French Style: Elegance and Classics in Interior Design

Dec 17, 2024

The French style in interior design is the true quintessence of elegance and classicism, which has attracted the attention of those who value harmony and beauty for centuries. Above all, the skillful combination of historical and modern elements in historic, Parisian-style tenement houses.

Colors and light

Interiors decorated in the French style exude peace and subtlety. This is due to the subdued color palette, which is dominated by:

whites,
beige,
delicate pastels.

These colors not only optically enlarge the space, but also introduce light and freshness to it. Stucco , which is one of the key elements of this style, adds elegance and sophistication to the interior, emphasizing their classic character.

Modern interpretations

Contemporary interpretations of the French style often combine traditional elements with modern accents, creating eclectic arrangements that delight with their originality and unique character. It is a style that is constantly evolving, adapting to changing trends, while remaining true to its roots. This makes it timeless and universal .

What is French style?

The French style in interior design is the essence of elegance and sophistication, which has inspired designers around the world for years. Derived from the Baroque, where it gained its unique character. Above all, symmetry , bright colors , moldings and historical details , which give the interiors a unique atmosphere. Interiors in this style exude peace and subtlety, thanks to the subdued color palette, in which whites, beiges and delicate pastels dominate.

Parisian Style: A Variety of French Style

The Parisian style , which is one of the most recognizable varieties of the French style, is the quintessence of elegance and sophistication. Interiors in this style are spacious, bright, and their arrangement is often eclectic. They are dominated by whites, beiges and delicate pastels , which give the interiors lightness and freshness. These are the features that make the Parisian style loved all over the world.

Stucco as a decorative element of the Parisian style

Stucco , including moldings, cornices and rosettes, is an inseparable decorative element of the Parisian style, which adds effortless elegance and historic character to the interiors of historic tenement houses.

Interiors with elements of stucco gain depth and refinement, making them more attractive and cozy. Stucco often appears in the company of other decorative elements, such as:

mirrors in gold frames,
crystal chandeliers,
classic furniture,
elegant fabrics.

Contemporary interpretations of Parisian-style stucco often combine traditional techniques with modern materials, allowing for unique and original arrangements. What new forms of stucco may emerge in the future to further enrich the Parisian style? Only time will tell!

French style furniture

French style furniture is the true essence of elegance and sophistication that has been decorating interiors all over the world for centuries. Characteristic features of this furniture include curved legs , rich carvings and intricate forms .

Louis: Louis XV and XVI furniture

Louis furniture, or those from the times of Louis XV and XVI, is one of the most recognizable elements of the French style. Its curved legs give it lightness, and rich decorations emphasize its refined character. Popular in the era of Louis XV and XVI, this furniture is a perfect example of harmony between aesthetics and functionality.

Curved legs and their importance in French furniture

The bent legs are a symbol of masterful craftsmanship, which has been valued for centuries for its precision and attention to detail. It is thanks to them that these pieces of furniture stand out with their uniqueness and timeless character. It is impossible to pass them by indifferently.

French style decorations

French style in interior design is not only furniture and colors. Among these elements we can find crystal chandeliers , mirrors in decorative frames and moldings. These details not only emphasize the refined style of the interior, but also introduce shine and luxury .

Crystal Chandelier: Sparkle and Luxury

A crystal chandelier is one of the most recognizable decorative elements in the French style. Its elegant design and ability to disperse light give the interior a unique glow. These chandeliers are often found in living rooms and dining rooms, where they become a central decorative point. What's more, thanks to their versatility , they blend in perfectly with various interior styles - from classic to modern. They always add elegance and sophistication to them.

Mirror in a gold frame: A classic element above the fireplace

A mirror in a gold frame is another classic decorative element. Its decorative frame and ability to reflect light make the interiors brighter and more spacious . In combination with other elements, such as crystal chandeliers, they create a coherent arrangement that impresses with its timelessness.

Ceiling rosette: Decorative detail in the French style

Ceiling rosettes are used in both traditional and modern arrangements, performing a decorative function and helping to define space. Thanks to their versatility , rosettes can be adapted to various interior styles, making them an extremely universal decorative element.

French style floors and walls

French-style floors and walls are key to creating an interior that combines elegance with coziness . Light colors and natural materials dominate such arrangements, which not only optically enlarge the rooms, but also introduce harmony and warmth to them. Let's take a closer look at popular solutions that reign in the French style: herringbone parquet , wainscoting and upholstered walls .

