Select Category
The French-style interior design has been constantly changing and evolving over the entire history of France (coupled with some international influences) with a formidable character. Read more to find out some of the most inspiring French interior designs that are doing the rounds.
When you think of France, what first comes to your mind is exquisite and high-class taste, magnificence, romance and luxury, right? And why not. The French indeed have an instinctive capacity to easily blend the old with the new, be it in furniture, decor, lighting or the overall theme of any room/space. In other words, the French interior design style is chic and bold yet personal and quirky.
Some Basic French Interior Design Elements
- Lighting: Crystal chandeliers, pendant lights, candlestick sconces and floor lamps.
- Fabrics: Brocade and velvet drapery, silk organza, linen and chiffon (transparency+lightness).
- Architecture: Rosettes, stucco mouldings, large windows, high ceilings, glossy ceramic granite floors, parquet, laminate and light-shade polished stone.
- Interior Finish: Semi-matte or matte paints and floral decorative wallpapers.
- Decor And Accessories: Decorative ornaments (in bronze/silver), crystal, porcelain figurines, paintings of old cotton fabric and mirrors in large carved frames with gilding placed over special pedestals, flower vases, lacy handmade napkins and hand-embroidered cushions (beads/ribbons).
- Furniture: Sofas and wooden armchairs with metal decor features and gracefully curved backs and legs, tables of exquisite shapes with the thinnest rounded legs and small rugs with plant-based patterns.
- Colour Schemes: Ivory, soft blue, silver, grey-green, emerald, lilac and other pastel shades.
Here are also some dos and don’ts of this interior design style that you can keep handy:
Dos:
- Make the ceiling more interesting rather than leaving it plain white and keep one wall completely bare.
- Pair modern, clean lines with baroque curves in the architecture to give an unconventional and bold yet soft look.
- Choose restrained/moderate colour schemes for this interior design style.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use furniture of only one kind; instead, make furniture pieces stand out by pairing them with something different and contrasting to keep a balance.
- Don’t hesitate before introducing one oversize spectacular decor piece to level up the wow factor.
- Don’t go overboard with tassels, fringes, frills and too many patterned fabrics.
Finally, here are some inspiring French-style interior design ideas that many homeowners are going gaga over.
Classic French Interior Design
Also known as the traditional French interior style, this design introduces motifs and time-tested elements into modern houses. Add feature lighting and magnificent glass or candle stand-style chandeliers to the wide-corniced ceiling to bring a touch of flair into the space. The walls also set a special ambience here. This style is also set apart by opulent claw-footed tables and carved dark wood wing-back chairs and porcelain dishes displayed on open shelves.
Modern French Interior Design
Modern French interior design is characterised by a creative blend of technology (efficiency), composition (transparency) and material (authenticity). It emphasises visual simplicity through neutral colours like mushroom, off-white and taupe, coupled with an accent wall that can be teal or emerald green in colour to sprinkle some boldness. Pair one or two vintage furniture pieces with more contemporary furniture to balance the overall look of the room. You can also go in for simple organic cotton or luxurious velvet or silk for the upholstery.
A mid-century modern French interior design is defined by its interaction with nature (outdoors) and the use of crisp lines and vivid colours. The colour palette used here is the shades of brown, yellow, green and orange, to name a few.
Provincial French Interior Design
The elements of the provincial style of French interior design include rustic wood and the use of brass gold and warm colour tones like cream and blush pink to mimic the outdoorsy look. Herringbone parquetry is used to create an elaborate flooring pattern while furniture with cabriole legs make a bold statement in the room. A white armoire may also feature in some provincial style homes these days to keep precious china. This style seamlessly mixes weathered patinas and an aesthetic rustic appeal to any room.
Shabby Chic French Interiors
This French interior design style mixes delicate and feminine visual elements together with a weathered cottage look to create light and airy spaces. It creates a very romantic feel in the space. Soft cotton material is used in the upholstery and paired with new furniture that’s given a distressed look to create a cosy living space. The movement of lines through a contrast of motifs, silhouettes and patterns is the key thumb rule here to bring a refined elegance into your living space.
French Country Interior Design
This French interior design style is probably the most popular one around here. It integrates different styles like Scandinavian/Minimalist, French and English to give you a very cosy and airy countryside vibe. The colour palette used is organic and rustic owing to the use of wood and pottery, coupled with contrasting textures on the walls to create fluidity in the space. One of the essential features of this style is undoubtedly a stone fireplace, natural stone/wooden floors covered with a woollen rug and wrought iron light fittings. Glass vases full of sunflowers, grapes and lavender will also find a place here. Large windows, arched doorways and dado rails are the typical architectural features used here.
That’s all there is! Hope this blog post has inspired you enough to transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary. The French interior design allows you to create a space that has the classic French appeal and also lets you reflect your own personality in a subtle way without breaking the bank. Reach out to us at Design Cafe via email or call if you’d like some help in your home makeover project.
Explore, more about
