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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I share top tips for how to create Parisian style interior design so you can live like Emily in Paris at home.
Dreaming of transforming your home into a chic Parisian apartment? As well as being one of my favourite cities in the world, Paris has long been a global icon for fashion and design excellence. Its influence extends far beyond the realm of clothing, captivating interior design enthusiasts with the timeless elegance and effortless style of Parisian apartments. With Emily in Paris season 3 out, interest in Parisian homes has started to see an uptake, with 5.9 million posts on TikTok alone1.
In this blog post, with the help of Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors, I’ll share top tips to help you create a Parisian-inspired interior design that will transport you to the City of Lights. From classic French elements to modern twists, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to achieve that iconic Emily in Paris style. Get ready to infuse your space with Parisian charm and elegance!
Discover Parisian Style Interior Design Inspiration
Luxurious walls and ceilings
To create the quintessential Parisian interior, begin with the foundation of the room: walls and ceilings adorned with intricate plasterwork and moldings. Ornate ceiling roses, elegant cornices, and detailed wall panels with classic boiserie are essential elements to infuse your home with timeless elegance.
For the perfect color palette, consider a muted taupe for a calming and sophisticated look, or an accent wall in a cool-toned plum for a rich and dramatic contrast. These options offer endless possibilities to achieve a Parisian-inspired room that exudes both refinement and warmth.
Here are some tips for achieving this look:
- Invest in high-quality plasterwork and moldings: Look for authentic or reproduction pieces to create a truly Parisian aesthetic.
- Consider hiring a professional: For intricate designs, consider consulting with a plasterer or interior designer to ensure a flawless installation.
- Experiment with different patterns and styles: Explore various plasterwork designs, such as floral motifs, geometric patterns, or classic Rococo styles, to find the perfect match for your space.
Understated flooring
To add a touch of chic Parisian décor to your home, consider the refined charm of classic herringbone or parquet flooring such as Tapi’s herringbone laminate and LVT, which marries sophistication and practicality with their intricate patterns and hardwearing finish. These timeless patterns can instantly elevate the sophistication of any space.
For a cozy and inviting atmosphere, consider neutral-toned carpets in soft textures like wool or cashmere. Alternatively, stone-effect vinyl flooring offers a chic and modern alternative while providing warmth and comfort. These options can add a touch of Parisian elegance to your home while creating a welcoming and inviting space.
Here are some tips for achieving this look:
- Choose high-quality materials: Opt for durable and luxurious materials like hardwood or natural stone to create a long-lasting and elegant floor.
- Consider professional installation: Ensure a flawless finish by hiring a skilled flooring specialist.
- Pay attention to color and finish: Select a color and finish that complements your overall interior design and creates a cohesive look.
Romantic vintage furniture
To infuse your Parisian-inspired home with a touch of historical elegance, consider incorporating statement furniture pieces from the Baroque and Rococo periods. Delicate, ornate pieces like chaise lounges, low-backed chairs, and loveseats can complement the intricate wall details and create a sense of refined luxury.
For the ultimate Parisian touch, incorporate vintage accessories like gilded mirrors and Rococo sofas. These elements can add a touch of history and character to your space while providing a striking contrast to modern furniture. For example, a Rococo loveseat can serve as a focal point, while minimalist coffee tables and bold black-and-white accent chairs can create a dynamic interplay between classic and contemporary styles.
Here are some tips for achieving this look:
- Invest in quality pieces: Look for authentic or high-quality reproductions of Baroque and Rococo furniture to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Consider the scale and proportion of the room: Choose furniture pieces that are appropriate for the size of your space to avoid overcrowding.
- Mix and match styles: Create a dynamic and eclectic look by combining Baroque or Rococo furniture with sleek, modern pieces.
Personalised décor
To truly capture the Parisian spirit, incorporate personal touches that reflect your unique style and personality. A gallery wall featuring black-and-white photographs in simple frames can add a touch of character and intimacy to the space. Consider using cherished personal photos or artwork that emphasizes cultural and historical significance.
Enhance the space further with luxurious accents like marble statues, antique clocks, and coffee table books. These elements can add a touch of sophistication and elegance while providing functional and decorative benefits.
By incorporating personalized décor elements, you can create a truly unique and inviting Parisian-inspired space that reflects your individual style and taste.
Here are some tips for creating a personalized gallery wall:
- Choose a cohesive theme: Select photographs that complement your overall interior design and create a unified look.
