The interior of an apartment in the French style is a real find for romantics and creative people who value convenience and dream of a cozy and stylish apartment. This style of room decoration can be completely different: from gentle and romantic Provence to sophisticated classics. However, they are all united by impeccable taste and comfort combined with moderate luxury.
Bright room in French style
Finishing walls, ceilings and floors
Depending on which historical style formed the basis of modern French design, finishing methods are also chosen. That is, an apartment in a new building can be made with classical or Renaissance elements, complementing the interior with gilded stucco molding or frescoes. An apartment of an old building is not remodeled, but only its original appearance is preserved.
For example, in Parisian houses of the 17th - 19th centuries, apartment buildings are distinguished by high ceilings with stucco and parquet floors. They are not removed because they are old and worn out, but they are tried to be preserved.
The interior of the living room, which combines old stucco with gilding on the ceiling and original parquet with modern furniture and textiles.
Ceiling
When creating a French style in the interior of an apartment, several types of finishes are used:
- ordinary whitewashing and painting of the surface;
- decorate smooth ceilings with stucco molding in the color of the ceiling;
- choose a beautiful central chandelier.
It is not typical for the urban style of France to decorate the ceiling with wooden beams. This characteristic is more suitable for the Provencal style. Designers also do not recommend suspended multi-tiered ceilings. If you choose a stretch ceiling, then it is better to give preference not to a glossy film, but to a patterned or plain fabric.
Walls
The walls can be left simply white. This will make it convenient to create an interior against their background. The walls are also covered with wallpaper with ornaments, painted with matte paint and decorated with paintings in beautiful frames. It's good if there are niches in the walls. They contain flowers, sculptures or lamps.
White interior.
Floors
If the house has old parquet, even if it is not of the best quality, you should try to preserve it. To do this, it is sanded again, damaged boards are renewed and varnished. Parquet flooring is the basis of a French interior. If there is no parquet, then lay a new parquet board or laminate. Beautiful mosaic tiles are used in the kitchen and bathroom.
An office with a painting imitating an old fresco and preserved parquet.
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Creation Rules
Although this design has a chic feel, it doesn't have to be expensive. The main thing is that all items are selected in the same spirit.
Fundamental rules of style:
- color of French classic interior: white, beige, pistachio, light blue and light pink and other pastel shades;
- lack of contrasts - smooth transitions;
- all furniture surfaces and finishes are matte;
- on the walls - matte paint, plaster, wallpaper with textile patterns;
- elements of modeling or its imitation in the decoration of walls and ceilings.
If we talk about the walls, then wallpaper with a small floral pattern and curls with a small concentration is suitable for an apartment. Sometimes the colors of walls and upholstered furniture are played out in one picture.
Main stylistic elements:
- furniture painted in light colors with traces of antiquity;
- forged furniture parts;
- various coffee tables;
- glass cupboards;
- textiles - curtains, upholstery and accessories made from discreet natural fabrics;
- use of French windows.
Furniture in light colors using various aging techniques creates a special charm. This may be the effect of wear, shashel, peeling paint and patina. Such furniture can be taken from your grandmother, purchased ready-made, or made with your own hands.
French curtains in the interior create a special atmosphere. If previously such curtain options as single-color natural fabrics and tulle were used exclusively in cafes, now they are increasingly appearing in homes. It’s extraordinarily cozy – the subtle romantic chic of France.
Accessories in French style:
- porcelain dishes and figurines;
- glass figurines;
- small bouquets in miniature vases or baskets on tables and shelves;
- antique dishes;
- lace napkins and tablecloths with lace elements;
- paintings, tapestries, embroidery and souvenirs.
In creating a style a la France, you cannot do without handmade products. Perhaps you like to do decoupage - this technique will fit perfectly into the design.
Kitchen
A round table with bent or straight legs and the same set of chairs are ideal for the kitchen. Tabletops made of marble and its imitation, as well as furniture with partially open shelves. The best wall colors for the kitchen are mint, pale pistachio combined with white furniture.
