The French have well and truly nailed effortlessly chic home décor.
Elegant, yet casual. Eclectic, yet minimalist – and never garish. They’ve got it down to a fine art, juxtaposing the old with the new to create homes that exude a cosy, lived-in vibe and still feel crisp and modern.
Trying to replicate this unique style in your own home can feel like a daunting task – but it’s easier than you think to add a touch of French feel to your home. Read on for simple ways to add a continental flair to your living space.
NEUTRAL WALLS
Gone are the days of opulent and over-the-top patterned wallpapers. When it comes to walls, the French tend to favour subdued and muted tones these days. Opt for warm beiges, creams, off-whites or subtle greys. The neutral tones act as a blank canvas to let your statement pieces sing.
THINK VINTAGE
Mix in a few vintage, antique or lightly distressed furniture pieces. Don’t worry about matching, and there’s no need to spend a fortune; some of the best vintage furniture finds come from flea markets, antique dealers, thrift stores, or even local online marketplaces! You don’t need to go all-out; a quirky antique side table or two will do.
MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL
What could be more French than a fabulously oversized feature mirror against the wall? It’ll open up the room and make your living space feel bigger. Major bonus points if you can find gilded!
SWAP IN NATURAL FABRICS
French décor values traditional and natural textiles. Add a textured or stonewashed linen throw or two to add a comfortable and relaxed feel to your living room.
LITTLE HINTS OF LUXURY
While the overriding theme in French décor is understated chic, you’ll usually find a few nods to the luxurious side of life scattered around the home. It needn’t be extravagant; elegant candlesticks, vintage vases filled with fresh flowers, or antique copper pans displayed on the kitchen wall, the possibilities are endless!
BLEND OLD WITH NEW
You don’t need to throw out all of your modern furniture in favour of vintage chic; French homes typically mix in the old with the new and add a few statement pieces here and there. Remember, imperfection is key! The French embrace signs of wear-and-tear, and you can tie it all in with a running colour theme to keep things cohesive.
GET PERSONAL
Don’t be afraid to add personal touches like beautifully framed photographs or treasured family trinkets—the French showcase their personalities through their living spaces. You should, too!
You can make so many little touches to add a French feel to your home with minimal effort. The beauty of the aesthetic is that it’s ever-so-slightly undone while remaining understated and refined, which makes it easy to build up gradually.
Visit our shop to get started today, and you’ll soon be on your way to a charming European-style home!