There's nothing more elegant than a centuries-old Parisian apartment with a wedding cake ceiling, herringbone floors, and marble mantle. Oh, Lala! Just think of the words “Parisian decor” and you'll imagine a room with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, a sofa that curves against rich curtains, and a decorative mirror with a mantel. It will float inside. Artistic arrangement of fresh flowers.
Tableaus like this one capture the essence of the Parisian design aesthetic currently taking social media by storm. To better understand the key elements of Parisian decor and how to incorporate that look into your home, we spoke to the designer.
Explaining the decoration of Paris
You can't even think about Parisian decor without first mentioning the stunning architectural features that provide the backdrop. What we think of as a classic Parisian apartment dates back to his mid-1800s, known as the Haussmann period, and was named after architect Georges Eugène and Baron Haussmann. Haussmann was tasked by Napoleon III with demolishing an entire district of Paris's cramped medieval buildings and rebuilding it in a grand European style. As such, many of today's Parisian apartments naturally feature elegant architectural details associated with this era.
“A typical Parisian apartment is characterized by decorative wall moldings, herringbone floors, a marble fireplace mantel with a gilded mirror, and usually a statement pendant or chandelier.” says Melissa Sanabria, founder and president of Sanabria & Company. We are a company that specializes in renovating historic homes.
But the Parisian design aesthetic is not about living in a 19th century time capsule. Rather, it's important to master the combination of traditional and modern minimalism. “When designing spaces with strong architectural features, I always try to strike a balance that allows the architectural elements to shine without making the space feel heavy,” says Sanabria. “Especially for the exterior of a Parisian apartment, I like to use creamy white paint on the walls and choose furniture with clean, simple lines and forms.”
You can also subtly define the look of your space by adding small budget-friendly touches. “He puts one or two small pieces of vintage French furniture in a space (like an end table) and it makes a big difference,” Sanabria says. “You can also put fresh flowers in vintage vases for a great effect.”
Important Parisian style elements to incorporate into your home
There are some specific architectural and design elements that truly define the look. The Parisian decor is minimalist, but accented with some unexpectedly bold statements. For those of us who don't live in a 19th-century house, Sanabria says decorating in a Parisian style means bringing personality to a place where it doesn't already exist. “You definitely need to add these architectural elements,” she says. “Then play with the furniture to complete the look.”
paneled wall
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Wall treatments such as boards and battens are very trendy today, and Parisian apartments use panels of painted wooden molding. “I think the application of molding is a must to achieve this look,” says Sanabria.
For Parisian fashion, try painting both walls and panels white. Sanabria prefers “White Dove” by Benjamin Moore. If white feels bland, Sanabria says a very pale pink might be a good option, too. “While white walls are common, you can deviate a bit here and opt for blush for a fresh take,” she says. If real panels aren't possible, there are some wonderfully quirky wallpapers that mimic the look for a cheeky take on the style. .
ceiling molding
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Another important feature of Parisian decoration is the ornate ceiling moldings made of poured white plaster molded into repeating designs of leaves, fruits, and flowers. Set against a white stucco ceiling, this gorgeous white trim gives the ceiling the wedding cake look essential to the Parisian design aesthetic.
If you don't currently have any decorations on your ceiling, you can splurge on real plaster decorations, or even opt for cheaper faux plaster. Simply adding some ornate crown molding can go well with your style.
rosette or medallion
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Parisian rooms often feature ornate stucco rosettes or medallions in the center of the ceiling, from which stunning chandeliers and modern light fixtures are suspended. Traditional plaster moldings and ceiling medallions are available at building supply stores. However, you can get the same look with one made from lightweight, flexible materials such as vinyl or PVC. Cheap and easy to DIY. Once painted, it is difficult to tell the difference.
marble fireplace
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Apartments in Paris usually have marble fireplaces. “Most of the extant things you see in Paris date back to his 19th century,” says Vicente Wolf, founder of Vicente Wolf Associates and his VW Home by His Vicente Wolf. “He can see things from the 18th century in his wonderful apartment on the Left Bank.”
If you have a fireplace, update the facade with marble tiles. “If it's in the budget, add a vintage marble mantel with a mirror on top,” says Sanabria. Look for antique marble mantels on sites like 1stDibs. If you don't have a fireplace, a mantel alone will provide a sufficient fireplace. The look and feel, even if it's just decorative.
herringbone floor
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The French have been making patterned floors (parquet) by combining small pieces of wood since the 1600s. That is why herringbone, chevron or similar floor patterns are characteristic of all apartments in Paris.
“If you're starting from scratch, it doesn't matter if your floors are hardwood or not herringbone,” says Sanabria. “That said, herringbone flooring really helps set the look.”
wrought iron balcony
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Ornate iron balconies are an architectural feature of so many buildings on Paris's boulevards. These wrought iron balconies have withstood the elements and the test of time.
If you don't have a balcony, don't let that stop you from embracing the wrought iron look. Instead, consider adding wrought iron window guards to your home's facade. There are also inflatable designs, like Juliet's Balcony, where you can add a window box and grow flowers inside.
gorgeous mirror
Vicente Wolf
In Parisian decor, mirrors are very tall and were originally built into the fireplace. But you can achieve the same effect by hanging a tall antique mirror over a mantel or console table, or simply leaning it against a wall. The bigger and more ornate it is, the better. “I especially love the ornate gold-framed mirror against the white walls,” says Wolf.
Look for mirrors with decorations, as much as the square footage of the room allows. You can also paint the frame white or gold, or add gold leaf. These are easy to find at thrift stores and estate sales.
chandelier
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Crystal chandeliers were typical during Haussmann times, but today's Parisians tend to opt for modern styles as well. “We love the Italian midcentury light fixtures paired with the stucco ceiling medallions,” says Sanabria. “But it can be modern or glamorous, so you can have it depending on your taste and style.”
If the chandelier's scale doesn't fit your ceiling height, try a shorter pendant. A modern pendant in brushed gold with some horizontal lines and an oversized bulb provides just the right amount of drama to contrast with more traditional features such as a paneled wall.
antique rug
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You may be wondering why you would want to install a gorgeous wooden herringbone floor, but the right area rug can bring your space together. Not only do rugs add texture and color, they also muffle sound and make a large room feel cozier. “Aubusson rugs aren't the only antique rugs you can use in a Parisian-style apartment,” says Wolf. “Consider using tapestries, Persian rugs, or, for a more modern approach, contemporary carpets. They all add a sense of warmth.”
To achieve a Parisian look, purchase a Persian, Moroccan, or Egyptian-style rug for your living room. Make sure the size and proportions are appropriate for the dimensions of your room. If you already have one but find the colors too bright, flip it over and the colors will be more muted, like a tapestry.