Picture yourself stepping into a Parisian apartment: Soft light filtering through flowing curtains, casting a gentle glow on herringbone floors. Ornate crown moldings framing the ceiling, a vintage mirror casually leaning against the wall, reflecting a delicate arrangement of peonies. Parisian decor embodies a lifestyle that effortlessly blends timeless elegance with relaxed sophistication. But what is it that gives Parisian interiors that curated yet inviting feel?
Whether you’re looking to buy a house in Seattle, WA, rent an apartment in Austin, TX, or find an apartment in Chicago, IL, this guide will help you capture the essence of a Parisian-style apartment. Discover simple, chic ways to infuse your space with that effortless je ne sais quoi.
1. Begin with the Parisian must-haves
Achieving Parisian-style elegance in any space, regardless of its starting point, boils down to the right details. “Even a builder-grade home can exude Parisian-style elegance with the right attention to detail,” says travel and lifestyle blogger Erica Curran from French or Faux. “Some key elements of the Parisian aesthetic include bright, white-washed walls; luxurious fabrics like velvet and linen; large, antique-style mirrors, dark wood, and vintage furniture like side tables and sideboards. You can add even more character with details like layered lighting, candles, Oriental rugs, stacks of books, and fresh flowers.”
2. Prioritize quality over quantity
In Parisian-style apartments, space is often limited, yet every square foot feels intentional, thanks to an emphasis on quality pieces. “Living in Paris taught us to embrace small spaces by focusing on quality over quantity,” say KJ and Tony, travel bloggers based in Vero Beach, FL. “Incorporate Parisian charm into your home by adding timeless elements like a gilded mirror, elegant lighting fixtures, or vintage accents.” Thoughtfully chosen pieces, no matter how few, create an air of sophistication.
To maximize space without compromising style, they recommend multifunctional furniture, such as a dining table-workspace combo, or vertical storage for a polished look. “Small, thoughtful touches like fresh flowers or framed art can bring a touch of Parisian sophistication to even the coziest of spaces,” they add.
3. Infuse your Parisian-style apartment with artistic flair
Artistry is at the core of Parisian interiors, bringing life and character to even the most refined spaces. The team at Brian Gille Architects in New Orleans, LA illustrates this beautifully. “This parlor exudes Parisian charm with its distinct blend of elegance and artistic flair. The yellow ceiling, painted in a bold, lemony shade, casts a warm and inviting glow over the space. The matching drapes add a cheerful touch to the sophisticated ambiance. Accent furniture, including a sleek marble-top coffee table and fun upholstered chair, reflects the French penchant for refined yet functional design. A graceful sculpture, poised on a pedestal in front of the window, serves as a centerpiece, embodying classical artistry. The hardwood flooring, rich with natural tones and a subtle gloss, anchors the room with timeless appeal. Overhead, a modest chandelier adds a hint of understated opulence, completing this harmonious Parisian retreat.”
This blend of color, art, and functional design captures the sophistication that defines the Parisian style.
Photo courtesy of Brian Gille Architects
4. Combine traditional elegance with modern minimalism
One of the most captivating aspects of Parisian style is its seamless balance between old-world grandeur and sleek modernity. “We all love Parisian style because it so captivatingly juxtaposes extravagant traditionalism with contemporary minimalism,” says Anna Bakh, founder and lead designer at Ivory House Interiors in Napa, CA. This balance is what gives Parisian interiors their timeless yet refreshing appeal.
To achieve this look, Anna suggests starting with a classic foundation—ornate wall and crown moldings instantly evoke history and opulence. Contrast these traditional details with modern, sculptural furniture that introduces a clean, contemporary edge. “Add a glamorous chandelier, positioned front and center in a room, and you will have a space as sophisticated as any Parisian apartment.”
5. Embrace the allure of Parisian maximalism
If minimalism doesn’t resonate with you, embrace the rich and layered charm of Parisian maximalism. Maximalist design style is all about indulgence, personality, and creating a space that feels like a statement of extravagance and timeless beauty. “I personally love a Parisian maximalist vibe with lots of layers and textures to create a luxurious feel,” says the team at The Cotton Shed Vintage Market, a vintage shop based in Bryant, AR. “Blue and gold are iconic for this style—think royal blue accents paired with gilded mirrors or furniture for an elegant yet bold look.”
To fully embrace Parisian maximalism, weave floral patterns into your space through wallpaper, upholstery, or curtains. “Combine them with damasks or geometrics to really make a room pop,” they suggest. “Finally, finish with details like antique books, sculptural busts, and lush greenery to tie it all together with a curated, lavish feel.”
