When you think of timeless class and effortless elegance, do you think of French décor, interior design, and fashion? If not, you should. The French are the experts of elegance, taste, and flamboyance, all wrapped up nicely in a distinctive color palette, a clear choice of artistic furniture, and several other key details we’re going to disclose today.
Combining simplicity and personality, with a dash of the old to complement the new and a bold approach to inspire uniqueness and flair, no two homes cloaked in French design can ever be the same. Here are the essential elements that will help you create a soothing French atmosphere in your home.
Choose the color palette
Firstly, while you should use bright, simplified color schemes, you shouldn’t neglect the importance of imbuing the ambiance with personality, so don’t just go for plain white if your hearts speaks soft egg blue, taupe, or peaceful green.
On the other hand, you shouldn’t neglect the pillars that keep the French style alive. One of them requires a foundation of serenity to be made through the use bright colors. For instance, set up a base of white or light champagne on the walls, and complement it with décor and window features that add variety.
Add a feature wall
This one is optional, but why not introduce distinctive French features on a wall to create a focal point in the room? You can’t go wrong with the famous fleur-de-lys pattern or even a Baroque or Rococo wallpaper design. If you choose not to introduce wallpapers, then perhaps light wall patterns will suit you best in order to give the room a dash of variety but preserve the foundation.
Image source: home-designing.com
Timeless décor
French interior design truly comes to life through the careful selection of décor and furniture. Try to introduce at least two pieces of vintage furniture per room, such as a French bed or a chandelier, and also look for simple elegant baths for the bathroom, as well as sofas and chaises lounges.
Image source: decorpad.com
Be sure not to overdo it though, as too much vintage furniture can quickly transform the design into Rococo, which is quite a different look altogether. Instead, think elegance with a modern twist, so don’t be afraid to introduce a French table in a modern kitchen or sophisticated window treatment in the bathroom.
Illuminate copiously
A French atmosphere is not achieved through big lighting schemes, but rather through the smart use of lighting in order to create an intimate, welcoming, and peaceful ambiance full of life. To achieve this, you first need to ensure that plenty of natural light permeates your house during the day by installing tall windows and replacing solid doors with French models that will allow light to travel seamlessly through the rooms.
Image source: impressiveinteriordesign.com
There are plenty of chic options for artificial lighting as well, from introducing a chandelier to create a focal point in the room to soft cone lights on the walls for a more intimate look in the evening. You want all wall and floor lighting to have their own ornamental designs that complement the room.
Showcase French antiquities
Naturally, a French look is not complete with one or two antique pieces per room. One to act as focal points or to simply complement the ambiance and deconstruct any monotonous areas. You can let your imagination run free. Think about adding flair and personality to the setting with antique vases to hold colorful flowers, mirrors in decorative frames and old tapestry on the walls and furniture.
Image source: pickwickantiques.com
If true antiques are out of your price range, you can also find cheaper, quality reproductions that look just the same as the originals and won’t put a dent in your budget.
Achieving a soothing, blissful atmosphere has never been easier than with French interior design. Forget about strict minimalism and modern elements that lack emotion and personality, and imbue your home with the timeless charm and aesthetic appeal of this beautiful trend.
Guest post courtesy of Catherine Collins.
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