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 French style is copied around the world because it is a clever blend of modernity and vintage. The same study reveals that two out of three French people browse interior design stores. This raises the question of how the French decorate their homes in order to determine whether it resembles what is said in general design.
A well-lit house, but not too bright
Lighting plays a central role in French interior design. To add a touch of luxury, the French usually install an antique chandelier in the center of their home. However, you need to have enough space under the ceiling to do this. If not, you can always move to a new home with ceilings high enough to accommodate a chandelier. If you are planning to move, a search engine such as rentola.fr allows you to view up-to-date rental listings in France. Its platform allows you to check whether a property meets your expectations in terms of ceiling height thanks to its feature that lets you view images and videos from the search results. This means that as you browse through the listings, you will know whether a property can accommodate a large or small chandelier.
However, French tradition does not recommend overdoing it when it comes to lighting. On the contrary, it is advisable to limit the brightness of the room so that it is not too striking.
Katarzyna Kielaziewych, Canva.com
Add a vintage style
The French never tire of vintage items. That's why there are still several flea markets in different cities where you can buy and sell antique and unique items. This is also reflected in interior design, where vintage items are always added.
Combining different styles
French interior design has been influenced by several different periods. That's why it's a good idea to combine traditional and modern styles to create a unique and instantly 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 home, you can achieve a similar result.
Search for valuable materials
French-style decor requires the incorporation of luxury, and what better way to achieve this than with precious materials. The fabrics and materials chosen must be textured and shiny. This applies to all chic and glamorous objects that can be added to convey a sense of wealth. These could include a mirror with an ornate gold frame, a crystal chandelier, mirrored furniture, or fabrics such as velvet and silk.
The quest for opulence can also be reflected in the use of gold colors on furniture or decorative accessories.
Another element reminiscent of wealth is marble. This material is used in home finishes to emphasize the purity of the interior. It can be found on various decorative objects (tables, dining rooms, sculptures, etc.).
Install large-format displays
The French appreciate art and do not hesitate to display paintings in their homes. It is not uncommon to see wall art above the fireplace, hung in front of a mirror, or placed on the floor. Most of the time, these are large-format paintings.
However, it is important to note that wall art usually brand new. There is always a detail that shows it has aged. This could be slight damage to the frame or chipped paint.
Add rugs
Carpets are a staple of French interior design. Of course, the French love to install herringbone wood floors for their beautiful appearance and the look they give to interiors. However, adding a carpet on top helps to reduce the noise of the wood underfoot. We recommend choosing handmade Persian carpets with patterns.
Finish off the decor with a centerpiece
Depending on the room you want to decorate, you can add objects that will bring warmth and conviviality to the decor. These could include 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.
Ultimately, the French decorate their homes by combining various elements from past eras and the modern age. It is thanks to this complexity that the French style is quite distinctive and appreciated throughout the world.
