How to Nail French Interior Design, According to Experts

Flip through any international design magazine, and it's easy to spot French homes. French interior design has a distinct, immediately recognizable charm—a certain je ne sais quoi. While you can't physically bring the views of Parisian rooftops or the rolling hills of Provence to your home, you can certainly capture the essence of French style. We spoke to three Paris-based design experts about the key features of French interior design and how to replicate them, no matter where you are in the world.

Honor the past

In France, there's a deep appreciation for design history, says Ajiri Aki, founder of Madame de la Maison, a French lifestyle brand, and author of the newly released book Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life. Aki explains, "The French have great respect for the design legacy of the past. They honor the structure of a space and then integrate their contemporary way of living."

Embrace moldings

All three experts we consulted highlighted the importance of historic moldings in French interiors. “You can’t replicate French interior style in a drywall box,” warns Penny Drue Baird, an interior designer with offices in New York and Paris, and author of two design books focused on French interior style. Fortunately, adding moldings is a simple and cost-effective update, whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional. And it doesn’t have to be elaborate, Baird notes, “A simple ceiling molding or basic crown molding will do.”

Create a Faux Fireplace

A classic architectural feature found in many French rooms is the fireplace. While installing a functional fireplace would require significant renovations, Baird recommends simply “adding a mantle and dressing it,” pointing out that this small touch can feel “almost architectural.”

Create magic with mirrors

Above many French fireplaces, you’ll commonly find ornate gilded mirrors. “Any antique mirror or gilded wood mirror definitely adds a touch of French style,” Aki explains. Not only will a large mirror placed above your fireplace capture the essence of French interiors, but it will also reflect light throughout the room.

Pssst…If you have a television currently positioned above the mantle (or on the main wall in your living room), consider relocating it: Design experts agree that the French typically avoid making the TV the centerpiece of the room.

Integrate antiques, particularly French ones

Even the most modern French homes often incorporate antiques, says David Jimenez, a Paris-based interior designer and author of Parisian By Design. For the epitome of French style, look to Louis XIV and XV furniture. “This is furniture that was crafted three centuries ago and still feels timeless in so many settings,” says Jimenez.

Include iconic French patterns

When it comes to patterns that define French interior style, Baird highlights toile de Jouy, a term used for fabrics featuring romantic, pastoral scenes and motifs. Originally Irish in origin, this fabric became a French staple in the 18th century and, as Baird notes, “It never went out of style.”

For those seeking something less traditional, Jimenez recommends the timeless awning stripe. “You’ll spot it everywhere—from the Palais-Royal to awnings, curtains, and upholstered chairs—it’s distinctly French,” he explains. But not just any wide stripe will do. Jimenez emphasizes that the key is in the stripe’s consistency, with the classic French stripe being 7 centimeters wide.

Showcase some copper pots

While a large La Cornue or Lacanche range is often considered the centerpiece of a French kitchen, these are out of reach for most budgets. Instead, Aki suggests, “To infuse your kitchen with a distinctly French atmosphere, hang up some copper pots.” Jimenez adds that you can often find them secondhand for a very affordable price—you’ll just need to put in the effort to polish them.

Bring out the fine china

Aki explains that the French don't reserve their best items for special occasions; they use them daily, and often, the finest pieces are older. “There’s a lot of mixing and matching of dishes in French homes,” she says. “Everyone goes flea marketing, and there are family heirlooms—they don’t need everything to be shiny and new.”

Display your art like the Louvre

“Hanging your art in a salon-style arrangement instantly gives it a more European vibe,” says Jimenez. (Salon-style hanging refers to a gallery wall that's intentionally crowded and mismatched.) To achieve this look authentically, avoid purchasing a pre-made salon-wall set from a chain store. “The frames are intentionally not matching,” Jimenez explains. “The more eclectic the grouping, the more visually engaging it becomes.”

Visit the flea market

“The French I know take great joy in not overspending: There's a true love for flea markets,” says Jimenez. Naturally, who wouldn’t want to shop at Parisian markets, which Jimenez describes as “unlike any other place in the world”? But even in the U.S., flea markets remain an excellent place to find antiques on a budget, including copper pots, fine china, and vintage art pieces.

Style your bed the French way

“French beds tend to be more relaxed in style, with a laid-back approach to how they’re made: Think of a beautifully styled duvet, but not perfectly tucked in,” Jimenez explains. The experts also point out that the French typically favor simple, solid white bedding rather than bold patterns, with Aki noting that linen sheets are quite common in French homes.

Indulge in fresh flowers

Looking for an easy way to bring French style into your home? Nothing beats a stunning bouquet. All the experts agree that the French never shy away from treating themselves to fresh flowers—never faux ones!