Using Chic, French Style to Decorate Your Home

What turns an apartment into an atelier? A little je ne sais quoi. For inspiration in chic living, turn to those who invented the word. French style isn’t found in Eiffel tower and pink poodle kitsch, but in an effortless grace – often on a flea-market budget. Whether urban or Provençal, French decorating adapts easily to the US.

Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Incorporating rustic and romantic elements with art deco or Moulin Rouge-ish cabaret makes your space more contemporary. Embrace shabby chic, just don’t let pretty get precious. Start by rethinking your color palette. Indulge in jewel-tones, but shades that appear to have the patina of age: soft blues and greens, warm yellows and reds. Let cream or black be your constant to tie together disparate patterns. Instead of overly-matched textiles, choose a variety of checks, stripes, and vintage florals which compliment, but aren’t necessarily coordinated. A bit of black in the fabrics, along with black picture frames or painted furniture will be enough to unify the room. Metallic accents liven the scheme. Other great choices for Francophiles include textured linen and weathered leather, all canvas toiles, tapestries for both upholstery and hanging, and, for the luxe, silks, brocades, and velvets. Pay attention to dressmaker details: pintucks, delicate embroidery, covered buttons, and unique ribbons or cording. If you can’t decide between dozens of fabulous fabrics, pamper yourself with a plethora of pillows, one from each. An abundance of oversized pillows, along with plump sofas and comfy reading chairs, makes for a very cozy atelier.