Interior design styles - PARISIAN CHIC - Destination Living (2024)

Parisians seem to have an innate sense of style, distinctly feminine and elegant, embodying all the romance we conjure to mind when we think of Paris. It is a very soft and refined style with a highly stylized aesthetic, requiring considerable effort to make it appear effortless. Coined Parisian Chic, this style applies to numerous industries including fashion, furniture and object design through to Interior design & decoration. The French are immersed in beauty, from the architecture to the landscape, to art, fashion and food. Their aesthetic cleverly combines the finest components of classicism with an elegant and refined twist.

Interior design styles - PARISIAN CHIC - Destination Living (1)

The integration of classic and contemporary styles

The focus of Parisian Chic, as a decorative style, is the integration of classic and contemporary styles. The overall tones are relatively muted, starting with herringbone timber floorboards and decorative mosaic tiles as the typical floor elements. Pressed metal ceilings painted white add another level of decorative extravagance and decorative wall panelling, ornate plaster features and elaborate architraves & skirting’s complete the interior design.

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Paint colours

Paint colours as a rule of thumb, apart from chalky white, are subtle pastel hues of dove greys, blush and of course French blue. Paint finishes are matt and chalky in their appearance and can be achieved using Milk paints which are considerably better for the environment.

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Furniture

Highlighted with traditional or antique pieces from baroque to rococo, and particularly from the Louis XV period, that have a distinctly French flavour. Reupholstering an antique piece in a fresh contemporary fabric is an easy way to achieve this look. Try mixing an antique chaise with a cutting edge designer statement chair by Phillipe stark or Karim Rashid. For those of you who are a little more on the adventurous side why not consider ordering this statement piece in vibrant velvet of metallic leather!

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The oversized gilt mirror

Arguably one of the defining elements of this style is an oversized gilt mirror. Play with proportion here and invest in a large mirror with a wide highly ornate gold frame. If you have a fireplace, rest it on your mantle or simply place a large rectangular framed mirror against a wall for maximum effect. Contrast the opulence of the mirror with some key pieces of contemporary art or black and white photography.

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Parisian Chic decoration

Interior decoration is perhaps more important in this style than any other, with attention to detail and subtle finessing being key to creating that ultimate elegant look. Create focal points with vignettes of design and fashion books, ornate candles, clusters of photographs or even create your own. Leave your most beautiful perfume bottles and body creams out on display. The “look” will carry more weight if these items are ultra-feminine in their appearance.

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An abundance of flowers

Crowning any great Parisian Chic interior is a veritable bounty of beautiful flowers to tie the whole look together. Build your bouquets using a luscious palette of posies in ivory, pale pink, blush and magenta antique roses. If you can’t find roses don’t worry, Tulips, gladioli and other “old-fashioned” flowers can also work well. Place the roses in cut crystal vases for full-effect, the refraction through the glass will create pretty patterns that will dance like a French ballerina upon your walls. As a softer feminine style Parisian Chic is better suited to a traditional or period style house and is easily incorporated into any room or your entire home. And remember Tres chic, tres bon!

Interior design styles - PARISIAN CHIC - Destination Living (2024)

FAQs

Interior design styles - PARISIAN CHIC - Destination Living? ›

The focus of Parisian Chic, as a decorative style, is the integration of classic and contemporary styles. The overall tones are relatively muted, starting with herringbone timber floorboards and decorative mosaic tiles as the typical floor elements.

What is the style of interior design in Paris? ›

"The hallmarks of a quintessential Parisian apartment are decorative applied molding on the walls, herringbone floors, marble fireplace mantel with a gilded mirror above, and usually a statement pendant or chandelier,” says Melissa Sanabria, founder and principal of Sanabria & Co., which specializes in historic home ...

What is Parisienne chic? ›

Parisian chic is renowned worldwide for its effortless elegance and refined simplicity. The style is characterized by timeless classics, impeccable tailoring, and an air of understated sophistication. Parisian women have mastered the art of looking effortlessly glamorous while maintaining an air of nonchalant charm.

