Spring cleaning time is finally here, and you might find the seasonal overhaul daunting. But instead of letting it intimidate you, think of it as more of a home refresh—an opportunity to create a space that achieves peak aesthetic pleasure—as well as a chance to do some shopping. If you need guidance, nothing is more inspiring than the signature aesthetics of the City of Lights.
“Parisian-inspired interiors are calming, timeless, and—like French-girl style—effortlessly chic,” says New York–based style consultant Alison Girschick Egan. The Paris aesthetic is great for both small and large spaces, and easily achieved with just a few key elements, she tells Bazaar. “Start with a neutral palette. Shades of cream, white, brown, and gray are your friends and create that calming tone of a quintessential Parisian escape.”
For the perfect French look, she recommends pairing vintage-inspired pieces with modern elements. You want an overall minimal space with touches of maximalism. “Think textured rugs and ceramics paired with low-profile sofas and sculptural décor,” Girschick Egan says, adding that gilded accents are nonnegotiable. “Gold-frame wall mirrors and brass hardware are must-haves. Just avoid going overboard to maintain that effortlessness and tranquility.”
Whether you want to update your entire home or just a simple corner or tabletop, the following ideas inspired by French style will do wonders for your joie de vivre. Say oui to the five ideas below.
Vintage-esque Decor
Little knickknacks and other decor items that look like they came from a flea market are fundamental to creating an ambiance of je ne sais quoi. Think miniature sculptures, painted vases, and ornate details.
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Laetitia Rouget “I Can Buy Myself Jewelry” Jewelry Plates (Set of 3)
Santa Maria Novella Ceramic Rectangular Decoration Vase
L’Objet Porcelain Matchbox
Heimat Atlantica Lares Vase White
$215 at heimat-atlantica.comCredit: Heimat Atlantica
L’Objet Coral Magnifying Glass
$140 at Shop BAZAAR$140 at Amazon
Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror
MacKenzie-Childs Pencil & Paper Co. Ceramic Sugar Bowl with Lid
Sant Maria Novella Rosa Gardenia Room Fragrance Diffuser
L’Objet Birdcage Candle
Neutral Textures and Touches
You don’t always need flash and bang to make an impression. A harmonious mix of neutral textures and touches sprinkled around your space keeps things tasteful, grounded, and calming.
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Anthropologie Sculptural Sofa
Salt & Stone Bergamot & Hinoki Candle
Olivia Wendel Playful Tigers Blanket
DValner Studio Fungus Vase
Brunello Cucinelli Ribbed Cashmere Down Cushion
L’Objet Alhambra Bowl
Gump’s Post Street Chess/Checker Set
Sir/Madam Lightwood Candlesticks
Anke Drechsel Long Fringe Drum
Conversation-Starting Servingware
Presentation plays a large role in elevating the eating experience, and personality-filled servingware can be a game changer whether you’re enjoying a simple coffee in the morning or hosting an intimate dinner party. These conversation starters will feel like collectibles.
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Astier de Villatte Iris Platter
Estelle Colored Glass Decanter
Gucci Herbarium Floral Porcelain Teapot
Misette Linen Embroidered Coasters
Laetitia Rouget Dis Moi Oui Dessert Plates
La DoubleJ Espresso Cup (Set of 4)
ABC Home Acacia Medium Cheese Board
Dolce & Gabbana Printed Porcelain Sugar Bowl
Fazeek Pearl Platter
Inspiring Coffee Table Books
Coffee table books are the MVP of decorating—you can stack them, use them as bases for other decorations, display your passions to your guests, and leisurely flip through them to boost your mood.
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Provence Glory
Chateau Life
Timeless Paris
New York Chic
$105 at Shop BAZAAR$105 at Amazon
Livable Luxe
Flower Flash
Karl Lagerfeld: A Life in Houses
Veuve Clicquot
$95 at Shop BAZAAR$105 at Amazon
Food, Flowers & Fantasy
Decorative Frames
Whether you want to hang art or pictures of your loved ones—or both—a gallery of gilded, silver, and embellished frames is a lovely way to enliven any wall space and determine the vibe of the room. The beauty of this decoration is that you can mix and match—just make sure it feels balanced.
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Dior Small Frame
Cody Foster & Co Florentine Oval Frame
Gump’s Gold Bamboo Frame (4×6)
Mariposa Classic Frame (4×6)
Olivia Riegel Gold Asbury Frame (5×7)
Mariposa Beaded Picture Frame (4×6)
L’Objet Ray Frame (4×6)
Georg Jensen Legacy Frame (4×6)
