Seven Ways to Bring France Into Your Home

There’s just something dreamy about French interiors. They tend to feel effortlessly cool and chic, much like French fashion. Whether it’s a small apartment in Paris or a large country home, the whole je ne sais quoi idea is alive and well. That’s not to say that every French apartment or home I’ve seen is perfectly designed, but that’s also a part of their charm.

If you want to add a bit of French inspiration to your homes, here are seven ways to bring a touch of France into your home:

1. A large gold mirror

As seen all over social media and in design magazines, I present the large gold mirror over a fireplace, the unofficial symbol of the Parisian apartment. I personally dream of having an apartment with a fireplace one day, and my first order of business will be to find an enormous gold-trimmed mirror to place above it. 

If you’re looking for something classic, this large gold mirror will do the trick.

2. Candles to add ambiance

No French interior is complete without candles. Whether you opt for long tapered candles or a more classic option, if you want to add a bit of French ambiance to your home, you’ll want to invest in a few! To start, consider investing in Diptyque, a well-loved French candle maker. Diptyque candles come in moody scents like amber, noisetier, and patchouli: my favorite is amber.

You should also pick up a few candlestick holders, or bougeoirs, to add a unique flair. Another option? Use an empty wine bottle! 

3. Dried flowers in pretty vases 

I personally love having fresh flowers and plants around my place, but both do require a bit of upkeep. If you just don’t have time, a good alternative is dried flowers. There’s something a bit different about the beauty of dried flowers, and the major upside is that they last nearly forever. 

Another element of the well-thought-out French home are bunches of dried flowers in pretty and unique vases. The best way to find a unique vase is to keep your eye out while you’re traveling or visiting flea markets. If you don’t have time for that (or can’t travel or flea market shop currently), this vase is a cute option.

4. Beautiful linens in the bedroom

French interior design isn’t all about aesthetics, it’s also about comfort and quality. The French invest in quality items made to last a lifetime. Yves Delorme is a brand known around the world for luxury bedding made from organic materials. Their gorgeous materials, and bed, bath and home accessories will add Gallic charm to your home in now time. La Chambre is another one of our favorite brands for sheets here at HiP. They have satin, linen, and percale options. Not only will these sheets look great in your bedroom, they will help you get a great night’s sleep, too! 

6. Build your dishware collection

You’ll need some dishware for all of the food you’ll be cooking up with your Le Creuset pots and pans! Many of my French friends love to visit a brocante, or flea market, to build up a collection of beautiful vintage dishware. If you haven’t caught on yet, French style is all about pairing the old with the new. I encourage you to check your local flea market for some cool vintage pieces, and I also love this line of handmade French dinnerware from Jars Ceramics. 

7. A well-worn rug

You’re not likely to find much wall-to-wall carpeting in France. I’ve actually only seen it once myself, and the owner of said carpet was eager to rip it all out. Most French homes and apartments will boast a mix of hardwood floors and tile. In either case, the floor is seldom left bare.

A well-worn rug is the perfect addition if you want to French up your interior. It doesn’t need to actually be worn, as there are several options out there with that used look that aren’t second hand. I love the look of rug from Anthropologie!

Keep things simple, don’t forget to add a touch of vintage flair, and don’t be afraid to make your home just as unique as you are. Did you integrate some of these tips into your home? Show us on Instagram by tagging @hipparis!