How to Nail That Effortlessly Chic Parisian Interior Aesthetic

Très beau.

Whether you've strolled along the cobblestone streets of Paris or binge-watched the entire Emily in Paris series, you'll probably agree that the French capital has a certain charm to it. From its iconic buildings and landmarks to its charming cafes and bistros, everything about Paris exudes elegance. Paris is also famous for its interior design, and when you picture a quintessential Parisian apartment, herringbone parquet floors, full-length windows, wrought-iron balconies, and marble mantels come to mind.

So, even if you don't live in Paris per se, you can still recreate this sophisticated and elegant look in your own home using the tips below!

1. Opt for a neutral colour scheme

In a typical Parisian apartment, walls are generally painted various shades of white, pale, and earthy colours, such as light beige, grey, cream, and ivory. This colour scheme brings out the architectural details of the home, such as the moulding on the walls (more on that next), giving it that elegant and effortless look.

To add contrast to your room, you can incorporate jewel-toned colours like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, amethyst purple, or even citrine yellow. They are usually used for accent walls, an armchair, a sofa, a cushion, a lamp, or other home accessories.

2. Add statement lighting for a dose of glamour

While Parisian choices of colour palette are generally understated, lighting fixtures serve as statement pieces just as much as they are sources of illumination. Their homes are typically adorned with crystal chandeliers, which can be found not only in living and dining rooms, but also in entryways, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Besides chandeliers, you can consider sconces and table lamps with intricate designs and soft, warm lighting. This will create a romantic ambiance reminiscent of Parisian cafes and bistros, as seen in this charming Parisian-chic living room.

3. Install wall moulding to add depth to the space

Wall moulding is a prevalent feature in Parisian residences, adorning nearly every corner of the house. Besides the walls, moulding often extends to the doors and even the ceiling of the apartment.

You can bring the quintessential Parisian apartment look to your own abode by installing moulding in your living room, bedroom, or any other chosen space. Draw inspiration from this condominium, where crown moulding adorns not only the walls of the living room and bedroom, but extends all the way to the ceiling. The details serve to elongate the walls and give the home a highly sophisticated feel.

4. Invest in hardwood floors to add warmth to your space

Wooden floors are another quintessential design feature in Parisian homes. They often have beautiful (original) wooden floors in herringbone or chevron patterns, matched with a vintage rug to add warmth and texture to the floors.

To create a similar look, opt for parquet flooring or hardwood flooring with a herringbone or chevron pattern akin to what’s showcased in this open-plan living room. The herringbone-patterned floors harmonise seamlessly with the contemporary furnishings, while the jute rug helps to create a laid-back ambiance within the space.

TIP: Besides vintage rugs, natural materials such as sheepskin or wool rugs are often used to lend that laid-back influence to the Parisian decor style.

5. Incorporate timeless materials such as marble and brass

From kitchen countertops to bathroom walls, materials with an opulent feel, like gold, brass, or marble, are key to creating that indulgent Parisian apartment feel. These materials are often associated with luxury and refinement and can give your home a timeless look.

When renovating your home, consider incorporating these luxuries in various spaces, such as the living room, dining room, or kitchen. A stunning marble backsplash, as demonstrated in the kitchen below, is bound to stand the test of time while doubling as a statement piece.

6. Dress your home with ornate ironwork

Wrought-iron balconies are a distinctive feature of Parisian-style apartments. Aside from balconies, wrought-iron is a staple of Parisian design and can be used in various ways to create a beautiful and authentic Parisian ambiance.

If you have a staircase, consider updating the railing with a wrought iron design like the one shown in this bungalow. This can immediately improve the overall look of your home and create a lasting impression. Beside staircase railings, you can also incorporate wrought-iron on your entrance door. It can set the tone for your Parisian-inspired interior before you even step inside.

If you have a balcony or terrace, consider adding wrought-iron railings and outdoor furniture. This can create a charming outdoor space that evokes the ambiance of Parisian apartments.

7. Incorporate a faux fireplace to add warmth to your space

A gorgeous marble fireplace is a must-have in every Parisian home. They are frequently found in white with grey veins or brick red with white veins.

Since building a fireplace in our tropical climate is impractical, you can achieve a similar visual effect by purchasing a standalone faux fireplace that can be incorporated into any room. Just take a cue from this master bedroom, where a faux marble fireplace blends seamlessly with the white walls, creating an intriguing focal point in the room.

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