Bedroom
A bed with a wrought-iron headboard and a canopy is an interesting idea for a French bedroom. The colors for this room are soft shades of pink and blue, as well as sand tones. Long pastel-colored curtains made from natural fabrics can add special chic - a very cozy solution for the bedroom.
Living room
Forged tables and benches, combined with armchairs with textile upholstery, will help decorate the living room. Upholstered furniture should be designed with refined forging and wood carvings. The French living room is a bright room with large windows. A beautiful play of color is created by thin black elements (forging, windows, patterns on furniture) against the background of white space.
Other rooms
In a French-designed bathroom, the plumbing can be luxurious - a baroque bathtub, gold faucets, a sink on a table with curved legs. However, you can play on the minimalism of details - this is a kind of puritan chic.
For the hallway, a wrought-iron hanger and an oval-shaped mirror in an antique frame are suitable.
It would be great if an elegant console with curved legs is placed under the mirror - this is a classic hallway in the spirit of France. In such a hallway, guests leave all their gloomy thoughts, enchanted by the romance of the apartment.
Stucco molding
The French love for stucco is expressed in its ubiquity and the use of various ornaments. Often the color of the stucco matches the color of the walls. And if at least one room of a French apartment already has stucco, it should be done in the remaining rooms as well.
Design of individual elements in the design
French style in the interior, as we have already said, loves the compatibility of colors and individual elements, so it is necessary to consider each of them.
Wall decoration
One word that can describe the selection of walls for this direction is “intensity”. The color scheme of surfaces does not matter at all, as do their depth and energy. Typically, French interiors are characterized by elements of luxury and wealth, therefore, when choosing wallpaper, it is important to pay attention to their texture, which should have the quality of relief and be pleasant to the touch.
Decorating the head of the bed with beautiful textiles
Textured walls will decorate a French living room
Advice! The optimal solution would be to paint the walls or use photo wallpaper on certain sections of the walls. This will give the room additional chic, but you will just have to choose the designs on the photo wallpaper so that they are in perfect harmony with other details.
Furniture designs
The compatibility and thoughtfulness of each element is important here. Tables, chairs, cabinets, beds, sofas must be selected carefully and carefully. The French have a common expression: “God is in the details,” so their exquisite interiors easily confirm this fact. The overall design picture combines complex elements of romanticism and extraordinary convenience and visual elegance.
In French style furniture, the key factors are:
- pastel shades,
- the presence of carved elements,
- curved type legs,
- French curtains in the interior,
- rich fabrics for upholstery.
Luxurious bed made of natural wood
Beige color is a great option for decorating a bedroom.
Many modern families, when selecting designs, specifically choose the services of experts - stylists and designers, who will help determine a clear direction of movement and create special conditions.
Curtains, curtains in French style
Curtains are usually used from silk fabrics; they also traditionally contain drapery, decorative elements in the form of tassels, braids, tiebacks, which allows you to “play” with the features of the room and create unique and original rooms that will appeal to you, your family and everyone to the guest.
French windows will help make your room much brighter
Accessories for decorating space
Since the French style involves the widespread use of gilding, silver tones and elements, as well as rhinestones, feathers and other decoration touches, it is necessary to pay attention to the appropriate accessories designed to fill the room with grace, light reflections and other compositions that create a luxurious atmosphere.
There are several basic elements typically used to decorate French interiors (photos of ready-made solutions can be viewed on the Internet).
- Antique mirrors, stylized “antique”;
- Original sofa and chair covers, bedspreads;
- Elegant curtains and curtains for windows, room transitions;
- The use of lambrequins, tassels and hangers for decorations;
- The presence of a cabinet-box for storing jewelry and gold;
- Numerous decorative pillows made of silk or satin;
- For the sleeping area, it is important to use a screen;
- Vases on the floor and candlesticks are widely used;
- The walls are decorated with paintings in large frames and wrought-iron sconces;
French style with modern decorative elements in living room design
Antique furniture in the interior of a spacious bedroom
- Crystal chandeliers with pendants are hung on the ceilings;
- Bathrooms are decorated with scented candles;
- Original porcelain figurines are installed throughout.
