PARISIAN INSPIRED APARTMENTS.

Bonjour, 

Once the old year has been out and the new one has started, new ideas, goals and projects take shape for days to come. After the lively, snowy days of December, January has been a long succession of cold, sunny days, as well as of quiet and relaxed evenings to be spent in our cozy homes with family and friends, surrounded by objects and furniture that help us to feel comfortable and gratified by our choices. That's why this long, transitional period towards spring is so inspiring for anyone who wishes to add some novelties to their home décor.  

Personally, since I have always been a fan of Parisian style, and particularly inspired by its stunning architecture, impeccable interiors, light and airy atmosphere, so appropriate for this period of the year, I decided to reveal some must-have pieces for anyone aspiring to create a Parisian-inspired apartment. 

There are lots of directions you can take in the creation of a chic Parisian apartment, but here are the basics every francophile needs in their home. Anyway, you can either choose a completely luxury, first-class style, or master the delicate balance between a refined, classic style and bold, ultramodern pieces… It's up to your own personality, provided that the result is attained with apparently effortless nonchalance and refinement. 

1 – White walls (with millwork) & fixtures.

Apartments in Paris are known to be dark with few windows and shadowy corners. To avoid looking too murky and grim, the walls are therefore always painted in luminous white to counterbalance the dark with as much natural light in the space as possible. White walls in Paris are never plain, since they act as the perfect blank canvas for the often ornate furniture and decor. Moreover, Parisian interiors pay particular attention to architecture and feature shapely and elegant trims, as well as elaborate millwork that extends onto the ceiling. Keeping the bulk of the décor in a tranquil colour scheme contributes to the feeling of chic effortlessness and allows details like architectural elements to seem more prominent. Even if your budget only allows for faux moulding and millwork, this delicate detailing will make all of the difference. Très chic! Remember that also the use of white doors and French windows is another elegant way to reflect and keep the most of light inside.

2 – A Grand Chandelier 

Your home doesn’t have to be the Palace of Versailles to have French flair. A grand chandelier is that iconic piece that will instantly add Parisian formality to your home. Tiered or traditional chandeliers with ornate features, like scrolling or filigree, work best. If it’s in the budget, you can even get a crystal chandelier for that “ooh la la” factor. 

3 - Abat-jours / Wall Sconces
Abat-jours on side tables or wall sconces are an exquisitely refined way to add some charm to your rooms as well as to provide the soft glimmering light to your rooms that is so typical of boudoirs.

4 – An Antique Addition

When selecting pieces and curiosities for your home, choose items that are one of a kind and representative of your personality. A personal touch from the brocantes or marchés aux puces from the street of Paris makes the Parisian home, but you can find interesting pieces also in the garage sales or antique markets nearby. Remember that it’s also common for antique pieces to be mixed in and living next to modern pieces.                 

5 – A Glimmer of Glamour
Glamour is a major component of French interior design, and it’s almost impossible to find a true Paris apartment without a touch of gold. Whether it’s a gilded frame or a gold mirror, make sure every room shines. Mirrored furniture is another great way to bring light and  extra shine into a room. 

6 – Dramatic Drapery

Every Parisian apartment needs a romantic element. And what’s better than lush curtains that pillow and pool onto the floor, or hang loose and billow in the summer breeze, or classic bouillonné curtains that can be raised to admire the sight from your windows? Heavy silks and linens are common choices. Drapery is also a great way to add color in your space; of course, it's best to choose a pastel palette like a blush rose or sage green.

7 - Precious Fabric

The delicacy and grace of a mix of precious materials such as brocade, with soft pastel hues of pale violets, blue and rose, or off-white shades are the right choice for the upholstery fabric of your sofas, armchairs, and decorative cushions to convey a harmonious elegance to your sitting-room. 
Remember that bergères chairs are precious additions to the most visual corners of the rooms and an immediate suggestion of Parisian interiors' style.

8 - A Piece of Modern Art

Somewhere amid the antiques and velvet-covered chairs, add a piece of modern art. It’s a sophisticated dose of the unexpected that keep your decor from becoming too serious or stuffy. Remember that Parisian style is imperfectly perfect and is about featuring personal favourites. So whether it’s an abstract painting or sculpture by your art-student cousin, a large piece by an up-and-coming local artist, or a true modern masterpiece, display it proudly.

9 - White kitchens

White and formal classical kitchens are a must in a chic Parisian-style apartment. These pictures show how to re-create its typically luminous ambience with the help of elegant, polished, window cabinets decorated with gorgeous scrolls and holdings as well as spotlights, so that it will be even more pleasant to spend some time cooking, perhaps trying some recipes of French cuisine.

10 - Gardens on the roof 

Secret little Parisian terraces on rooftops (Jardins sur les toits), with neoclassical or wrought-iron parapets are certainly a source of inspiration for every French-style lover. Even if your terrace oasis doesn’t flourish against the urban backdrop of the Eiffel Tower and charcoal blueish roofs, you can recreate an exquisitely furnished private eden where you can go and read or take breaks and meals in spring and summer, and perhaps also find yourself again in a truly Parisian vibe... 

And now your opinions: What Parisian interiors inspire you? Share in the comment section below!