There’s a sure je ne sais quoi about Parisian condo decor that makes it totally fascinating. It’s the way in which magnificence meets effortlessness, the place each element—regardless of how small—feels intentional. Suppose rooms that inform a narrative, crammed with attraction, 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 own home in Madison, WI, an condo in Charleston, SC, or a rental residence in Des Moines, IA, this timeless model affords countless inspiration. On this article, we’ll discover what makes Parisian condo decor so iconic, and uncover how one can deliver its magic into your individual area.
1. Begin with the basic Parisian basis
Reworking your own home right into a Parisian-inspired retreat is all about capturing the ambiance that makes the Metropolis of Gentle so enchanting. Ken Tate, creator 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 position—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 attraction of your area is by recreating the basic boiseries, or wall paneling usually seen in historic flats. As Pittsburgh, PA-based journey blogger, Rachel from When in Provence explains, “One in all my absolute favourite design components present in historical Parisian flats is their basic boiseries, or wall paneling. Right here within the U.S., the place our properties had been constructed lengthy after the model was thought of out of trend, an adventurous DIYer might use supplies reminiscent of wooden, steel or plastic to offer 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 clever steadiness of previous and current, creating areas that really feel timeless but refreshingly trendy. As an illustration, “Basic silhouettes like Louis XVI chairs, marble accents, and ornate particulars like gilded mirrors or vintage chandeliers pair fantastically with up to date furnishings,” explains the staff 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 attraction.”
To infuse the area with much more character, they suggest incorporating Toile de Jouy textiles or wallpaper. These pastoral motifs lend a refined 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 comfortable sophistication of a Parisian salon.
Photograph 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 wood flooring, marble-topped espresso tables, and classic velvet cushions. No Parisian area is full with out a gold-framed mirror and an announcement 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 refined, impartial base. “The result’s an eclectic, inviting cozy area the place you’re surrounded by objects you’re keen on,” says Julie. With this mix of classic and trendy components, your area will exude the easy sophistication that makes Parisian flats so iconic.
Photograph 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 Model fantastically places it, “Bringing on a regular basis Parisian model into your own home is less complicated than you may suppose. It’s all about creating an area that feels effortlessly stylish.”
She continues, “Begin with a impartial palette of soppy 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 modern glass espresso desk feels completely Parisian when styled alongside framed 18th-century prints or vintage market finds.
To finish the ambiance, concentrate on 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”—at all times have a bottle of champagne within the fridge. With these components, you’ll seize the essence of Parisian stylish, remodeling your own home into an area that feels effortlessly elegant and uniquely yours.
Photograph courtesy of French Model
4. Observe 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 complicated. 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 modern gentle fixture or trendy paintings,” suggests Elizabeth. “Or use unconventional materials with daring colours, textures, or geometric patterns. All of the sudden a standard piece turns into a hanging point of interest—and it’s these sudden juxtapositions which can be the true hallmark of Parisian model.” A gilded mirror just like the Villecerf Mirror turns into much more hanging when styled alongside black-and-white drawings of Parisian landmarks or geometric textiles in vibrant hues. These considerate contrasts rework conventional items into fascinating focal factors, embodying the true essence of Parisian model.
Photograph courtesy of Manoir
5. Showcase your habits in your design
Parisian interiors are extra than simply fantastically 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 dwelling area with an elegant Parisian contact, suppose elegant moldings, vintage mirrors above fireplaces, and beautiful herringbone wood flooring. Identical to Parisian trend, these interiors are timeless, seemingly easy but impeccably put collectively.”
One hallmark of Parisian design is the considerate integration of non-public habits into the decor. Specifically, 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 draw back from coloration. The important thing lies in utilizing hues with goal and restraint, making a harmonious steadiness that feels each refined and welcoming. “When I’m adorning an area, I like to begin with a clear pallet. Add a number of gentle sources to offer 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 Seashore, FL-based founding father of the life-style weblog, The French additionally shares her insights for including coloration to your area. “Attaining a Parisian aesthetic in an condo includes combining magnificence and attraction 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 paintings, including depth and character to your area with out overwhelming it. Incorporate textiles like toile cover covers or sheer drapes in mushy pastels or muted tones to keep up a timeless Parisian ambiance. A vase of dried flowers, evoking the attraction of Parisian flower markets, may introduce refined coloration and texture, additional enhancing the aesthetic. 
Photograph courtesy of French.US
7. Elevate your Parisian condo with sculptural items
Incorporating sculptural items into your decor can add a refined, inventive 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 residence, concentrate on 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 fantastically carved espresso desk or a modern stand-alone sculpture serves as a hanging point of interest, elevating the general aesthetic with its timeless attraction. These sculptural components deliver 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 refined but highly effective method to seize the essence of Parisian model.
Photograph courtesy of Michelle Harrison Design
8. Add small touches with a big affect
In Parisian condo decor, it’s usually the smallest particulars that depart the best impression. “To realize a Parisian aesthetic in an condo, small touches could make an enormous distinction,” says the staff on the French and European-inspired decor store, Joliette in Ontario, Canada. These refined but considerate components can elevate a room, infusing it with character and attraction.
“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 nice dialog starters.” And no Parisian-inspired house is full with out 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 deliver authenticity and persona, making your own home really feel effortlessly stylish and uniquely yours.
Photograph courtesy of Joliette
9. Search for luxurious Parisian condo decor
Remodel your own home into an opulent Parisian-inspired retreat by curating timeless focal factors and adorning your own 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 luxurious residence 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 attraction. Beautify with classic furnishings, in addition to up to date finds to create an eclectic and picked up aesthetic, punctuated with a gallery wall of beautiful artwork. “And, in fact, contemporary flowers—attractive 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 manner so as to add Parisian affect to an area is by purchasing for classic and vintage items, particularly if you may not have the finances or time for a full renovation,” shares Julie Ok. Beuerlein, proprietor of JKB House Design in Palos Verdes Estates, CA. “There are quite a few stunning classic outlets, each native and on-line, that supply worldwide items to boost your own 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 straight from Parisian markets. “We like to supply these on the Puces de Saint-Ouen within the north of Paris. It’s the most important classic flea market right here, and the items there are implausible,” she says. “This previous meets new aesthetic works completely inside each Haussmannian flats and newer builds.”
Photograph courtesy of Cléo Inside Design
11. Use french linens in your kitchen design
Shifting to the kitchen, french linens can deliver a contact of easy magnificence and heat to any area. San Francisco, CA-based francophile, Darlene C. Alvarez from the life-style weblog Bonjour Darlene shares, “The easy 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 a wide range 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—pink, white, and blue, paying homage to each the American and French tricolor flag. These sensible but stunning linens add texture and attraction, 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.
Photograph courtesy of Darlene C. Alvarez
12. Use Parisian-inspired furnishings
To deliver Parisian attraction into your own home, concentrate on furnishings that blends basic sophistication with up to date design. French actual property marketing consultant Adrian Leeds captures the essence of Parisian condo decor, noting, “Furnishings ought to have a lot 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 residence anyplace on the earth.” 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 staff 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 modern glass items for a contact of modernity.
Photograph courtesy of Adrian Leeds
13. Create a Parisian ambiance via scents
Bringing the attraction of a Parisian café into your own 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 fascinating. 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 own home.
Regardless 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 probably the most Parisian contact of all? Surrounding your self with the belongings you love, et voilà! Your stylish condo awaits.