{"id":27675,"date":"2024-04-28T05:33:02","date_gmt":"2024-04-28T09:33:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/your-complete-guide-to-french-interior-design-straight-from-the-pros\/28\/04\/2024\/"},"modified":"2024-04-28T05:33:02","modified_gmt":"2024-04-28T09:33:02","slug":"your-complete-guide-to-french-interior-design-straight-from-the-pros","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/your-complete-guide-to-french-interior-design-straight-from-the-pros\/28\/04\/2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Complete Guide to French Interior Design, Straight From the Pros"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Much like French fashion, French interiors show off a juxtaposition of laid-back yet sophisticated details. It’s a style that people love to chase, and for good reason.<\/p>\n

Valerie Darden, designer and owner of Brexton Cole Interiors<\/a>, has a penchant for French interiors. In fact, her honeymoon in Paris played a role in her career choice.<\/p>\n

“I fell in love with the French architecture\u2014the high ceilings, the wall moldings, textiles, and gilded mirrors drew me in,” she recalls. “I knew I wanted to recreate some of these beautiful features in my own home, and this is where the idea for my design firm began.”<\/p>\n

We chatted with Darden to learn more about the key elements of the style. Ahead, you’ll find tips on making your home feel like a corner of Provence or Parisian pied-\u00e0-terre<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Meet the Expert<\/h3>\n

Valerie Darden<\/strong> is the lead designer and owner of Brexton Cole Interiors<\/a>, which specializes in blending traditional and modern styles.<\/p>\n

What Defines French Interior Design?<\/h2>\n

French design is romantic and embraces old-world beauty with ornate crown molding, gold mirrors, parquet flooring, dark wood furniture, and nature-inspired patterns. However, French interiors also feel collected over time.<\/p>\n

You’ll find second-hand scores from the flea market and modern furniture alike in French homes and also catch a glimpse into the owner’s personality. Collections sit on display, and nearly every item has a story behind it.<\/p>\n

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter<\/a> for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!<\/strong><\/p>\n

French Countryside vs. Parisian Interiors<\/h2>\n

“French” is a broad term in the interior design world, but it boils down to regional influences.<\/p>\n

French country interior design is a nice balance of well-worn, simple, and pretty accents, according to Darden. You’ll see lots of weathered finishes, exposed and lightly painted wood, wrought iron, and plush cozy upholstery.<\/p>\n

In the city of Paris, you will notice stunning architecture, such as high ceilings. Darden also notes that scenic wallpapers, gilded mirrors, marble elements, European antique art, and Louis the 16th-style furniture are common sights in Parisian homes and restaurants.<\/p>\n

9 Design Rules for French Interiors<\/h2>\n

Getting the look of a French interior is simple with a few key aspects. Our design experts explain below what their rules are for french chic 101.<\/p>\n

Play With Rich Textures and Patterns, but Don’t Overdo It<\/h2>\n
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French interiors are anything but flat and minimal. Don’t be afraid to fully embrace design choices that may seem a little extra, <\/em>such as a velvet canopy above your bed<\/a> or touches of wallpaper.<\/p>\n

The key is to ensure you don’t have too many pieces that compete for attention. Aim to create balance with some understated pieces and neutral colors. This bedroom at Chateau de Bourneau<\/a> illustrates this idea perfectly.<\/p>\n

Embrace Timeworn Imperfections<\/h2>\n
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Nothing is too precious for daily use in a French home. Embrace the act of adding to a work table’s patina, let your copper sit on display, and don’t worry about sanding and re-staining old wood. Charlotte Reiss’s kitchen in the heart of Provence is a casually elegant space that would put any home cook at ease.<\/p>\n

When in Doubt, Choose a Dusty Pastel<\/h2>\n
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When designing this nursery, Darden drew inspiration from the calming pale color scheme of Marie-Antoinette’s estate, the Petit Trianon.<\/p>\n

“In the Petite Trianon, Marie Antoinette typically had her boiserie painted in two contrasting colors, often incorporating pastel colors of pale blues, pinks, or greens,” she notes.<\/p>\n

Choosing slightly muted versions of pastels, such as dusty sky blue<\/a>, is a great way to hone this style and give your walls a bit of a patinaed look.<\/p>\n

Books Belong on Display<\/h2>\n
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