- Consider the size and scale of the wall: Ensure the photographs are appropriately sized and spaced to create a visually appealing arrangement.
- Mix and match frames: Experiment with different frame styles and sizes to add variety and interest to the gallery wall.
Prioritise natural light
To achieve the airy and spacious feel of a Parisian apartment, maximize natural light by using sheer curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter into your home. While British homes may not have the same oversized windows as Parisian flats, this approach can still create a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Mirrors are a key element in Parisian design, offering both functionality and style. Large, ornate mirrors can serve as focal points in the room while reflecting light and creating a sense of grandeur.
Here are some tips for maximizing natural light:
- Remove any obstructions: Ensure windows are free from clutter or heavy drapes that block sunlight.
- Consider using light-colored paint: Lighter colors can reflect sunlight and make the room feel brighter and more spacious.
- Add mirrors strategically: Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect light and create the illusion of more space.
Add flowers and greenery
As seen in Emily in Paris, the French have a deep love for flowers, greenery, and candles. To create a romantic and inviting atmosphere in your home, incorporate plants and fresh flowers into your décor. Consider adding large statement plants, such as a fiddle leaf fig or a monstera deliciosa, to create a focal point in the room.
Elevate the ambiance further with elegant vases filled with floral arrangements. Opt for seasonal blooms or create your own unique combinations to reflect your personal style. Scented candles can add a touch of luxury and warmth, filling your home with a delightful fragrance.
By incorporating plants, flowers, and candles into your home, you can infuse your space with a touch of nature, create a romantic and inviting atmosphere, and truly capture the essence of Parisian style.
Here are some tips for incorporating plants into your home:
- Choose plants that suit your lifestyle: Consider factors like light requirements, humidity, and your ability to care for plants.
- Experiment with different types of plants: Explore various plant species and varieties to find the perfect fit for your space.
- Create a focal point: Place a large statement plant in a prominent location to draw attention and add visual interest.
Here are some tips for using candles effectively:
- Choose high-quality candles: Opt for candles made with natural wax and clean-burning fragrances.
- Consider the size and scent: Select candles that are appropriate for the size of your space and complement your overall décor.
- Create a cozy atmosphere: Group candles together on a coffee table or mantelpiece to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Use luxurious textures
To complete your Parisian-inspired interior, incorporate luxurious materials like plush throws, silk cushions, and velvet upholstery. These sumptuous textures can elevate the visual appeal of your room while creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
For a truly Parisian-inspired look, consider incorporating a plush throw on a classic chaise lounge, silk cushions on a Baroque chair, and velvet upholstery on a loveseat. Combine these luxurious elements with a neutral color palette and metallic accents to create a sophisticated and elegant ambiance.
Here are some tips for using luxurious materials in your home:
- Consider the overall style of the room: Choose materials that complement your existing décor and create a cohesive look.
- Experiment with different textures and colors: Explore various combinations of fabrics to find the perfect balance of luxury and comfort.
- Create a focal point: Use luxurious materials to highlight specific elements in the room, such as a statement chair or a cozy reading nook.
Sources
For more inspiration on Parisian inspired décor, check out our blog: https://www.tapi.co.uk/the-ideas-hub/style-inspiration/how-to-embrace-the-parisian-interior-design-trend
1. Data taken from TikTok – correct as of 19/07/2024
About Tapi
Tapi Carpets & Floors Ltd was founded in 2015 by a handful of flooring industry specialists passionate about putting customers first and blowing a breath of fresh air into the world of carpet and floor shopping. Their mission was to make buying flooring reassuringly simple, and to inspire and delight customers with exceptional and innovative products and services. Tapi’s focus and commitment to flooring innovation and customer satisfaction has led to their growth of more than 170 bright and airy showrooms bursting with design inspiration and a fleet of over 150 mobile showrooms providing a home shopping service to their customers.
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot – 70,000 reviews. 4.8 stars – July 2024
- Rated best in flooring – shop category. Trustpilot 70,000 reviews – July 2024
- Rated best in carpet retail – shop category. Trustpilot 70,000 reviews – July 2024
With a ‘family business’ culture which is reflected on Glassdoor:
- Overall rating from colleagues 4.8 out of 5
- 4.9 Diversity and Inclusion | 4.8 Culture and values | 4.8 Senior Management
- 95% would recommend to a friend
- Average NPS 76
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