How do the French decorate their homes?
More than three out of four French people are interested in interior decoration, 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 worldwide because it is a clever blend of modernity and vintage. The same study reveals that two out of three French people stroll through decoration stores. This leads us to wonder how the French decorate their homes to determine if it matches what is commonly thought.
A well-lit home, but not too much
In the design of French-style decoration, lighting has a central place. To add a touch of luxury, the French typically install an old chandelier in the center of their home. However, you need enough space under the ceiling to do this. If not, you can always move to a new house with ceilings high enough to accommodate a chandelier. If moving is in your plans, a search engine like rentola.fr allows you to browse updated rental offers in France. Its platform gives you the opportunity to check if a property meets your expectations regarding ceiling height thanks to its feature for viewing images and videos from the search results. That way, by browsing the listings, you can tell if a home can accommodate a large or small chandelier model.
However, French tradition does not recommend overdoing brightness. On the contrary, it is advised to limit the brightness of the room so that it isn’t overwhelming.
Katarzyna Kielaziewych, Canva.com
Add a vintage style
The French never tire of vintage objects. That’s why several flea markets still exist in different cities, where you can exchange old and unique items. This is also reflected in decoration, where they always add vintage objects.
Combine different styles
French decoration is marked by several periods. This is why it is recommended to combine old style with modernity to create a unique and recognizable design. You don't necessarily have to live in an old building to start decorating in the French style. By adding vintage accessories and furniture to a modern-type home, you can achieve a similar result.
Searching for precious materials
French-style decoration requires incorporating luxury, and what better way to achieve this than with precious materials. The fabrics and materials chosen need to emphasize texture and shine. This applies to all chic and glamorous items you can add that evoke wealth. It could be an ornate gilded mirror frame, a crystal chandelier, furniture covered with mirrors, or fabrics such as velvet and silk.
The pursuit of an opulent effect can also be reflected by the presence of the color gold on furniture or decorative accessories.
Another element that evokes wealth is marble. This material is used in a home's finishes to affirm the purity of the interior. It can appear on various decorative objects (tables, dining rooms, sculptures, etc.).
Install large-format paintings
The French appreciate art and don’t hesitate to showcase paintings inside the home. It’s not uncommon to see a framed painting on the mantelpiece, layered in front of a mirror, or placed on the floor. Most of the time, they are large-format paintings.
However, it's important to note that the painting is usually not brand new. There’s always a detail that shows it has aged. It could be a slight deterioration of the frame or chipped paint.
Add rugs
The rug is an essential element of French decoration. Certainly, the French like to install herringbone wood floors for a stunning visual and overall look inside. However, adding a rug on top helps reduce the sound of footsteps on wood. It is recommended to opt for hand-made patterned Persian rugs.
Finish the decor with a central object
Depending on the room being decorated, objects can be added to bring warmth and friendliness to the decor. It could be a large antique vase for fresh flowers in the center of the table, books to fill the shelves, a pretty patterned tablecloth, or elegant tableware.
In the end, the French decorate their homes by combining various elements from past eras and the modern age. It’s thanks to this complexity that the Frenchy style is quite unique and appreciated around the world.
