textures, or geometric patterns. All of a sudden a conventional piece turns into a placing point of interest—and it’s these sudden juxtapositions which might be the true hallmark of Parisian model.” A gilded mirror just like the Villecerf Mirror turns into much more placing when styled alongside black-and-white drawings of Parisian landmarks or geometric textiles in vibrant hues. These considerate contrasts remodel conventional items into charming focal factors, embodying the true essence of Parisian model.
Picture courtesy of Manoir
5. Showcase your habits in your design
Parisian interiors are extra than simply superbly curated areas—they’re a mirrored image of the lives and habits of those that stay there. Laura, inside decorator and founding father of From Paris to Texas Design in Alamo Heights, TX shares, “To infuse your residing area with an elegant Parisian contact, suppose elegant moldings, vintage mirrors above fireplaces, and beautiful herringbone picket flooring. Identical to Parisian style, these interiors are timeless, seemingly easy but impeccably put collectively.”
One hallmark of Parisian design is the considerate integration of private habits into the decor. Particularly, Laura recommends displaying your love for studying in your design. “Books function a key component of Parisian decor, displayed on built-in cabinets or artfully organized in ornamental stacks on the ground, reflecting the Parisians’ love for showcasing their studying habits.” By showcasing your passions—whether or not via artwork, books, or beloved antiques—you create an area that feels personalised whereas capturing the timeless inside design of Paris.
6. Use Parisian condo decor so as to add coloration to your area
Parisian flats are sometimes synonymous with understated magnificence, however that doesn’t imply they shrink back from coloration. The important thing lies in utilizing hues with objective and restraint, making a harmonious steadiness that feels each refined and alluring. “When I’m adorning an area, I like to start out with a clear pallet. Add a number of gentle sources to present depth. Herald coloration with the equipment that you simply use to layer texture and patterns,” shares Julie Skinner, founding father of the design idea retailer, French.US in Calabasas, CA.
Victoria Petersen, Miami Seaside, FL-based founding father of the approach to life weblog, The French additionally shares her insights for including coloration to your area. “Reaching a Parisian aesthetic in an condo includes combining magnificence and appeal with understated, easy model. Go for a impartial coloration palette of white, cream, and beige, complemented by pops of wealthy jewel tones like emerald or sapphire.”
These considerate pops of coloration can come via a velvet armchair, a classic rug, or a daring piece of art work, including depth and character to your area with out overwhelming it. Incorporate textiles like toile quilt covers or sheer drapes in mushy pastels or muted tones to keep up a timeless Parisian ambiance. A vase of dried flowers, evoking the appeal of Parisian flower markets, also can introduce delicate coloration and texture, additional enhancing the aesthetic. 
Picture courtesy of French.US
7. Elevate your Parisian condo with sculptural items
Incorporating sculptural items into your decor can add a refined, creative contact to your area. As inside designer Michelle from Michelle Harrison Design in San Diego, CA suggests, “To infuse a Parisian model into your condo dwelling, deal with incorporating sculptural classic items, reminiscent of a espresso desk, facet desk, or stand-alone sculpture. Pair them with the basic black and white stripes for a quintessential nod to Parisian magnificence.”
A superbly carved espresso desk or a glossy stand-alone sculpture serves as a placing point of interest, elevating the general aesthetic with its timeless appeal. These sculptural components carry depth and character to an area, whereas the pairing with basic patterns like black and white stripes provides a contact of sophistication. Whether or not displayed in a lounge or bed room, these items supply a delicate but highly effective method to seize the essence of Parisian model.
Picture courtesy of Michelle Harrison Design
8. Add small touches with a big affect
In Parisian condo decor, it’s typically the smallest particulars that go away the best impression. “To attain a Parisian aesthetic in an condo, small touches could make a giant distinction,” says the workforce on the French and European-inspired decor store, Joliette in Ontario, Canada. These delicate but considerate components can elevate a room, infusing it with character and appeal.
“Add impartial pottery items, for instance, for model and performance, making a timeless basis for any area. Classic books add top and a layer of intrigue, whether or not stacked artfully on a espresso desk or displayed on a shelf—and as a bonus, they make for excellent dialog starters.” And no Parisian-inspired house is full and not using a classic mirror. “Search for indicators of age and de-silvering,” they advise, “so as to add historical past to your area.” These small but impactful particulars carry authenticity and persona, making your private home really feel effortlessly stylish and uniquely yours.
Picture courtesy of Joliette
9. Search for luxurious Parisian condo decor
Remodel your private home into an expensive Parisian-inspired retreat by curating timeless focal factors and adorning your private home with antiques. For instance, “A surprising crystal chandelier suspended over a relaxing soaking tub or an ornate gilded trumeau above a marble mantel immediately evokes the grandeur of Parisian interiors,” says Bryan Ortis, president of the posh dwelling decor store, Chateau Charmant Interiors. “Layer varied textures so as to add heat and depth, reminiscent of a beautiful Aubusson tapestry or vintage rug, alongside stylish materials like velvet, silk, and linen in soothing tones that invite leisure.”
