Bring Parisian Apartment Charm Into Your Home
There’s something timeless about a Paris apartment, arched windows, high ceilings, and intricate molding that feels like a love letter to elegance. Even if you’ve never strolled through the Marais or peeked inside a Haussmann-era flat, the aesthetic pulls you in. It’s refined yet effortless.
Let’s walk through how to bring that iconic Parisian style into your own space, whether you’re redecorating at home or daydreaming about your next Airbnb in the 7th arrondissement. Prepare to fall for parquet floors, gilded mirrors, and that perfect blend of old and new. Très chic, right?
The Magic Behind Haussmann Design
Haussmann-style architecture didn’t just shape Paris, it defined it. In the mid-1800s, Baron Haussmann transformed the city with wide boulevards, elegant stone facades, and uniform apartment blocks with character-rich interiors.
What makes these homes so captivating? Think intricate ceiling medallions, wrought iron balconies, floor-to-ceiling French windows, and an air of quiet grandeur. When you walk into one, it’s like time slows down.
Tall Ceilings, Big Dreams
One standout Haussmannian feature? The dreamy, tall ceilings. They give the space an airy, open feeling, no matter how small the room. While you can’t magically raise your ceilings, you can fake the illusion of height.
Hang curtains high and wide, use vertical lines in decor, and lean into grand lighting like chandeliers. Choose long mirrors to reflect light and visually stretch the room. Bonus: Even a rental space can benefit from this trick.
That Iconic Herringbone Parquet
Wood floors laid in a herringbone or chevron pattern are the quiet heroes of Paris apartments. They’re warm, detailed, and endlessly stylish. If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood, you might consider refinishing in this pattern.
If not, modern laminate and vinyl options mimic the look beautifully. Rugs that echo the pattern can also give a nod without a full renovation. Add in a vintage Persian or faded floral rug, and you’ve got yourself a floor that’s très magnifique, even if you’re nowhere near the Champs-Élysées.
Fireplaces That Steal the Show
Paris apartments often have a marble fireplace, even if it’s non-functional. It’s a decorative anchor, often paired with a large gilded mirror above. No fireplace? No problem. You can create a faux mantel or even add a standalone one as decor.
Style it with candles, books, or collected art. The idea is to create a focal point that feels storied, warm, and a little romantic. It’s all about honoring tradition without sacrificing your own modern flair. Bonus points if you thrift your mantel or find one at an architectural salvage yard.
Molding That Tells a Story
Haussmann homes love their details, especially on the ceiling and walls. Ornate crown molding, ceiling medallions, and wainscoting bring visual texture and a sense of history. You don’t have to live in a French building to recreate the effect.
Lightweight molding kits or peel-and-stick panels offer renter-friendly solutions. Paint them in a soft white or match them to your walls for a subtle luxe feel. Whether you’re sprucing up a hallway or giving your dining room a glow-up, molding adds dimension and that oh-so-Parisian character.
Grand Mirrors, Grand Spaces
A Haussmann apartment mirror is almost always large, golden, and dramatically elegant, like the kind you see above a fireplace or leaning against a wall. They’re not just for selfies. Mirrors brighten up the room, make it look bigger, and add a touch of elegance without trying too hard.
Hunt for vintage-inspired versions at flea markets or online shops. Gilded frames, arched tops, or even distressed gold finishes channel that Paris charm.
The Soft Glow of Sconces
Wall sconces are a key lighting feature in French apartments. They’re subtle, flattering, and often paired with candle-style bulbs or sculptural shapes. In modern homes, you can get the look with plug-in sconces (no electrician needed!).
Look for antique brass, matte black, or alabaster-inspired fixtures to mimic that classic touch. And think about placement, by the bed, over artwork, or flanking a mirror.
Neutral Walls With History
Haussmann apartments rarely scream with bold paint. Instead, they whisper, creamy whites, pale greys, or soft greiges. These subtle tones allow architectural details to shine while creating a calm, collected vibe. If you’re repainting, lean into warm neutrals rather than stark whites for that lived-in feel.
Want more depth? Try limewash paint or subtle texture techniques. And don’t forget the power of art, French homes rarely leave walls bare. Even a modest gallery wall can echo that cozy, curated elegance you see in Saint-Germain apartments.
The Collected Art of Styling
Paris apartments feel effortlessly styled because they aren’t over-designed. They’re collected. A vintage vase here, a stack of old books there, maybe an abstract sculpture or framed sketch. The key? Mix eras, textures, and personal objects.
Take inspiration from travel, books, and street markets. Don’t be afraid to pair a $5 thrift-store painting with a designer lamp. That’s Paris style in a nutshell: beautiful, but never trying too hard.
Bookshelves as a Lifestyle Statement
French homes often have built-in bookcases filled with novels, poetry, and a few surprises, like old photos, ceramic busts, or quirky finds. It’s less about styling and more about storytelling. If you’re craving that vibe, start with open shelves and layer in what you love.
Use art as bookends, stack horizontally and vertically, and resist the urge to match everything. Paris apartments feel real, not rigid. Let your shelves reflect your curiosity and taste, like a cozy library café that happens to be your living room.
The Mix of Old and New
Parisian apartments are masters of juxtaposition. An antique Louis XVI chair sits next to a sleek marble coffee table. A gilded frame hangs above a modern leather sofa. The contrast creates visual excitement and depth.
To try this at home, mix vintage pieces with contemporary finds. Don’t be afraid to put a mid-century chair next to a Rococo-style mirror. Blend high and low. It’s less about rules and more about rhythm.
French Windows
Tall windows that open inward, often onto tiny balconies, are a Parisian dream. Even if your windows don’t look like that, you can channel the feeling. Hang lightweight, sheer curtains to let in soft, natural light.
Add a small café table near the window with a chair for your morning coffee. Window sills? Treat them like mini stages, flowers, candles, or tiny sculptures. This is your romantic escape without ever boarding a plane.
Dreamy Parisian Bedrooms
French bedrooms are rarely flashy. They’re soft, inviting, and sophisticated. Neutral linens, plush throws, and a bit of texture are all you need. Swap bright white sheets for stone-washed cotton or linen in muted tones.
Add a tufted headboard or a vintage lamp for character. Artwork above the bed? Oui, please. Just keep it personal and low-key. Think less “hotel showroom” and more “artist’s retreat in the 6th arrondissement.”
Cozy and Clever Parisian Kitchen
Kitchens in Paris apartments are often compact, but packed with charm. Open shelving, copper pans, vintage mugs, and patterned tiles all tell a story. You don’t need a full renovation to get the look.
Try swapping cabinet handles for brass pulls, hanging art in unexpected spots, or using a rolling cart as a makeshift island. Keep counters minimal, but not empty. A pretty olive oil bottle, a ceramic utensil holder, and fresh herbs in a pot? That’s everyday luxury, French-style.
Curious how Parisian kitchens compare to American ones? See what sets them apart, and how to bring that effortless charm into your own space.
Travel-Inspired, but Totally You
The beauty of the Paris apartment style is that it doesn’t demand perfection. It celebrates personality. Whether you’re pulling inspiration from a real Haussmann building or simply curating a few French touches in your home, the key is to stay true to what you love.
Let travel fuel your choices. Maybe a print from Montmartre, a candle from a French perfumery, or even just a thrifted velvet chair. Style, after all, should always come with a story, and Paris offers plenty to borrow from.
Ready to bring a little Paris home? Discover the decor trends Parisians are loving this spring, and how you can make them your own with effortless charm.
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Disclaimer: The images in this slideshow are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual locations mentioned.