How To Give Your Home a Parisian Vibe
One of the few home decor trends that has stood the test of time is the “Paris apartment” :
high ceilings with big windows that open on to a wrought iron balcony..
low romantic lighting…
rococo style antiques in white and gold…
Soft and feminine touches
Preferably with a view of the Eiffel Tower!
But what if you live a thousand miles away from France’s capital, or your budget doesn’t stretch to expensive antiques?
Luckily, it is possible to infuse your home with a Parisian vibe on a budget. Lots of money isn’t essential, but patience and creativity is!
1. Shop at estate sales, thrift stores and flea markets
The things you want to furnish your home are probably still in someone’s else’s. That’s why you need to regularly haunt your local flea markets and scan news listings and papers for estate sales or auctions. You won’t always find what your looking for or at your price point, so make sure to keep searching and going back. Talk to store owners and sellers and tell them what kind of things you’re looking for so that they can put pieces aside for you. Remember to be friendly and generous and people will help you find your dream decor and furnishings! Think creatively when you browse. For example, beautiful throw cushions cushions for your sofa and bed can be very expensive. If you see some beautiful fabric, why not sew your own? For more ambitious projects, like curtains, why not see if there’s a local seamstress who can give you a good price?
2. Low Lighting Creates a Mood
One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to create Parisian ambience is with effective mood lighting. Think many small lamps, dimmer bulbs and candles. A well-placed candelabra can change the whole mood of a room. Fairy lights should not be underestimated either. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or bright bulb and your rooms with have a cosy and inviting glow.
3. A Gallery Wall of Art
An eclectic wall of art will make your home look bohemian and chic. Again, finding artwork within your budget that you like make take time. At the same time, try not to overthink it too much. Buy artwork that you like rather than deliberating too much over what works together. To stick to a vintage inspired Parisian theme, think muted, romantic colours rather than anything super bright or colourful. One way to tie together a gallery wall is to stick to just a few colors for frames. You could find nice frames in your local thrift stores and paint them with chalk paint for an effective and stylish look.
4. Soft furnishings in pale and muted colours
The most difficult part of styling your home with Parisian inspired decor might be the larger pieces of furniture in your home. Outside of France, you might find it difficult to find the right vintage or antique pieces. Instead of giving up on your dream decor, think about other solutions. Can you find a sofa slip-cover that would be a more pleasing colour and more on theme? For a dining table, can you find some beautiful linen sheets you can dye - why not a pale blue or charcoal grey?
5. Versailles inspired mirrors
While the Hall of Mirrors might be stretch, don’t underestimate the power of a well-positioned mirror to bring light and magic into a space. Mirrors not only reflect light but also make spaces look bigger. Gilt mirrors are especially Parisian inspired, and the gold will reflect your candles in a very romantic way at night.
6. Fresh flowers
If scented candles aren’t your thing, fill the room with the smell of fresh flowers. Flowers bring whimsy and romance to any room. They are generally so eye-catching that they can detract from an otherwise lacklustre interior. Hit up your local farmer’s market for whatever is in season or make friends with your local florist. Forest inspired green bouquet are popular too, and that just requires some creativity and scissors!