What is chic style interior design? ›

“Chic design” refers to a style that is characterized by elegance, sophistication, and a sense of luxury. It often includes elements such as ornate detailing, luxurious high-end rugs and materials, and glamorous accessories.

What is Paris chic attire? ›

Part of the mastery of French dressing is mixing casual pieces with more formal pieces so you never look overdressed or underdressed. A crisp pair of white sneakers that can be paired with skirts or elevated trousers instead of a fancier heel is the perfect example of this high-low type of styling.

What is Parisian interior design called? ›

Coined Parisian Chic, this style applies to numerous industries including fashion, furniture and object design through to Interior design & decoration. The French are immersed in beauty, from the architecture to the landscape, to art, fashion and food.

What is French country interior design style? ›

French-country style combines rustic and refined elements to create inviting spaces. Here are the key characteristics that define this design style: A balance of well-worn, down-to-earth elements and delicate, elegant accents. Weathered finishes, exposed and painted wood, wrought iron, and plush upholstery.

What is Euro chic style? ›

Euro chic fashion is a style that embraces simplicity, elegance, and quality craftsmanship. With its clean lines, tailored silhouettes, and neutral color palette, euro chic fashion offers a refined and timeless aesthetic.

What is the Parisian style color? ›

Wear Neutral Tones

To maintain their understated elegance, Parisians avoid pairing too many bright colors together. Instead, they opt for neutral tones and classic shades — white, black, navy blue, grey, brown, beige, burgundy, cognac, khaki, etc.

What is the most chic area in Paris? ›

Saint-Germain has long been the favorite neighborhood of renowned artists and intellectuals. Today, it attracts an international and Parisian clientele thanks to its chic, trendy, and picturesque atmosphere, where luxury boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and art galleries blend together.

What is coastal chic decor? ›

Coastal Chic: Elegance with a Breezy Vibe

It combines elegant elements with a relaxed, beachy vibe. This style features a light and airy palette, often incorporating shades of white, soft blues, and sandy neutrals. In terms of furniture, it's typically streamlined and may include metallic accents for a touch of luxury.

What is Mediterranean interior design? ›

Mediterranean interior design is often defined by white, minimalist backdrops that are complemented by a lush layering of textures, colors, and materials.

What is bohemian chic interior design? ›

What Is Bohemian Style? Born carefree and eclectic, bohemian design mimics the artistry of those who appreciate the textures, patterns, colors and motifs of nature. While many take a “more is more” approach, you can do boho however you'd like: maximalist, minimalist, modern, chic.

How to be more Parisian? ›

A Paris state of mind is not about being practical; it's about being delighted. There's no delight in denial of life's simple pleasures. Don't wait for a special occasion to get dressed up and put your best foot forward.

What is classy and chic style? ›

Chic is all about choosing appropriate quality fabrics, combining two or three colours elegantly and, generally, making you look and feel luxurious and classy.

How to dress like a French woman over 50? ›

Shoes should be stylish but also practical

Comfortable shoes should be a priority if you are over 50. A French woman's wardrobe will almost always include: White, tan, or black sneakers – If your shoes match the color of your pants your legs will look longer. Skin-toned shoes are also great for elongating your legs.

What is the interior style in France? ›

What Defines French Interior Design? French design is romantic and embraces old-world beauty with ornate crown molding, gold mirrors, parquet flooring, dark wood furniture, and nature-inspired patterns. However, French interiors also feel collected over time.

What is the style of the houses in Paris? ›

The Haussmann style of architecture, which is also known as Haussmannian, is the architecture that has defined modern-day Paris, and is probably what you think of when you picture Parisian streets and their charming apartment buildings.

What is European interior style? ›

Characteristics of European Interior Designs

Anything that takes you back to the Victorian era and features minimalist furniture, light colors, open floor plans, high ceiling, or opulent molding is considered a classic European design. Other styles borrow from nature with an emphasis on simplicity and functionality.

What are French style homes called? ›

A French-style home, also called a French provincial home, is a stone, brick, or stucco house with a steep rooftop and large windows. Often featuring courtyard gardens, iron gates, and gravel pathways, French-style homes are known for their rustic appeal.

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