Considerate touches, like dried hydrangeas in a impartial coloration palette artfully organized in an aged cast-iron urn with handles, may be positioned on a classy pedestal or atop a stack of vintage books for added appeal. Embellish with classic furnishings, in addition to modern finds to create an eclectic and picked up aesthetic, punctuated with a gallery wall of beautiful artwork. “And, in fact, contemporary flowers—beautiful roses, lilies, and peonies—in a classic vase are the ultimate contact so as to add panache and transport you to the Metropolis of Lights.”
10. Store for items with a classic contact
Selecting the best items is essential to reaching Parisian magnificence, and classic treasures maintain the key to this timeless aesthetic. “My favourite method so as to add Parisian affect to an area is by searching for classic and vintage items, particularly whenever you may not have the funds or time for a full renovation,” shares Julie Okay. Beuerlein, proprietor of JKB House Design in Palos Verdes Estates, CA. “There are quite a few lovely classic outlets, each native and on-line, that supply worldwide items to reinforce your private home. Search for that assertion piece; it’s all about understated opulence.”
For an genuine Parisian contact, Cléophée Poli, founding father of Cléo Inside Design in Paris, France recommends buying classic finds instantly from Parisian markets. “We like to supply these on the Puces de Saint-Ouen within the north of Paris. It’s the largest classic flea market right here, and the items there are improbable,” she says. “This previous meets new aesthetic works completely inside each Haussmannian flats and newer builds.”
Picture courtesy of Cléo Inside Design
11. Use french linens in your kitchen design
Transferring to the kitchen, french linens can carry a contact of easy magnificence and heat to any area. San Francisco, CA-based francophile, Darlene C. Alvarez from the approach to life weblog Bonjour Darlene shares, “The straightforward magnificence of high quality linens speaks for itself. In the identical method a silk scarf accent can elevate an outfit, including eye-catching French linens, like tablecloths, placemats, or napkins in quite a lot of supplies, colours, and designs, brings heat and vibrancy to any kitchen.”
For a Parisian-inspired kitchen, take into account incorporating absorbent honeycomb towels with a particular motif—purple, white, and blue, harking back to each the American and French tricolor flag. These sensible but lovely linens add texture and appeal, whereas lowering paper towel waste and evoking a comfortable, rustic French ambiance. Whether or not draped over a countertop or used throughout meals, French linens effortlessly mix model with performance.
Picture courtesy of Darlene C. Alvarez
12. Use Parisian-inspired furnishings
To carry Parisian appeal into your private home, deal with furnishings that blends basic sophistication with modern design. French actual property advisor Adrian Leeds captures the essence of Parisian condo decor, noting, “Furnishings ought to have plenty of curves and female traces. Add molding to the ceilings, partitions and cabinetry. Adorn the doorways and cabinetry with basic handles and knobs. Moreover, don’t be afraid to make use of crystal chandeliers and wall sconces. And voila! Your Parisian dwelling anyplace on this planet.” Go for timeless items like Louis XVI chairs or a marble-top espresso desk, which exude understated opulence.
When planning your structure, consider symmetry and steadiness. Because the workforce on the luxurious furnishings store, U-Commerce Furnishings retailer in California shares, “Go for symmetrical preparations that spotlight the area’s pure gentle, complemented by ornate mirrors or delicate chandeliers to finish the timeless look.” Moreover, select upholstery in textured materials like velvet or linen in mushy, smoky tones, and add gold-accented facet tables or glossy glass items for a contact of modernity.
Picture courtesy of Adrian Leeds
13. Create a Parisian ambiance via scents
Bringing the appeal of a Parisian café into your private home is so simple as including a rigorously chosen scent. Wixology Candles in Lexington, KT captures this completely. “Flip your condo right into a Parisian café with a playful twist utilizing Wixology’s Bourbon Ball candle. The wealthy notes of bourbon, darkish chocolate, and pecans mix like a French chocolat truffle with a cheeky Southern accent—elegant, indulgent, and just a bit bit rebellious.”
Elevating your area with Parisian condo decor
Making a Parisian-style condo is about extra than simply decor—it’s about cultivating an environment that feels effortlessly elegant, timeless, and distinctive. By mixing classic and trendy components, embracing texture and element, and thoughtfully curating every area, you possibly can channel the artwork de vivre that makes Parisian condo decor so charming. Whether or not it’s a gilded mirror catching the afternoon gentle, a comfortable studying nook, or the mild glow of a chandelier, each element tells a narrative and brings a way of romance to your private home.
Irrespective of the place you reside, with a contact of creativity and a mind for the classic-yet-unexpected, you possibly can transport the spirit of Paris into your area. And maybe essentially the most Parisian contact of all? Surrounding your self with the belongings you love, et voilà! Your stylish condo awaits.