Herringbone parquet: Classic flooring in French interiors

Herringbone parquet, also known as "herringbone" , is one of the most recognizable elements of French-style flooring, especially in Parisian apartments. This characteristic pattern optically enlarges the space . Arranged in a herringbone pattern, parquets made of natural wood, most often oak , are characterized by an effortless elegance in the French style.

Wainscoting: Elegance and warmth in wall decoration

Wainscoting, or wooden wall panels, is another element that brings elegance and warmth to French-style interiors. Wainscoting is not only decorative, but also serves practical functions, such as thermal and acoustic insulation. In the French style, wainscoting often takes the form of intricately carved panels that emphasize the refined interior design and high ceilings of a French-style apartment.

Upholstered walls and Parisian interiors

Upholstered walls are the quintessence of French style. Walls covered with fabric not only impress with their aesthetics, but also improve the acoustics of rooms. In the French style, upholstered walls often decorate living rooms and bedrooms, fulfilling both a decorative and practical function.

Fabrics and textiles in the French style

French style is not only about the elegance of furniture and decoration. In this style, great importance is given to the quality of materials - they must be natural, durable and aesthetic .

Velour: Luxurious fabric for furniture upholstery

Velvet is another luxurious fabric that plays a key role in French style, especially in furniture upholstery. Its soft, velvety surface brings Parisian chic and coziness to interiors, making it an ideal choice for those who value comfort and aesthetics. Velvet often appears in:

salons,
bedrooms,
on upholstered furniture.

Its rich texture and deep colours create a warm, luxurious atmosphere.

In the French style, velvet is not only beautiful, but also practical – it is durable and easy to maintain . Its versatility means that it can be combined with various interior styles, from classic to modern, always adding a refined character. It is possible that in the future we will see new applications of velvet that will further enrich French-style interiors.

What to remember when decorating an apartment in the French style?

French style is not only elegant furniture and decorations. Especially pastel shades , so characteristic of this aesthetic, introduce lightness and subtlety to the interior. In this part we will take a closer look at two elements that are an inseparable component of the French style: powder pink and vertical stripes .

Powder Pink: A Delicate Shade in Wallpapers and Fabrics

Powder pink is one of the most recognizable colors in the French style, especially in classic interiors. This delicate shade works great with other pastels, such as blue or mint , creating coherent, harmonious arrangements.

Benefits of using powder blush:

It adds warmth and coziness to interiors.
It optically enlarges the space, giving it lightness.
It goes well with other pastel shades.

What's more, powder pink not only adds charm, but also has a practical use - its light shade optically enlarges the space, giving it lightness.

Vertical Stripes: French Style in Interiors

Vertical stripes are a pattern that has been popular among Parisian tenement houses for years. They add sophistication to interiors and optically increase the height of rooms. This classic motif, often used on wallpapers and fabrics, introduces order and harmony, and its simplicity emphasizes the elegance of space.

Benefits of using vertical stripes:

They optically increase the height of the rooms.
They bring order and harmony to the interior.
They emphasize the elegance of the space.
They blend in perfectly with other decorative elements, such as stucco or mirrors in gold frames.

They are often combined with other decorative elements, such as stucco or mirrors in gold frames .

French bathroom with specific rules

A tastefully decorated bathroom should be dominated by a monochromatic color palette. There should be no shortage of good quality tiles and furniture on curved legs. The French can also enjoy high ceilings in the interior. Typical vintage furniture will allow you to decorate the interior in a retro style. A French bathing salon is primarily bright wall colors.

Open space is also valuable, which is hard to find in the interior of Parisian tenement houses. However, whenever possible, elements are introduced that open up the entire interior, including glass doors.

In the bathroom, it is worth to focus on golden accessories and some eclecticism. In the bathroom, we can also focus on zone lighting and paintings from different periods. The interior is decorated in accordance

Furniture by Verner Panton, Charles and Ray Eames and Arne Jacobsen

Furniture from designers such as Verner Panton, Charles and Ray Eames, and Arne Jacobsen often appear in eclectic French-style interiors, introducing a modern touch. These iconic designs , known for their innovative design and functionality, work perfectly with classic elements, creating interiors that are both stylish and comfortable.

Examples of modern furniture that fits perfectly into the eclectic French style are:

Pantona chairs – organic shapes that introduce modernity and freshness,
Eames chairs – appreciated for their ergonomic design,
Arne Jacobsen chairs – such as "Egg" or "Swan", which add elegance and sophistication to the space.

This modern furniture fits perfectly into the eclectic French style that values both tradition and innovation.