6. Enhance your space with the right architectural details
Parisian interiors are renowned for their intricate architectural details, which add character and charm to even the simplest spaces. “Since Parisian interiors are known for those gorgeous architectural details and moldings, painting a tromp l’oeil effect around windows and doorways is a great way to bring in a Parisian touch, especially in a room or hallway that’s otherwise lacking excitement,” says the Nashville, TN-based interior designer Mary Kathryn Wells. This artistic technique mimics the depth and elegance of real moldings, instantly elevating plain walls.
Christina and Lake Perry, owners of the interior design studio, Design by Christina Perry in Nashville, TN recommend complementing these elements with a neutral, light wall and ceiling color to maintain a timeless look. “Accented with layers of decorative molding and herringbone hardwood floors, pops of color, and gilded accents paired with both classic and contemporary furnishings complete the look.”
Photo courtesy of Mary Kathryn Wells
7. Channel Haussmann architecture
To create a Parisian-style apartment, look to Haussmann architecture—a hallmark of Parisian interiors, blending classical elegance with modern sensibility. This architectural style is characterized by light-filled spaces, ornate detailing, clean lines, and thoughtfully balanced design elements.
“Paris is close to my heart and her inspiration seems to filter into many of my projects,” says Paula Daher, owner of Daher Interior Design in Boston, MA. “A space with white walls is always a nod to a Parisian apartment, as light is able to bounce off the walls throughout the day providing a warm backdrop for furnishings.”
Paula emphasizes the appeal of incorporating Haussmann-inspired details. “Adding simple rectangle molding to a wall for visual interest is always a nod to Parisian Haussmann architecture. If that’s not an option, a mélange of artwork, mixing artistic genres always creates instant interest on a neutral backdrop.”
Photo courtesy of Daher Interior Design and Michael J. Lee, Photo
Adding to this, architect Nori Whisenand from Architect Napa Valley in Nevada City, CA highlights more of the style’s details. “A wrought iron balcony railing peeking out from tall French doors with Cremone hardware is the icing on the cake,” she explains. “Delicate boiserie-style wainscoting panels or trim details painted white, along with tall baseboards and a hefty crown molding with embossed detailing, are hallmarks of this style. A marble fireplace surround adds sophistication, while clean, uncluttered spaces keep the focus on architectural details.”
These timeless design elements are quintessential features of Haussmann architecture and are a surefire way to capture the elegance and style of Parisian living.
8. Create a space that’s bright, airy, and inviting
A quintessential Parisian-style apartment embodies openness while maintaining a warm and inviting ambiance. “A classic Parisian apartment to me is bright and airy without sacrificing any warmth or comfort,” says Charles Omana, owner of Maison Dumar Interiors in Seattle, WA. “To brighten up your apartment, I would opt for warmer whites or very light pastels, medium wood tones, and plenty of gold accents.”
Parisian interiors often feature formally arranged furniture, reflecting their tradition of hosting social gatherings. “Fauteuil chairs are a hallmark of French decor, and modern versions can be found to fit rooms of any size,” Charles explains. “Delicate metal coffee and side tables in gold leaf or verdigris look very sophisticated without adding any visual weight. The pièce de résistance for any Parisian interior, however, is the inclusion of beautiful cut flowers arranged in crystal or silver vases—they really elevate a room to just another level of French elegance.”
To capture this style, Laura Grey, editor and publisher of the interior design blog, At Home with Style suggests embracing airy simplicity. “Traditional Parisian design was formal and symmetrical, with gilded architectural elements, high ceilings, and tall French doors. To bring airy modern Parisian style to smaller spaces, avoid clutter, use pale colors, and add metallic notes.” For furniture layout, Laura recommends choosing furniture with light finishes and subtle curves, such as delicately tailored chairs and sofas, while avoiding overly large or heavy pieces. Vertical elements, like tall curtains or art, further enhance the sense of height and openness, completing the look of a welcoming and chic Parisian-style apartment.
9. Embrace effortless elegance
Parisian interiors are celebrated for their seamless blend of sophistication with a relaxed, personal touch. The beauty of Parisian apartment style lies in its balance—combining timeless interior design with a cozy, lived-in atmosphere to create that signature “undone yet elegant” allure.
Adding personal touches
“Parisian decor, much like Parisian street style, is both undone and elegant, and above all personal,” notes Michelle Richmond, author and lifestyle blogger of The Reluctant Parisian. “Picture a cherished wool blanket