Thus, the choice in favor of French style elements is justified and involves the use of a wide range of details to create a balanced atmosphere.
About accessories
The presence of French style in the interior will be emphasized by such architectural elements as niches and arches, as well as several rows of forged metal or wood shelves representing collections of original dishes.
In addition to the fact that the French style provides beautiful window drapery in the interior - with lambrequins, pendants and tassels - it should also contain elegant and intricate accessories. These can be crystal pendants, rhinestones, Murano glass. Any of these elements will add charm and sophistication to the setting. And, of course, the French style will not be perceived enthusiastically if there is no place for mirrors in it. Framed in massive frames, inlaid with silver and shimmering with gold, they subtly emphasize the splendor and high cost of the rest of the decoration.
crystal chandelier with candlesticks as an antique decorative element in the bedroom
Another characteristic attribute will be silk pads and rollers with tassels at the ends. A unique, somewhat intricate, but incredibly cute addition to bohemian decor would be a forged screen with wicker or fabric doors.
Since the main background of the interior is made in pastel colors, the walls will also require finishing touches, which, along with mirrors, may well be paintings. “Dress” them in a rich frame and place them in prominent places, this way you can also add aesthetics to the French style in the interior.
You can decorate your entire house in a wonderful medieval spirit, and it won’t look cloying. It’s incredible, but in each room, seemingly the same type of decor will be perceived differently.
mirror in a massive metal frame with figured elements in a French bedroom
Let's look at the kitchen. Using French decor in its design will make the room warm and fill it with endless comfort. The finishing will include only natural materials such as glazed bricks, mosaics, and ceramic tiles. The color palette is full of variety, but certainly muted. Furniture with aged wooden fronts and marble countertops. The presence of French style in the interior will be emphasized by such architectural elements as niches and arches, as well as several rows of forged metal or wood shelves representing collections of original dishes.
When decorating the living room, the emphasis will be on luxury. Here the walls will be dressed in the color of silver and pearls, the parquet floor will be lined with carpets. The decor uses stylized furniture and luxurious textiles. Lighting is provided by crystal chandeliers and equally magnificent sconces. Porcelain and Venetian glass items can be placed on open surfaces.
In the bedroom, the spirit of France will be embodied in extraordinary romanticism. The background decor remains in the best traditions, and the wrought-iron bed, hidden in the folds of a chic canopy, becomes the center of attention. It is very important that all textiles present in the bedroom are of the same texture and comply with the style rules. The decoration here will be sconce lampshades, small paintings, and fluffy carpets will be the key to comfort.
accessories in the interior of bedrooms made in the French style
Flooring and carpets
The French interior of an apartment or house assumes adherence to the principle of practicality, that is, it is created for a long time - many, many years. In this regard, it is important to choose floor coverings that can provide long-term service without replacement. Traditionally, elements must have sufficient rigidity and reliability.
Natural wood floors look very noble
An aged carpet will add a special touch to your interior.
Wooden floors and coatings for them are widely used. It is acceptable to use oriental-style carpets in all tones as coverings, which will add a little more harmonious notes to the space and emphasize the sophisticated interior.
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There are many pre-war houses left in Paris that retain the French aesthetic with their high ceilings, cornices, parquet floors and boiserie panels on the walls. If you are lucky and got such a house, enjoy it, you are lucky! In Russia, such apartments can only be found in old Stalinist houses.
The French understand the value of minimalism and are not afraid of empty space on the walls or floor. Objects of art are important in the room - paintings and sculptures; they can be massive, but it is better in a single copy. Furniture must also “breathe”.
The gap between modern and vintage items helps to bridge the French favorite color in the interior - white. It is very important to choose the right white shade of the walls, at the same time not blue-cold, not too yellow. The right white is right in the middle: a creamy white with a slight pinkish tint.
