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Featured on Redfin! 15 Tips to Create a Parisian-Style Apartment Wherever You Are

When it comes to finding a dream home, no one makes it easier—to buy or sell—than Redfin. But what about making that dream home feel more like…well, home? With the right tools and some helpful tricks, it’s possible to elevate almost any space with elements of traditional French style and design—no matter the starting canvas. If you’ve been dreaming of a garret getaway in Saint-Germain-des-Près, but aren’t ready to make the leap overseas, there’s good news: achieving a Parisian aesthetic is easier than you might think, and when Redfin asked for some of our best tips for adding French flair to any flat— we could never say non!

Preview the full article below, written by Sarah Ford.

Imagine stepping into a Parisian apartment: Soft light filters through flowing curtains, casting a gentle glow on herringbone floors. Ornate crown moldings frame the ceiling, while a vintage mirror, casually leaning against the wall, reflects a delicate arrangement of peonies. Parisian decor is more than just a design choice—it’s a lifestyle that effortlessly blends timeless elegance with relaxed sophistication. But what is it that makes Parisian interiors feel so curated yet inviting? 

Whether you’re purchasing a house in Seattle, WA, an apartment in Chicago, IL, or a rental home in Austin, TX, this guide will help you capture the essence of a Parisian-style apartment. Explore simple, chic ways to infuse your space with that effortless je ne sais quoi.

Click below to read the full article (or skip ahead to #10 for our top tips!)

15 Tips to Create a Parisian-Style Apartment Wherever You Are | Redfin

The key to achieving a Parisian aesthetic is in creating a harmonious balance between classic and contemporary. The bones of a typical Parisian flat are designed in the style of traditional Haussman architecture, which offers an elegant canvas on which to inject aspects of interior individuality. 

The easiest way to add elements of Parisian charm to your existing space is by installing woodwork—think crown moulding along the ceiling and picture frame paneling to line hallways or elevate a salon. 

If updating flooring is a possibility, then Parisian parquet is a must—and an elegant stone mantle (even sans a functioning fireplace) will pair perfectly with a dramatic piece of contemporary art. 

Sleek, mid-century modern furnishings and an occasional conversation piece (from colorful coffee table books to sophisticated sculpture) add a unique touch and help to anchor an ornate space—striking the ideal balance between minimalist and maximalist.
— Kandace Cornell, The Chic American