There’s a sure je ne sais quoi about Parisian condominium decor that makes it completely fascinating. It’s the best way magnificence meets effortlessness, the place each element—irrespective of how small—feels intentional. Suppose rooms that inform a narrative, full of allure, 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 house in Madison, WI, an condominium in Charleston, SC, or a rental residence in Des Moines, IA, this timeless model presents countless inspiration. On this article, we’ll discover what makes Parisian condominium decor so iconic, and uncover how one can convey its magic into your individual area.
1. Begin with the traditional Parisian basis
Remodeling your house right into a Parisian-inspired retreat is all about capturing the ambiance that makes the Metropolis of Gentle so enchanting. Ken Tate, writer and architect from The Ken Tate Basis displays on his 40-year profession designing French-inspired areas. “What people love about Paris is the ambiance. There is a certain joie de vivre flowing through the spaces.”
To create this ambiance, start with a cohesive colour 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 traditional 4-inch board width to evoke timeless magnificence. For an added contact of Parisian sophistication, incorporate toile materials, scenic wallpaper, or each. “Finally, if starting from scratch, cove crown molding and a 30-inch high chair rail will give it that old Parisian atmosphere we all love,” he concludes.
Obtain the look your self
One approach to elevate the Parisian allure of your area is by recreating the traditional boiseries, or wall paneling typically seen in historic residences. As Pittsburgh, PA-based journey blogger, Rachel from When in Provence explains, “One of my absolute favorite design elements found in ancient Parisian apartments is their classic boiseries, or wall paneling. Here in the U.S., where our homes were built long after the style was considered out of fashion, an adventurous DIYer could use materials such as wood, metal or plastic to give the same raised, paneled look or even find one of the many kits featured on online marketplaces like Etsy. The look is clean, classic, and very Parisian.”
2. Combine classic and fashionable items
Parisian condominium decor thrives on the clever stability of previous and current, creating areas that really feel timeless but refreshingly fashionable. As an example, “Classic silhouettes like Louis XVI chairs, marble accents, and ornate details like gilded mirrors or antique chandeliers pair beautifully with contemporary furnishings,” explains the group 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 charm.”
To infuse the area with much more character, they suggest incorporating Toile de Jouy textiles or wallpaper. These pastoral motifs lend a delicate magnificence that’s each traditional 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 way of life weblog, A Parisienne Life highlights the magic of this harmonious combine. “Think of warm chevron wood floors, marble-topped coffee tables, and vintage velvet cushions. No Parisian space is complete without a gold-framed mirror and a statement chandelier, but feel free to mix it up with some modern art.” Parisians love to combine eras and types, enriching their areas with layers of colour and texture whereas sustaining a delicate, impartial base. “The result is an eclectic, inviting cozy space where you are surrounded by items you love,” says Julie. With this mix of classic and fashionable components, your area will exude the easy sophistication that makes Parisian residences 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 way of life weblog French Model fantastically places it, “Bringing everyday Parisian style into your home is easier than you might think. It’s all about creating a space that feels effortlessly chic.”
She continues, “Start with a neutral palette of soft creams and delicate taupes to create an elegant yet understated foundation.” 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. “Mix old and new by blending modern furniture with vintage antiques,” Jeannine advises. A smooth 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: tender, layered lighting, recent 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 house into an area that feels effortlessly elegant and uniquely yours.
Photograph courtesy of French Model
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 complicated. As Elizabeth Jones, founding father of Manoir, a French and European-inspired furnishings and decor store primarily based in Boston, MA explains, “One key to achieving Parisian-chic is the intentional juxtaposition of opposing styles, such as transitional design, blending traditional with modern elements.”
“For example, pair a classic Louis XVI or bergère chair with a sleek light fixture or modern artwork,” suggests Elizabeth. “Or use unconventional fabrics with bold colors, textures, or geometric patterns. Suddenly a traditional piece becomes a striking focal point—and it’s these unexpected juxtapositions that are the true hallmark of Parisian style.” 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 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 living space with a chic Parisian touch, think elegant moldings, antique mirrors above fireplaces, and exquisite herringbone wooden floors. Just like Parisian fashion, these interiors are timeless, seemingly effortless yet impeccably put together.”
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 serve as a key element of Parisian decor, displayed on built-in shelves or artfully arranged in decorative stacks on the floor, reflecting the Parisians’ love for showcasing their reading 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 condominium decor so as to add colour to your area
Parisian residences are sometimes synonymous with understated magnificence, however that doesn’t imply they shrink back from colour. The important thing lies in utilizing hues with function and restraint, making a harmonious stability that feels each refined and alluring. “Achieving a Parisian aesthetic in an apartment involves combining elegance and charm with understated, effortless style,” shares Julie Skinner, founding father of the design idea retailer, French.US in Calabasas, CA. A impartial base of white, cream, or beige units the tone, permitting accents of wealthy jewel tones like emerald inexperienced or sapphire blue to face out fantastically.
These considerate pops of colour 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 quilt covers or sheer drapes in tender pastels or muted tones to take care of a timeless Parisian ambiance. A vase of dried flowers, evoking the allure of Parisian flower markets, may introduce delicate colour and texture, additional enhancing the aesthetic. 
Photograph courtesy of French.US
7. Elevate your Parisian condominium 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 style into your apartment home, focus on incorporating sculptural vintage pieces, such as a coffee table, side table, or stand-alone sculpture. Pair them with the classic black and white stripes for a quintessential nod to Parisian elegance.”