The rest of the palette is muted, allowing beautiful interior details and decor to attract more attention. Parisians are big fans of monochrome interiors with warm shades - gray, warm brown, linen.
Another important point is the gold accents. This could be a gilded frame that hangs above the fireplace, or the legs of an antique chair, choose to suit your taste.
In the more Provencal version, the color scheme, consisting of soft colors, is more diverse - here there are lavender, blue, soft pink, dusty pink, light lilac, all shades of metal.
Peculiarities
Style directions can differ significantly from each other; nevertheless, in each one can find traits common to all. Common features include the following:
- Historicism. The French are extremely devoted to antique and vintage things, and they also value old buildings. The choice between a new and an old, sofa with history, a Frenchman will always decide in favor of the latter.
With love for history Source st.hzcdn.com
- Carelessness in design. Modern French interior style largely involves the use of artistic improvisation, and luxury is not a priority here. There are no clear rules; you need to focus on personal tastes and experience, and at the same time not try too hard.
The importance of decor Source ic.pics.livejournal.com
- The presence of empty space. In French houses, it is not customary to fill rooms with furniture so that it is located closely, the same applies to objects of art on the floor or on the walls. This kind of minimalism helps create a feeling of light, elegant space.
Airiness of French style Source st.hzcdn.com
- Eclecticism. French designers enthusiastically mix objects, materials and styles from different eras, not forgetting to pay attention to every detail. Mixed interiors look interesting and are valued for their originality.
Mixing eras Source hsn.yapapka.com
- Favorite color. French chic in the interior is manifested in the obligatory use of white. The French consider it the ideal background against which all objects looked most advantageous. Both pure white and its warm shades are popular: cream, ivory.
White bedroom Source happymodern.ru
- The rest of the palette. It consists of muted and pastel shades, unobtrusively emphasizing the details of the interior and decor. In addition to white, gray, warm brown and beige shades, pale tones of yellow, green, caramel, and sand are often used. In the Provence version, the palette is complemented by soft pink, lavender, mint, lilac, and blue. This selection of colors is considered typically French; gray is used in the interior in doses, in the form of light pearl shades.
In pastel colors Source avatars.mds.yandex.net
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Instructions for use
This sophisticated style will appeal to creative and romantic people with delicate taste, as well as to everyone who values aesthetics and convenience.
You can “fit” such an interior into a wide variety of rooms:
- city apartments with high ceilings;
- country houses;
- hotel rooms;
- small cozy cafes.
The exception will be studio apartments. The French prefer a standard layout with separate rooms and corridors.
French style in the bedroom interior
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Origins and directions of style
Historically, France has been one of the most influential powers in the world for many centuries, and in many periods it has been a trendsetter. The imperial heritage became the impetus for the emergence of modern stylistic trends, as varied as the history of the country.
Elegant symmetry Source amppa.ru
This diversity is the reason that there is no single French interior style in nature. Modern trends can be divided into three large groups. Some interiors imitate the luxury of the Palace of Versailles and the houses of the aristocracy during the first French Republic.
Interior with a crystal chandelier Source happymodern.ru
Others copy the chic interiors of the urban bourgeoisie a century ago. Still others are stylized in the French countryside, Provence. The latter, thanks to its democracy, is gaining more and more popularity; it is chosen for decoration of both country mansions and city apartments.
Modern living room Source images.squarespace-cdn.com
Each direction has its own specifics, and implementation requires a serious approach and, in certain cases, significant financial investments. French interior design is suitable for romantic people, people who appreciate the spirit of antiquity, as well as fans of the country who dream of creating a corner of France at home.
Modern Parisian cuisine Source archidea.com.ua
French style in a luxurious design can also be recommended to owners of spacious homes with high ceilings. Cozy Provence will be a good solution for a room of any size.
