How to renovate in Parisian Style
- Debbie Anastassiou
- Aug 25, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 7
If you're a fan of Parisian style and have a renovation in mind, voilà! This blog is perfect for you. In the captivating realm of interior design, Parisian chic is a classic aesthetic that seamlessly blends elegance with a hint of bohemian charm. If you aspire to turn your Perth home into a sanctuary of Parisian sophistication, you've come to the right place.
## Uncover the Four Key Elements
To help you attain the desired Parisian aesthetic, we will delve into four key elements essential for crafting an interior that embodies the elegance and charm of Paris. Each element is crucial in making your space not only visually appealing but also welcoming and comfortable.
### 1. Color Palette: Soft Neutrals and Rich Accents
The cornerstone of any Parisian-inspired interior is a thoughtfully selected color palette. Soft neutrals like creams, beiges, and gentle grays provide the ideal backdrop, fostering a serene atmosphere typical of Parisian homes. These shades evoke a sense of tranquility and sophistication.
To introduce depth and refinement, consider adding rich accent colors such as deep navy, emerald green, or burgundy. These tones can be incorporated through furniture, decorative pillows, or artwork, offering a striking contrast that enhances the overall look. The balance of light and dark hues is crucial for achieving that Parisian feel, so feel free to experiment with different shades.
### 2. Furniture: Vintage Finds and Modern Comfort
Parisian style in furniture emphasizes blending vintage pieces with modern comfort. Seek out elegant, classic furniture featuring intricate details like carved wood, tufted upholstery, and curved lines. Antique shops, flea markets, or online marketplaces can be great sources for unique pieces with stories to tell.
Alongside vintage items, it's crucial to include modern elements that boost comfort and functionality. Plush sofas, sleek coffee tables, and stylish armchairs can effortlessly mix with your vintage finds, creating a harmonious balance between old and new. The key is to select furniture that not only looks appealing but also encourages relaxation and social interaction, reflecting the Parisian love for gatherings and conversation.
### 3. Textiles: Layers of Luxury
Textiles are essential for achieving the Parisian chic aesthetic. Layering different fabrics can bring warmth and texture to your space. Consider using luxurious materials like silk, velvet, and linen. A velvet throw on a linen sofa or silk cushions on a vintage armchair can create a sumptuous atmosphere that is both inviting and stylish.
Don't overlook window treatments! Flowing drapes made from light fabrics can soften natural light while adding elegance. Patterns, such as florals or stripes, can be used sparingly to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. The aim is to create an ambiance that feels cozy yet sophisticated, reminiscent of a charming Parisian apartment.
### 4. Accessories: Art and Personal Touches
Accessories are the final elements that truly bring the Parisian style to life. Art is crucial; think about displaying a combination of paintings, photographs, and sculptures that align with your personal taste. Gallery walls can become a focal point in your living area, highlighting your collection and adding character.
Besides art, add personal touches that mirror your personality and travels. Vintage books, distinctive decorative items, and fresh flowers can all contribute to a lived-in atmosphere that is quintessentially Parisian. Remember, the beauty of this style lies in its storytelling ability, so feel free to showcase items that hold sentimental value or inspire you.
By concentrating on these four key elements—color palette, furniture, textiles, and accessories—you can seamlessly transform your Perth home into a Parisian chic dream. Embrace the elegance, charm, and warmth of Parisian style, and create a space that not only reflects your love for this iconic aesthetic but also serves as a sanctuary for you and your loved ones. Happy renovating!
Renovation or Styling?
Decorating and styling is fun! But this blog is not about quick fixes and superficial styling, such as throwing rugs and cushions around with Paris written on them. Not that there is anything wrong with that....To be honest though, styling is just the icing on the " torte" - Pardon my French...
Nevertheless, this post is about a Parisian renovation. So let us for a moment go back a few paces to the foundation and analyze the existing home's anatomy.
-Voici pourquoi here's why as we say in English.
Parisians have the knack of blending periods and styles successfully
Generally, Perth home interiors are devoid of architectural features. Renovations usually take this trend to a whole new level, as the objective is to strip everything to a bare minimum. White walls, no skirtings, flash doors, shadow line in lieu of cornice etc. which work for contemporary minimalist design in some cases.
But you are after a Parisian renovation, right?
If you imagine, the Parisian style furniture and homewares will do the "trick", your interior may end up like a beautiful showroom of Parisian furniture and nothing more.
In reality, a true Parisian transformation is more than just furniture and styling.
Thus, let's disengage from local norms, and delve into the Parisian interiors, to find answers to these questions:
- How do Parisians design their interiors?
