Top tips to decorate your flat like a Parisian

Top tips to decorate your flat like a Parisian

Everyone dreams of waking up in Paris; jumping out of bed and enjoying a fresh croissant in your very own Parisian flat. Well, if your immediate plans don’t include a move to Paris, you can still pretend you’re in your very own Parisian apartment. Here are my top tips to decorate your flat like a Parisian!

Choose One Statement Piece

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My first tip for decorating your flat like a Parisian is to center your decor around one thing you love. This is your centerpiece, or statement piece.

If you’ve ever been in Parisian apartments, you’ll notice there’s usually one big statement piece that centers the room and draws your eye to it. In many Haussmannian style (and even more modern) flats, the statement piece is an ornate mirror. Usually this is placed along one wall or over the fireplace (if you’ve got one), but it’s up to you!

I like having a statement mirror in my flat because the reflection adds depth and helps to makes it seem even more spacious.

But you’re not the type to have a large mirror in your Parisian flat, simply choose something else as your statement piece. Paintings, posters, statues, bookcases, or a vase are all common choices.

Maximize Light and Space

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When living in Paris, light and space seem to be the two hottest commodities. Parisian flats can be small, and if they’re dark, can seem even smaller.

The best tip I have for decorating your flat like  a Parisian is to really maximize the light and space.

Here are some easy ways to maximize space:

– If you can, I highly recommend adding some drawers under your bed. This creates lots of extra storage room without compromising any of your floor space.

– Hang your kitchen gadgets rather than having them on shelves. Pots, pans, skillets, etc. can all be hung on the walls in your kitchen (with a simple kit from IKEA) to save on precious counter space.

– Only buy what you need in terms of furniture. Now this one seems obvious, but Parisian flats can get crowded quickly, so make sure every piece of furniture has a purpose (or two) before bringing it home!

Here are some easy ways to maximize light:

– Paint the walls and ceiling white. Most Parisian flats will already be painted white, especially the older the apartment. White seems to open spaces up, and let more light in; giving your Parisian flat a nice glow.

– Get a mirror. Remember that statement mirror from my first tip? Well, there’s more than one reason for having one of these! Not only do they add something of interest to the flat, the reflection helps to maximize the light in your apartment.

– Invest in some lamps. Now this seems like a no-brainer, but I bet you didn’t know that most older (let’s say pre-1970) Parisian flats don’t even have overhead lighting? So in these cases, some well-placed floor or table lamps are going to be a lifesaver.

Opt for Minimal Design

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Now this is one of the most important tips for decorating your flat like a Parisian. Keep it simple. Most Parisians will stick to a minimal overall design, and then add their own bits and bobs of personality to really complete the flat. But it is important to start off on a clean slate.

A minimal design just means nothing superfluous, no clutter, and simple color schemes that can be built off of later on. Whether your personal style is more Bohemian or Louis XIV, you should still start from a neutral base to avoid the flat being “too much”.

Incorporate Your Personal Style

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Like most people I know, your personal style is probably still evolving. And that’s such a great opportunity to develop and incorporate your style (or styles!) into your flat.

Many Parisian flats are decorated in a rather eclectic fashion, spanning multiple different styles. A little bit of classic elegance, a little bit of Bohemian flair, perhaps some modern touches; you can make it all work in your flat, too!

Get Some Houseplants

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Since many Parisian flats don’t have outdoor space, a lot of city-dwellers get houseplants. This is the perfect way to bring a bit of nature inside, and add a nice green touch. Not only do they look great but in many studies, houseplants have been shown to increase air quality and provide a sense of well-being too.

And if you don’t have a green thumb, not to worry! There are so many houseplants or succulents that require little to no maintenance. Ask for some advice on low-maintenance houseplants from your local nursery. If you’re already in Paris, here are the best spots to get houseplants.

Anything Can Be Decorative

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One of the things that makes Parisian decor so unique is that Parisians seem to find new uses for just about anything – this goes for decoration too! I never knew so many regular objects could be multi-functional.

So one of my top tips for decorating your flat like a Parisian is that just about anything can be decorative. This is your chance to really get creative and explore your options. Do you love to read? Books can be super decorative and functional – stacked into a table or just along the floor, this is a very Parisian decoration.

Maybe photography is more the name of your game. Vintage cameras and film make for cool and functional decor; and certainly add a Parisian touch. The same goes for dishes, dried flowers, magazines, candles; basically anything that you’re into and reflects your personality.

Just don’t go overboard! Stick to a few key items that you love, and really add something to the feel of the overall flat. If it starts to feel crowded or cluttered, maybe you’ve gone too far.

Well, there you have it! My top tips to decorate your flat like a Parisian. I hope you’ll use some of these ideas to create your own Parisian-style apartment.

See you soon in Paris!