I have always been fascinated by the beauty of Parisian interiors and Haussmannian architecture. Ever since my first trip to Paris with my parents as a child, and especially when I moved into my first Parisian Haussmannian apartment on Rue de Saussure in the 17th arrondissement, my love for this style has only grown. The architectural style of a Haussmannian building (dating from the late 19th century under Napoleon III) is simply spectacular: high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, intricate ceiling moldings, marble fireplaces with ornate mirrors, herringbone parquet floors, wrought-iron balconies, and elegant wall paneling.
I’ve always thought that Parisians, and the French in general, have a knack for enhancing these architectural details with such great taste. Just look at the remarkable work of Parisian interior design studios and designers like Agence Véronique Cotrel, Camille Hermand, Studio Castille, Gilles & Boissier, Girodroux Delpy, Kasha Paris, Fleur de Lesalle, Charlotte Fequet and Supercarft—some of my personal favorites.
To bring Parisian chic into your home, you don’t need to live in a gorgeous Haussmannian building on the Rive Gauche or Rive Droite (if you do, lucky you!) or fill your home with priceless antiques. Being French and passionate about home design and décor for as long as I can remember, I’m excited to share all my secrets for adding a touch of Parisian chic to your home. By following a few simple interior styling rules and adding some carefully chosen décor pieces, you’ll have a little slice of Paris in your home in no time ;)!
This post is not sponsored. I only share what I truly love. Some links are affiliate, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!
What is Parisian Décor?
Parisian interiors are all about striking a perfect balance between the past and the present. The charm of 19th-century Haussmannian architecture is mixed with modern, contemporary furniture and décor. This way, nothing in a Parisian interior feels flashy; everything feels just right, creating a cohesive and uncluttered space. Every detail is thoughtfully chosen, from materials and colors to furniture and decorative pieces. While simplicity is key, it’s all in the details. Art is often bold and singular or sometimes not there at all, giving furniture the space it needs to breathe and shine. Colors are present and warm up the space without overwhelming it. As with everything for the French—whether it’s fashion, beauty, or interior design—it’s all about contrast and balance, the effortless style. Remember, “less is more” ;).
1. Mix Neutral with Earthy Tones
While we used to see many Parisian apartments decorated in shades of white, there’s now a trend towards more colorful interiors. This can be done by adding colorful furniture, textiles, artwork, or even just an accent wall. Earthy tones like brown, tan, beige, taupe, khaki, green, olive, moss, and rust are especially popular for warming up Parisian spaces without making them feel cluttered. The idea is to add character and make the space feel more inviting.
In living rooms, walls and ceilings with architectural details like moldings and paneling are usually kept in shades of white (think white, off-white, linen white, soft ivory) or gray (pearl gray or dove gray) to really highlight those historical ornaments and get as much natural light as possible. For contrast and depth, earthy colors can be used on an accent wall, a door, a niche, or a custom-built shelf. For example, in these Parisian apartments, “The Pink Lady” redesigned by the interior design studio Véronique Cotrel, or “Bonne Nouvelle” by Supercarft Studio, you can see how beautifully colors are incorporated. You’ll also find colors on the walls of bedrooms, hallways, entryways, and bathrooms, adding a cheerful touch throughout the home.
2. Parquet Flooring & Rugs
For a truly Parisian apartment, parquet flooring is an absolute must! The most popular types are herringbone, chevron, and Versailles parquet (my favorite!). I’d suggest steering clear of mosaic parquet, as it can feel a bit outdated. Typically, parquet is used in all the main living areas (living room, dining room, bedrooms, etc.). For wet areas (“les pièces d’eau”) like the kitchen and bathroom, or service areas like hallways and toilets, other materials are usually chosen, such as cement tiles—which I love! These were born in France around 1850 in Ardèche and showcased at the 1867 Universal Exhibition in Paris, ceramic tiles, marble, mosaic tiles, or terracotta (known as “tomettes” in French).
In the living room and bedroom, a rug usually covers the parquet flooring to make the space feel cozier. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different materials and colors when choosing your rug. Personally, I find that dark-colored rugs can make a room feel darker, so I always opt for lighter-colored rugs, no matter the style. My favorites are Moroccan Berber rugs, traditionally made from sheep’s wool. If a trip to Marrakech isn’t on your list right now (though I highly recommend it; the city is absolutely stunning), check out these beautiful Moroccan-inspired rugs from Anthropologie.