-Do they all furnish them with gild Luis canapés and arm chairs?
-Are all Parisian home interiors similar?
-What defines the Parisian style?
- How can we emulate it?
In short, the answer is, Parisians have mastered the art of elegantly balancing modern design with antique, old with new.
They express their own style through their interiors and set trends- not follow them. In Paris you see Parisian / modern, bohemian, traditional, palatial, and very much eclectic. Yet all, are unmistakably Parisian!
Which Parisian style are you?
The more we look into the 'Parisian style' the more we realize the term is broad, due to the fact Parisian interiors are diverse, not copies of each other, neither are all furnished with gild Luis furniture. Some are modern, some traditional, transitional and so on.
So, which Parisian style are you? It doesn't matter right now, because whatever style furnishings you choose, what makes an interior "Parisian" is the interior architecture. - This is one of the main denominators.
For this reason, think in terms of, shell first, furniture later.
The big four...
Tranforming the shell or the house's interior architecture, is what a Parisian renovation is truly all about. This can be achieved by observing and implementing the following big four key elements correctly.
Architectural features
Color palette
Elegance
Simplicity
Let's go through them one by one.
Architectural features
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Architectural features are the cornerstone of Parisian interior design and are crucial for a successful Parisian renovation, as they establish the essence of the Parisian style you admire.
Incorporate these elements into your renovation plan well in advance. They are not mere add-ons or decorations but the very foundation of your Parisian-style renovation.
The principles of elegance and simplicity are essential, as not every feature can be applied to all homes.
For instance, if your ceilings are of standard height, maximize the height of your windows.
Try to incorporate at least three to four of the recommended architectural features.
It's acceptable to omit some features from the list, provided the combinations you select are appropriate. I suggest consulting with your interior designer on this matter, as achieving the right balance can be challenging within the constraints of the existing structure.
Color palette
Color is the second essential element for creating an unmistakably Parisian interior.
Monochromatic schemes often feature subdued colors such as blue greys, warm greys, greys, warm linen, and chalky whites. Additionally, certain muted blue/green hues paired with citrine or ruby add a gem-like quality.
The wall color serves as a complementary backdrop, highlighting the beautiful textures and patterns of the furnishings rather than dominating the space.
For entrance and balcony doors, railings, curtain rods, and similar features, black is an excellent choice as it introduces contrast and drama.
.
Simplicity
Parisian style embodies simplicity and minimalism. It is neither overwhelming nor stuffy. A Parisian interior "breathes" because it isn't cluttered with excessive furniture.
For wall art, follow the Parisian approach. Select one or two large pieces, but avoid placing frames on every wall. Tall, empty walls are a hallmark of a Parisian interior.
Window treatments are straightforward, tall, soft, and elegant, without pelmets.
Ornaments can be classic or futuristic, but they are never abundant.
Elegance
Elegance and simplicity work together harmoniously. They are different, yet they complement each other. In fact, simplicity can be seen as a form of elegance, because an overload of elegant items can resemble a market stall.
This concept is crucial when it comes to decorating and styling your Parisian renovation. We already understand that "less is more." Now, let's consider how elegance brings joy!
Parisians are not afraid to mix styles or incorporate bold, elegant statement pieces into their rooms. They might select a grand chandelier for their living or dining room, not necessarily one that matches the architectural style, but one that stands out on its own.
In Parisian homes, a mid-century modern or more contemporary chandelier might hang confidently from an ornate ceiling rosette.
Area rugs are bold and exotic, regardless of the style.
This is the eclecticism that Parisians are known for, and it is truly chic!
Parisians also prioritize quality over quantity, which is the essence of elegance.
Recommended books
A broad cross-section of interiors, this book brings together a selection of over 50 apartments in Paris, chosen purely for their individuality. Hey include the apartments of cele....
Here, designer David Jimenez inspires us with his elegant French interiors while sharing his secrets for how to decorate like a Parisian.
Guillaume de Laubier takes us behind closed doors inside the homes of the most respected designers and artists in the city, to discover the rich diversity of Parisian style. These interiors are rife with inspiration: from ...
In conclusion - think ten..
Think Parisian - when you renovate in Perth.
Think shell first - interior architectural features and color are key.
Think simplicity and elegance - when making selections.
Think interior designer - if you get stack to avoid mistakes.
Think eclectic - old with new, modern with antique, is chic.
Think best is less - let the room breath
Think quality - not quantity.
Think elegance is bliss - large statement pieces of quality say it best.
Think trend setter - not trend follower and express your lifestyle.
Think Parisian renovation - c’est magnifique!
