French interior design is a wonderful mix of contradictions – sophisticated but laid back, opulent but low key, vintage but also modern…in essence, so very French!
In this guide, we take a look at this stunning aesthetic and how you can achieve it for your home.
From France, with love
French design is, at its heart, deeply romantic. France is famous for l’amour afterall!
As a result, interior design choices take inspiration from old world style and the natural world: think dark wood furniture and parquet floors, with ornate moldings and mirrors.
More significant, however, is that French interiors – like all love stories – develop over time, with each item having its own tale to tell. Furniture, for example, does not have to come from one particular era. Rather, it is the story – where you bought it, why you chose it – that truly marks it as French style.
As a result, you do not have limit yourself to only antique and traditional furniture: midcentury modern or even contemporary pieces can make a nice contrast to vintage detail.
What is more important to achieving a true French look is ensuring every part of your home will gives a glimpse into the (love) story of its owner.
Accessories as art
Whilst architectural details such as ceiling medallions and wavy glass windows are key to the French aesthetic, you do not need them to achieve the look.
If your home does not have period features, you can still give it a French makeover by adding and elevating key design accessories:
· Books and reading are a huge part of French culture. Show off your collection with a colour categorised bookshelf or even invest in a full-size bookcase.
· Consider replacing overhead lights with an ornate crystal chandelier-style fixture or even a restored, second hand chandelier.
· Baroque-style mantle mirrors are full of French chic: place one over your fireplace or, if you don’t have a fireplace, consider placing one any space that could do with some visual interest.
· Flowers are a key motif in French interior design: choose soft furnishings that feature country-style designs and place plants and fresh flowers throughout your home.
Countryside vs. city
When considering French interior design it is worth remembering that this aesthetic is a combination of two regional influences.
The charms of the countryside are celebrated in the famous “French country” style: lots of pastoral patterns and pretty accents alongside woodwork that is lightly painted, weathered or exposed, wrought iron, and plush cozy upholstery.
Alongside this bucolic design style is the glitz and glamour of Paris: high ceilinged rooms and stunning architecture, scenic wallpapers and gilded mirrors; marble and antiques.
Two contrasting design styles and the trick is to get the balance of the two!
Rich textures and patterns
French interiors embrace design choices that on their own might seem a little bit OTT, but when used as part of the overall design look absolutely stunning.
This includes eye-catching items such as bold wallpaper, soft furnishings with prints that pop and velvet canopies and curtains.
What is key to getting the look right is ensuring you don’t have too many attention-grabbing pieces, balancing them with neutral colours and understated pieces.
Everything is loved
Though French style is all about beauty, it is also very utilitarian. Every item has to earn its place in the household!
This means that there is no fancy china kept in a cupboard for special occasions, nor is there a “good room” that is only occupied at Christmas.
Everything is used regularly and, as a result, features and furniture end up with that classic ‘lived in’ look that is often associated French interior design – the original shabby chic.
Find interior design inspiration with French & Wilder
At French & Wilder we search far and wide to find the very best French-inspired homeware, so you can French flair to every part of your home – including cushions, kitchenware and bathroom accessories.
Begin your French love story – browse our range of homeware accessories.