3. Add Modern Lighting Pieces
In the living room, we usually take down the antique chandelier to make the space feel bigger. Instead, we add little touches of light all around the room with floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. There are a few lighting pieces I’m dreaming of buying for my future “Maison”: these gorgeous Alix D. Reynis lights, handmade in white Limoges porcelain. I also have a soft spot for Art Deco-style lighting, like these Vanity Boum lamps (I bought this beautiful Précieuse table lamp, and I absolutely love it!) and this rattan umbel floor lamp from Anthropologie and Elise sconce. Last year, I also bought this dreamy Travatia table lamp in white and soft pink by Les Composantes. It looks just like a cloud, and I absolutely adore it! In the dining room, a modern chandelier is placed above the table, perfect for those long Parisian dinners with friends that go on into the night ;).
4. Parisian Furniture Styles
In a Parisian apartment, you won’t find many pieces of antique furniture that take up a lot of space (Parisian apartments aren’t known for being very large) and can make the room feel crowded. Instead, simpler, more streamlined furniture balances the architectural features like wall paneling and moldings, which can sometimes be quite ornate. A Parisian interior is neither over-styled nor over-staged, emphasizing minimalism and allowing furniture to breathe, with only a few key pieces typically present.
Personally, I love Art Deco and mid-century furniture. I adore pieces made from dark woods like acacia, mango, and walnut, which pair beautifully with earthy tones and materials like white bouclé, velvet, linen, and cane. Think of a cream round-shaped bouclé sofa, a velvet armchair, a buffet in travertine and oak with a walnut stain, or a TV stand in wood and cane. For inspiration, check out the Parisian interior boutiques NV Gallery or The Socialite Family to see the style of furniture I’m referring to.
5. Panoramic Wallpaper
Parisian interiors are famous for their immaculate white walls, but sometimes you’ll find one wall decorated with stunning panoramic wallpaper. Take the beautiful Parisian apartment in the photo above, designed by Supercraft Studio, which features a charming tropical wallpaper with palm trees and lush flowers. I just love the exotic feel of these wallpapers—they really take you on a journey! Often inspired by 18th-century designs, these new or reissued wallpapers add an elegant antique touch to a room. If you’re looking to bring this look into your home, I highly recommend checking out the French brands Papiers de Paris or Ananbô.
6. Add Ornate Mirrors
In a Haussmannian apartment, you’ll often find a large mirror installed above the marble fireplaces in the living room, dining room, and bedrooms. Some mirrors have elegant golden frames, while others are seamlessly integrated into the wall with their frames painted white to match, softening the usually elaborate ornaments. Mirrors are a fantastic way to create an illusion of space in any home! Try placing these mirrors strategically to reflect light and make the space feel larger. For example, putting a mirror on a wall opposite a window can maximize natural light and create a sense of depth.
7. Flowers & Foliages
Unlike other European cities, Paris isn’t exactly known for its greenery ;). That’s why Parisian interiors are always adorned with beautiful green plants and fresh flowers. If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, you can transform it into a chic Parisian balcony. If not, create an exotic indoor garden (“un jardin d’hiver”) with tall green plants like the bird of paradise, Tasmanian tree fern, or sago palm.
If you don’t have a green thumb (“la main verte” in French), just add a bouquet of fresh flowers to your favorite vase (mine is the Mon Jules footed vase by Carron Paris, made of ceramic—Astier de Villatte is another great choice). Place it on your dining table, or go for a bouquet of dried flowers—they’re a fantastic alternative to fresh and artificial flowers.
8. Curate Treasures for a Personal Touch
Parisian interiors are usually filled with what I like to call “trésors” (treasures): art, travel souvenirs, books, photography, vases, paintings, sculptures, and other minimalist modern pieces. I’ve put together a list of my favorite French home decor brands where you can find your own “trésors” and other beautiful items. Personally, I love to fill my home like a “cabinet de curiosités” (cabinet of curiosities) with family heirlooms, vintage finds, travel souvenirs, and other charming decor objects that I adore and remind me of good memories. This helps create a style that’s truly personal and unique :).
Et voilà! I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Which Parisian chic ideas will you try in your home? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any additional tips you have for bringing a touch of Parisian chic to your space! Merci!