The importance of details Source indizajn.rtl.hr
Color palette
Parisian interiors are always full of light and air. White is the basic color when decorating a room. Walls, floors, ceilings and furniture - everything can be snow-white, because the French believe that there is never too much white. It’s quite difficult to get by with this color alone, so the French use different shades of it:
- pearl;
- lactic;
- cream;
- pale pink;
- light green;
- light yellow;
- coffee with milk.
French style in the interior of an apartment does not imply an abundance of bright colors. They are usually used only to create accents.
Dark shades, such as brown, gray, and even black, are usually represented in the room by accessories, and less often by furniture.
Light design in French style
French style kitchen
See alsoBaroque room
French gray
This color combines notes of gray and green, so it looks quite original in the interior. Designers advise painting walls French gray exclusively in bright, spacious rooms. A good combination will turn out with white interior elements - gray-green favorably sets off the purity and freshness of white. Such solutions are ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
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Lighting and lighting fixtures
French style in the interior allows for a combination of lamps that are very diverse in style, shape and cost. There should be a lot of them in the room. Floor lamps and lamps are placed on bedside tables, in niches, and on tables, near furniture. At the same time, a central chandelier must be hung in the room: pompous and luxurious in the living room, simple and large in the kitchen and bedroom.
Most often, lampshades have fabric upholstery, which is combined with upholstery of upholstered furniture or bedspreads. But glass, plastic, wood and crystal are allowed. The more diverse the lighting fixtures, the more interesting and picturesque the interior looks.
Lamps suitable for French interiors:
Bohemia, eclecticism and thrift
Areas of Paris such as Montmartre and Belleville are famous for the so-called atelier apartments or studio apartments, which have long been favored by writers, artists and other representatives of the Parisian bohemian. It was in this environment that relaxed Parisian chic, characterized by a slight creative disorder, was born.
Another feature of the style can be considered frugality. There is an opinion that the French, even the most bohemian ones, are not extravagant and respect family heirlooms.
It is considered good form to furnish your living space with antique furniture and decor, inherited, as well as finds from flea markets.
The French style is not historical, so the interior can easily contain elements from different eras. An abundance of heterogeneous decor is welcome: antique candlesticks and mirrors in tarnished baroque frames coexist with modern designer objects and items from the mass market.
There should also be a lot of lighting fixtures. It is customary to combine lamps of different configurations from different styles and eras. A frequent guest in such interiors is a chandelier with a low suspension, which looks as if it had been moved from a palace. It is accompanied by numerous sconces, floor lamps and table lamps, providing cozy intimate lighting in functional areas.
Despite the abundance of decorative elements, the Parisian interior does not look pretentious; excessive luxury and stiffness are not its thing. There is always an elegant casualness in the space, and convenience is given first place. The main task of such an interior is not to be a picture from a magazine, but a space for real people to live, not ideal, but unique and comfortable.
Parisian style apartment - what furniture to choose?
You can also emphasize the French style in the interior with the help of technology. A Parisian style room should be filled with furniture known as Louis. These elements imitate Louis's style, which was characterized by wavy lines and rich carvings. French interiors should be complemented by comfortable seating - an efficient sofa would be ideal.
Pay special attention to furniture decorated with marquetry. This is a special decorative technique that involves making an ornament from pieces of wood. The design makes the furniture both elegant and original.
When decorating an apartment in Parisian style, pay special attention to the table and chairs. Choose the size and shape of the dining room according to the size of the room. Consider tables that have slightly bent legs and carvings. Use beautiful chairs with thin backs and upholstered seats with furniture.
French style in the interior - what furniture will highlight it?
- Pay attention to the furniture imitating the style of Louis,
- Take note of the models decorated with marquetry,
- Choose from furniture such as tables with carved legs.
In a Parisian-style apartment, furniture imitating Louis' style will be beautiful
How to furnish a room in French style
French-style armchairs and sofas in the interior have intricately curved legs, high backs, and lush and soft armrests.
The French style, interpreted in a modern interior, is characterized not only by massive sets in which wood is adjacent to metal and glass, but also by light furniture woven from banana leaves or water hyacinth.
