Reno ideas. From where do you get yours? If there is one thing the French are known for, it’s their style.
The timeless elegance and sense of style can be seen in every aspect of life in France – high fashion in Paris, mesmerizing architecture, even the décor of that one quaint corner café with possibly the best croissants you’ll ever taste.
World’s top designers will use at least some elements of French interior when renovating a home. So if you’re about to change the way your house looks and need reno ideas, think about following in their design steps.
Scroll down for some of the best interior décor ideas to make your home chic:
Image source: homebunch.com
Colour it!
The French LOVE some colour in their living space, so don’t be afraid to listen to that instinct that’s telling you to paint the wall turquoise. Lively colours are always good reno ideas (just as Paris is), but you can do it in the way that works best for you. It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t stick to walls, and walls only. Shake things up a little bit: paint the kitchen white while contrasting it with a bold colour of your cabinets, table, and the chairs. You can add a pop of colour to your kitchen by upgrading the kitchen floor with tiles of various colours and designs.
Don’t stop there. Add colours EVERYWHERE! You can breathe new life into your bedroom furniture, living room, halls, as well as staircase, with just a splash of colour. And, like the French, don’t give a damn about the interior design standards. Combine the colours that you think would work for you, don’t just go for the creamy, sterile, bland ones you see everywhere.
Image source: decoist.com
…or go monochrome
The French are also experts when it comes to monochrome style. To liven up the monochrome interior, make sure you combine a unicoloured design of the basic elements of the room, with the stark contrast colour of decorative features. If you think a black and white room can’t be stylish and edgy, you’re wrong! This type of minimalism can be magical. Try to picture the sleek elegance and simplicity of white walls and windows, black furniture, and on the walls—black frames with colourful prints, or the striking greenery of several house plants. Oh la la! Check out some marvellous ideas here.
Image source: pinterest.com
Que la lumière soit!
Okay, I googled that, but it means let there be light! You should definitely trust the French on this one. They’re all about light, be it natural, electric, or candlelight. In general, it’s best to have plenty of natural light, but if you simply can’t have it, it’s okay. Use various lamps, and don’t be afraid to combine old and new. Using glass furniture is another way to create the impression of a more spacious and lighter room. Include this material in your home by incorporating glass tables, mirrors, and especially doors. You can go a step further with functional aluminium doors to add the combo of a modern, industrial look and an airy, transparent one.
Image source: old.citruscontent.com
Juxtapose the styles
As far as decorations are concerned, they are the ones that make the most of the house’s personality. Here’s what the French like to do: combine. One of the favourite tricks is to combine history and the present, vintage and modern. Dig through your attic and take out the things you never bothered to really see. Maybe that old woven rug or the box of single remaining plates can find a place in your new chic home. For instance, you can use the plates to hang them on an empty wall like paintings, or use them for cookies. Combine an old armchair with a modern coffee table, and a retro poster with an expensive (looking) picture.
Image source: shooproomideas.com (left), pinterest.com (right)
Bling Bling, Ma Cherie!
Now, what is a house without some shiny reflecting surfaces? Follow the French on this one, and spice it all up with some crystal, gold, silver, or chrome elements. Subtle details, such as faucets, doorknobs and table legs, or even a statement baroque mirror, doors, and chairs in one of these colours can really take it up a notch.
As you can see, the style and the secret of the everlasting charm of the French style lies only in brave experimenting. Use these reno ideas the way you want, don’t be afraid, and you can bet that after you’re done, your interior will look like you’ve hired a French professional.
Author, Lana Hawkins
Lana Hawkins is an architecture student and the editor-in-chief of Smooth Decorator. She enjoys writing about interior decoration and landscaping. Lana is interested in sustainability and green building, and that’s where she gets most of her inspiration.
Also by Lana Hawkins, How To Style A Monochromatic Home Office, Decorating Your Home for Christmas. Decorating Trends to look for in 2017.
