Living in France and having that French connection has no doubt been a major influencer to my home décor and when I browse through Pinterest, I’m always in search for something to reflect that.
It’s no secret that the French are known for their incredible style in clothing. One of the reasons I believe they get it right is because they’re not victims to fashion. If you ever get the pleasure to visit France, try sitting in a café in any major town and take notice of what it is that gives them the reputation to be so, “très chic”. You will probably observe that few are dressed alike and they could very well be wearing something that they bought ten or so year’s prior. They hold on to their clothes, a lot of them classics, and they’re updated with a current jacket or some accessories; they re-use, up-cycle and add. The same goes for their homes.
What I love about the homes of our friends in France and the ones that grace the magazines, are that that they live and breath the people that inhabit them. They fill their home with what pleases them and their personalities shine through along with their life stories. They use a mix of old and new, there is usually some form of artistic element and like their wardrobes, they’re not slaves to the latest trend. A lot of the time they haven’t spent a fortune, they have just collected things along the way, some from flea markets, others at Ikea or Habitat and add in the more contemporary design pieces. They re-use, up-cycle and add, and somehow it just works when it’s all thrown together in what seems to be this effortless chic.
I found this fitting image of French designers, Jerôme Dreyfuss & Isabel Marant’s apartment on Pinterest. I love how very unique their decorating style is, particularly their use of the camp bed style seating, it really lives and oozes creativity. You can view more photos of their Parisian apartment over at The Coveteur.
Do you have a particular style or period that influences you in your home?
16 Comments
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Yes – I also love the relaxed, eclectic, collected environments that the French have in their own homes. I try to surround myself with things I love and comfort me. It makes your home so much more personal and inviting.
Hi Jeanetta, nice to have you here and thanks for your lovely comment:) Mel
You are absolutely fabulously lucky to live in France & Europe PERIOD! I’m a Brit (originally from London) currently living in the Southern Hemisphere – Melbourne, Australia. I trained for 10 years in Fine Art (Portraiture) in the UK and distinctly have a European eye for the Arts, Fashion, Design, Architecture and all, from that point of view it’s been hard to live in Australia but that does also mean I have a unique point of view visually. Melbourne does have it’s own cool style but it just doesn’t have that culture behind it. Thank goodness for Marie Claire Maison/Idees and style generally, the world needs it. LOVE your blog template, so chic XX Blessings, Kittybaroque
Thanks for your visit Kitty! Yes Europe certainly is huge in the arts, they’ve got great funding for it which is so important to nurture the culture. I’m not living in France now, but visiting all of the time (French husband). Love Marie Claire Maison – zinio subscription! Mel:)
I hadn’t seen that picture before. I love here designs so I’m sure her apt would be very stylish. I will have to check out the rest of her apt.
Love the French-ness of it! xo Teri
Hi Teri, yes gorgeous designs. The article is more focused on their wardrobe but you get a peak at their apartment and little decorative pieces – super cool and very creative. Mel x
I sometimes wonder what it is about the French that I find so alluring – I definitely think it’s that subtle elegance, its obvious and noticeable but its chic, classic , timeless – never posed or unnatural and it’s never ‘Look at me! Look at me!’
ITs quality over quantity thats for sure, that’s something I need to think about for myself!
I’ve never been inside a French home or apt (only hotels) but from what I see from magazines I definetely love the range of styles!
This is a great room that you’ve shared with us! its all the details that make a house a home!
@ Anastasia – that’s so true, it’s never “look at me”. Enjoy your day:) m
I love the effortlessly chic way they entertain as well. Cheeses and breads on big round boards, beautiful red gingham napkins, big glasses of red wine. The apartment in the photo is very cool. The french way of living and ‘being’ is just beautiful. I’ve been to Paris quite a few times but would love to get out into the french countryside next time.
So true Catherine and they tend to use an array of mismatched serving plates that they’ve acquired along the way.Looks gorgeous and effortlessly chic. M x
Would love to live in France for a while! You are lucky!
Hi Alison! Yes, loved it. Wish we could live a few months of the year there each year:)
Great points Mel. I have been a regular visitor to France for almost 20 years and the insides of their homes always inspire me. Even they way they arrange furniture with a twist is lovely. I also love Sweden for ideas. They tend to have limited space and are so clever in expressing individual style without overclutterng a space.
Hi Karina, yes Scandinavian style would have to be my next on the list, they’ve got such a way don’t they?
Hi Mel,
that is so true – living in France for so long has definitely been a major influence for me as well and you just summed everything up so nicely.
Love your blog
Regards,
Corinne
Thanks so much Corinne! Have a lovely weekend.