An interesting fact is that for the decor in question, combinations of pieces of furniture belonging to different eras and generated by different trends are acceptable. But even in the most “variegated” environment, the permanent attributes of French houses, which were once invented by local craftsmen, must certainly be present. The most comfortable and most expressive representative of them is the bergere chair. Being very low and incredibly deep, it will not only accept you into its arms, but will also make you renounce all the problems that have piled up. A authentic setting is unthinkable without a “gueridon” table and an unusual cupboard for dishes called a “dressoir”. The latter is an invariable decoration of the French dining room.
massive wooden furniture with carved elements in the interior of a French-style kitchen
In the French interior style, cabinet furniture must be present, but its decor must be specific and convey the charm of bygone times. Agree, there are not enough antique items with living history for everyone, and it is too expensive, but buying a set made of specially treated solid oak is quite possible. The surface of pre-bleached wood is subjected to stripping and grouting in order to give the material a charming antique charm. This method of artificial aging is incredibly relevant today, and if you add patination to this treatment, you get the impression that the furniture was not made in a modern workshop using new equipment, but came from the hand of a craftsman who worked in distant years somewhere in Paris. suburb.
Unlike massive cabinet furniture, upholstered furniture looks incredibly elegant. French-style armchairs and sofas in the interior have intricately curved legs, high backs, and lush and soft armrests. Favorite elements of the decor will be banquettes, ottomans, and couches. To convey the spirit of France, it is advisable to cover such furniture with velvet or tapestry. However, modern designers are increasingly using dense satin for these purposes.
elegant upholstered furniture in light colors complements the rich decoration of the French interior
Elegant tea tables will become an undoubted decoration of the room interior. Their shapes and proportions can be very diverse. Round, square, oval and polygonal tabletops can be attached to high or low legs. In such an assortment there will always be an item that will become an elegant focal point of a stylish interior.
Design in the living room
A Provence style living room should have casual luxury. The main “ingredient” in the interior should be disproportionate and curved shapes, for example, a glass sideboard or a sofa with brightly floral upholstery.
The wall and floor, as a rule, have the same tone as parquet and wallpaper.
It is worth remembering that a stucco item is not suitable for decorative style. You can choose wallpaper with flowers that are not small, but even large in size.
French windows
It is impossible to imagine the interior of a French-style apartment or house without windows of the same name. These are, as a rule, floor-to-ceiling windows with many membranes. Their use makes it possible to significantly expand the space, destroying the barrier between the room and the view from the window. We can also talk about creating portal windows, which are also a door. This design would be appropriate for the living room of a private house. The only caveat of such windows is their high cost.
History of French interiors
The style of decorating houses and apartments came to us from the distant 17th century, and currently firmly holds its position, proudly competing with dozens of other trends.
Simplified French chic has several descriptions and characteristics, but the constant items remain such details as furniture, antique accessories, and elaborate decorative compositions. Textile delights, drapery, etc. – everything should be consistent with the overall style and make the room harmonious, sophisticated, and interesting.
Stucco on the ceilings will add sophistication to the interior in the French style
From time immemorial, the French have made a lot of effort and invested a lot of money in arranging the premises; they did everything to ensure that the structures retained a touch of charm and served faithfully for a long time. Inlaid platbands, marble sculptures, chandeliers, and other luxury items were used for decorative purposes.
Some of them are related to the Baroque and Rococo styles: remember, these trends are popular today and embody French modesty and grandeur.
French interior inspired by castles: antique furniture, flowers, screens, chandeliers, large mirrors
Furniture selection
Modern French style in the interior involves a combination of old and new. That is, it is not at all necessary to buy antique shops and fill the apartment with antique furniture. One item will be enough, which can be played up with completely new furniture.
For example, in the bedroom you can put a massive oak bed with curved legs, made in an antique style, but combine it with modern wardrobes and armchairs.