A fantastically carved espresso desk or a smooth stand-alone sculpture serves as a placing focus, elevating the general aesthetic with its timeless allure. These sculptural components convey depth and character to an area, whereas the pairing with traditional patterns like black and white stripes provides a contact of sophistication. Whether or not displayed in a lounge or bed room, these items provide a delicate but highly effective approach to seize the essence of Parisian model.
Photograph courtesy of Michelle Harrison Design
8. Add small touches with a big affect
In Parisian condominium decor, it’s typically the smallest particulars that go away the best impression. “To achieve a Parisian aesthetic in an apartment, small touches can make a big difference,” says the group 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 allure.
“Add neutral pottery pieces, for example, for style and functionality, creating a timeless foundation for any space. Vintage books add height and a layer of intrigue, whether stacked artfully on a coffee table or displayed on a shelf—and as a bonus, they make for great conversation starters.” And no Parisian-inspired house is full and not using a classic mirror. “Look for signs of age and de-silvering,” they advise, “to add history to your space.” These small but impactful particulars convey authenticity and persona, making your house really feel effortlessly stylish and uniquely yours.
Photograph courtesy of Joliette
9. Search for luxurious Parisian condominium decor
Rework your house into an expensive Parisian-inspired retreat by curating timeless focal factors and adorning your house with antiques. For instance, “A stunning crystal chandelier suspended over a calming soaking tub or an ornate gilded trumeau above a marble mantel instantly evokes the grandeur of Parisian interiors,” says Bryan Ortis, president of the luxurious residence decor store, Chateau Charmant Interiors. “Layer various textures to add warmth and depth, such as a lovely Aubusson tapestry or antique rug, alongside chic fabrics like velvet, silk, and linen in soothing tones that invite relaxation.”
Considerate touches, like dried hydrangeas in a impartial colour palette artfully organized in an aged cast-iron urn with handles, could be positioned on a classy pedestal or atop a stack of vintage books for added allure. Adorn 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, of course, fresh flowers—gorgeous roses, lilies, and peonies—in a vintage vase are the final touch to add panache and transport you to the City of Lights.”
10. Store for items with a classic contact
Selecting the best items is essential to attaining Parisian magnificence, and classic treasures maintain the key to this timeless aesthetic. “My favorite way to add Parisian influence to a space is by shopping for vintage and antique pieces, especially when you might not have the budget or time for a full renovation,” shares Julie Okay. Beuerlein, proprietor of JKB Dwelling Design in Palos Verdes Estates, CA. “There are numerous beautiful vintage shops, both local and online, that source international pieces to enhance your home. Look for that statement 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 love to source these at the Puces de Saint-Ouen in the north of Paris. It’s the biggest vintage flea market here, and the pieces there are fantastic,” she says. “This old meets new aesthetic works perfectly within both Haussmannian apartments and newer builds.”
Photograph courtesy of Cléo Inside Design
11. Use french linens in your kitchen design
Shifting to the kitchen, french linens can convey 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 simple elegance of quality linens speaks for itself. In the same manner a silk scarf accessory can elevate an outfit, adding eye-catching French linens, like tablecloths, placemats, or napkins in a variety of materials, colors, and designs, brings warmth 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 allure, 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 convey Parisian allure into your house, concentrate on furnishings that blends traditional sophistication with up to date design. French actual property marketing consultant Adrian Leeds captures the essence of Parisian condominium decor, noting, “Furnishings should have lots of curves and feminine lines. Add molding to the ceilings, walls and cabinetry. Adorn the doors and cabinetry with classic handles and knobs. Additionally, don’t be afraid to use crystal chandeliers and wall sconces. And voila! Your Parisian home anywhere in the world.” Go for timeless items like Louis XVI chairs or a marble-top espresso desk, which exude understated opulence.
When planning your format, consider symmetry and stability. Because the group on the luxurious furnishings store, U-Commerce Furnishings retailer in California shares, “Opt for symmetrical arrangements that highlight the space’s natural light, complemented by ornate mirrors or delicate chandeliers to complete the timeless look.” Moreover, select upholstery in textured materials like velvet or linen in tender, smoky tones, and add gold-accented facet tables or smooth glass items for a contact of modernity.
Photograph courtesy of Adrian Leeds
13. Create a Parisian ambiance via scents
Bringing the allure of a Parisian café into your house is so simple as including a rigorously chosen scent. Wixology Candles in Lexington, KT captures this completely. “Turn your apartment into a Parisian café with a playful twist using Wixology’s Bourbon Ball candle. The rich notes of bourbon, dark chocolate, and pecans blend like a French chocolat truffle with a cheeky Southern accent—elegant, indulgent, and just a little bit rebellious.”
Elevating your area with Parisian condominium decor
Making a Parisian-style condominium is about extra than simply decor—it’s about cultivating an environment that feels effortlessly elegant, timeless, and distinctive. By mixing classic and fashionable components, embracing texture and element, and thoughtfully curating every area, you’ll be able to channel the artwork de vivre that makes Parisian condominium decor so fascinating. Whether or not it’s a gilded mirror catching the afternoon mild, a comfortable studying nook, or the mild glow of a chandelier, each element tells a narrative and brings a way of romance to your house.
Regardless of the place you reside, with a contact of creativity and a mind for the classic-yet-unexpected, you’ll be able to 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 condominium awaits.
