How do the French decorate their homes?

More than three out of four French people are interested in interior design according to a study conducted by Ipsos for But. This strong interest is certainly linked to their elegant and sophisticated nature. The Frenchy style is copied around the world because it is a clever mix between modernity and vintage. The same study reveals that two out of three French people wander around decoration stores. This leads us to wonder how the French decorate their homes in order to determine if it resembles what is said in general design.

A well-lit house, but not too much

In the design of the French decorating style, lighting has a central place. To add a touch of luxury, the French usually install an antique chandelier in the center of their home. Only, you must have enough space under the ceiling to do so. If not, you can always move to a new home with ceilings high enough to accommodate a chandelier. If a move is in your plans, a search engine like rentola.fr allows you to view updated rental offers in France. Its platform gives you the possibility to check if a property meets your expectations in terms of ceiling height thanks to its functionality for viewing images and videos from the search results. Thus, you will know by browsing the offers if a property can accommodate a large or small model of chandelier.

However, French tradition does not recommend overdoing it in terms of brightness. On the contrary, it is advisable to limit the brightness of the room so that it is not striking.

Katarzyna Kielaziewych, Canva.com

Add a vintage style

The French never get tired of vintage items. That is why several flea markets always exist in different cities where you can exchange old and unique items. This is also reflected in the decoration where they always add vintage items.

Combine different styles

French decoration is marked by several eras. This is why it is recommended to combine old style with modernity to create a unique and recognizable design among all. You do not necessarily have to live in a old building to start a French decoration. By adding vintage accessories and furniture to a modern type house, you can achieve a similar result.

Search for precious materials

French decoration requires the integration of luxury, and what better way to achieve this than with precious materials. The fabrics and materials chosen must go in the direction of texture and shine. This is valid for all the chic and glamorous objects that can be added and that refer to wealth. This can be a mirror with an ornate gold frame, a crystal chandelier, furniture covered with mirrors or fabrics such as velvet and silk.

The search for the opulence effect can also be translated by the presence of the color gold on furniture or decorative accessories.

Another element that recalls wealth is marble. This material is used in the finishes of a house to affirm the purity of the interior. It can be present on different decorative objects (table, dining room, sculptures, etc.).

Installing large format paintings

The French appreciate art and do not hesitate to highlight paintings inside the house. It is not uncommon to see a framed painting on the fireplace, superimposed in front of a mirror or placed on the floor. Most of the time, these are large format paintings.

However, you should know that the painting is usually not brand new. There is always a detail that shows that it has aged. It could be a slight deterioration of the frame or flaking paint.

Add rugs

The rug is a must-have in French decoration. Of course, the French like to install herringbone wooden floors for a magnificent result in terms of visual and allure of the interior. However, adding a rug on top helps to reduce the sound of the wood underfoot. It is recommended to opt for Persian rugs with handmade patterns.

Close the decoration with a central object

Depending on the room to be decorated, you can add objects that will bring warmth and conviviality to the decor. It can be a large old vase to add fresh flowers to the center of the table, books to fill the shelves, a pretty patterned tablecloth or elegant tableware.

Ultimately, the French decorate their homes by combining various elements from past eras and the modern era. It is thanks to this complexity that the Frenchy style is quite unique and appreciated throughout the world.