The French respect themselves and their living space, so they furnish their apartment only with decent things. Furniture must be of adequate quality and elegant design. Curved legs and backs, soft upholstery and sophisticated shapes are what you need to focus on when choosing.
French style in the bedroom interior
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Bedroom interior in French style
The basis of the bedroom design can be gold, sea color, ivory or pastel lilac. Wallpaper with a small floral pattern to match the overall background is ideal for walls.
The peculiarity of the bedroom is that you can build a plasterboard structure on the ceiling, which will only emphasize all the splendor of France.
It is recommended to use textiles liberally as decoration. It can be in the form of wall drapery, furniture upholstery, or canopy. The main thing when choosing fabric is that it must be elegant; lace will be useful.
The central place in the French bedroom is occupied by a luxurious bed, the headboard of which can be carved wood or forged. There is also a wardrobe; a dressing table, bedside tables, and openwork floor lamps are a must. And don't forget to cover the bed with a luxurious quilted satin bedspread.
A fireplace will also fit harmoniously, even if it is fake. Its flame will promote peace, which means your sleep will be healthy and complete.
Photo gallery: bedroom design ideas
The French style in the bedroom interior promotes peace. Small details in the French bedroom make it more comfortable. The central place in the bedroom is occupied by a bed with a wooden or wrought-iron headboard. Side tables and a large mirror with a dressing table are a must. The bedroom should be very bright, which means different light sources. there must be a lot
Parisian living room - how to arrange it?
You already know the rules of French style, so it's time to plan the layout. A Parisian living room should be symmetrical. If the room is small, place the sofa against the wall and armchairs on both sides. In a slightly larger interior, you can afford to install two sofas.
A French-style living room will look impressive thanks to a sofa with bent legs and a complex back. Wooden elements can be not only brown, but also gold. A Parisian living room will look spectacular if you choose white or gray upholstery. Also look for patterned fabrics and lightweight mint fabrics.
If you prefer a more modern style, choose a chunky beige sofa with short, almost invisible wooden legs. No matter which sofa you choose, choose other seats with a similar style. Footrests, poufs, armchairs must match the color of the sofa and form a single whole with it.
A French-style living room should be enriched with a fireplace. Place a large mirror in a silver frame above it - this will make the living room larger. Place two candles symmetrically on the fireplace. Bet on shimmering models, because the French style in interior design loves splendor.
Living room in French style - how to arrange it?
- Remember symmetry - place two armchairs or two sofas facing each other;
- Choose a sofa with bent legs and an original back;
- Enrich the space with a fireplace,
- Use a mirror in a silver frame as decoration,
- Place two candlesticks that sparkle on the fireplace.
Symmetry is important in Parisian style, its axis can become a large mirror in a gilded frame
Books as interior elements
Residents of France love to read, and they do it the old fashioned way, using paper books rather than all sorts of electronic gadgets. Books and photo albums are used in the design of living spaces as interior design ideas.
Books are stored in niches, on shelves, in cabinets, in stacks on tables and simply on the floor. Combinations of various bindings give the interior a cozy and lively look.
Embodiments
This sophisticated style has many interpretations, including:
- luxurious palace style, including elements of Baroque and Empire style;
- excessive baroque style;
- majestic empire style;
- rustic Provence;
- discreet Norman style
Often they intertwine with each other, creating unique interiors in the best traditions of France.
Some of the more popular of these styles are worth talking about in more detail.
French style kitchen
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Classic
This option is universal, suitable for both city apartments and country apartments. The classic French style is very restrained and discreet, preferring calm colors, against which the decor looks especially advantageous. Beige, pistachio, coffee, light blue and soft pink shades are widely used.
An important rule is to maintain smooth transitions from one color to another. The color palette should be well thought out, and the colors should be combined with each other.
In the classic French style, matte and textured surfaces predominate, and stucco decoration is encouraged. Antique or truly antique items add a special charm to the design.
French style in the interior of the apartment
Bright bedroom in French style
The effect of subtle Parisian chic can be achieved with light curtains made of single-color natural fabrics or tulle.
The following accessories will fit perfectly into the overall style:
- DIY decorative elements: embroidery; lace napkins; boxes decorated using decoupage technique;
- mirrors and paintings in gilded frames;
- candlesticks;
- small bouquets in porcelain vases;
- dishes and souvenirs.
If a classic French interior is planned in the kitchen, then the best choice would be a large dining table with gracefully curved legs and a matching set of chairs, ideally upholstered. The design of the kitchen set should be quite open, with shelves on which you can display beautiful dishes and figurines. Work surfaces are usually made of noble materials such as marble or granite.
French style bedroom design
Parquet is not the most profitable solution for a kitchen; it is quite acceptable to replace it with smooth ceramic tiles. Creative people can diversify the interior with wall paintings with a characteristic French landscape.
The French style in the bedroom interior gives the owners every right to experiment with the choice of furniture. Antique or modern items, as well as their combinations, provide considerable scope for imagination. A four-poster bed with a high headboard will look especially luxurious in the bedroom.
A living room in a classic French style involves an abundance of light and space, light colors, elegant upholstered furniture made with elements of carving and forging, high-quality fabrics and materials. The highlight of the living room can be a fireplace, which will become a stylish addition to it, adding comfort and luxury to the surrounding environment.
French style in the bedroom interior
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Decor and accessories
The decorative design of the rooms is the finishing touch that fills the French-style interior design with life. The following are actively used to decorate rooms:
- books (old and new);
- porcelain dishes and figurines;
- fresh flowers in antique vases;
- framed paintings and mirrors;
- tapestries.
Decor of the office-library.
A distinctive feature of the interior is the fireplace. Previously it had a practical function - it filled the room with warmth. Today it is more of a decorative item, creating the spirit of French luxury in a small apartment.
Living room interior with fireplace.
Examples of decorative items that can be used to create a French-style interior:
What is French style?
Nadya Zotova : First, it’s worth deciding what kind of French interior we’re talking about. Any country has regional characteristics, and, for example, the French village is quite different from typical Parisian apartments, so the style, color scheme, and furniture in these French interiors will be different. The second point is expediency: why recreate a certain image or style in a Moscow apartment? In my opinion, the interior should be harmoniously combined with the architecture: if there is a new Moscow building outside the window, then it is quite strange to create an imitation of a Parisian apartment. I rather want the interior to be appropriate: it is logical to use the French style as a kind of image, a reference to the original source, but not as a direct quote. A direct quotation is always quite boring, blunt and obvious, so I am in favor of using separate elements.
In addition, French interiors differ from ours in that the French approach functionality quite easily and calmly: in a Parisian apartment there will never be a heavy folding sofa on which grandmother will spend the night, or a huge kitchen that can accommodate an endless amount of dishes. This, of course, is more of an architectural feature that has developed historically, but the French have rather modest-sized kitchens, and the main place in the apartment is the living room with a fireplace. In our country, it’s exactly the opposite - the emphasis is shifted in favor of the kitchen, and this also needs to be taken into account.
Victoria Zolina : French interior is easily recognizable. It has characteristic features that are immediately recognizable: first of all, it is the visual lightness of the interior, despite the abundance of textures, shapes, graphics and objects of art. You need to have great skill to create a complex interior without overloading it with details. The French know how to do this: the lightness of the interior is achieved through the main light background of the walls - these are pearl, creamy, light gray and white shades.
Romance of France in your home
French style in the interior is, first of all, romantic comfort and sophisticated chic. For this reason, it is often chosen for restaurants and cafes. Try this style for decorating an apartment, a house, or even one of the rooms, for example, a kitchen or hallway.
It is gratifying that the idea of creating an interior with French charm does not require a complete renovation of the room and furniture. Some things can be repainted and distressed, giving old items a new start.
By the way, such unusual decorative elements can often be seen in cafes. Go to a beautifully decorated cafe or restaurant in a similar style and look for ideas for your home.
