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

Le Costume | The Renaissance of The Suit

My feminine spin on le costume—known in English as “the suit.”

There’s a French expression to describe daily life as a modern day Parisian—not the kind from our fantasies that strolls down the boulevards, impeccably dressed, baguette under one arm, with seemingly no place to be; although that way of life does exist and I’m all for perpetuating the stereotype.

Anyway, the expression is: “Métro, Boulot, Do-do” which essentially translates to “Subway, Work, Sleep,” —but in a cute rhyme. Surprisingly (or maybe not, depending on how familiar you are with French social norms) the day-to-day reality of many a Parisian (and Parisienne, of course) is markedly similar to that of a New Yorker, or really any modern urbanite—at times mundane and redundant, and often dominated by career obligations.

Le Costume | The Renaissance of The Suit

Up until recently, dressing for work (in any city) also fell into the category of mundane and redundant, and certainly has also been shaped by decades of long-standing dress codes, peer influence, and office obligations. Take the standard ladies’ suit—known to francophones as le costume. Typically comprised of a blazer and slacks combination, this workwear staple was introduced practically as soon as women began to enter the workforce and climb the corporate ladder, and has barely deviated in terms of office-appropriate styles and colors since then—with perhaps the exception of shoulder pads in the 1980s.

But the suit is experiencing a bit of a renaissance at the moment, and I’m here for it. Deconstructing the ubiquitous tailored suit of decades past, with its fitted jacket and matching mid-rise slacks, has spawned a variety of styles and combinations, proving that these two-piece ensembles can be fun to wear after all. By playing with proportions, the slouchy, oversized, Miami Vice versions can stand alongside the extra-long jacket and matching cropped pant look. And we haven’t even talked about camisoles yet!

This oyster-toned set from BooHoo (above) is a prime example of the way that a suit can actually become—dare I say—sexy?

With its neutral color and large gold accent buttons, it’s is a perfect canvas to showcase a subtle hint of body underneath. While we puritanical Americans tend to frown upon such displays at the office, Parisiennes acknowledge that they’re in fact female, and no one seems to mind when that point is (subtly) illustrated. Therefore, a lacy bodysuit—a true Parisienne considers lacy lingerie to be a wardrobe staple—when worn tastefully—a true Parisienne is always tasteful—can create the perfect juxtaposition to a neutral ensemble.

However, if your chosen profession practically guarantees that a boss or colleague’s head will turn for the wrong reasons (get with the times, people) it’s always an option to hide it under a satin camisole during work hours and save the lacy reveal for friends over Happy Hour.

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Shop These Favorites from the FRNCH Spring 2021 Collection

Moi in the Annissa dress from the FRNCH Spring Collection.

The Printemps 2021 collection from FRNCH has arrived, and after a long winter spent locked down indoors, these pretty pastels, feminine florals, and colorful coveralls are sure to put a Spring in your step!

One of my favorite Parisian brands, FRNCH is known for its contemporary chic collections and sleek style, infusing elements of traditional French girl minimalism with pops of color and pretty patterns.

Expect perennial springtime favorites like gingham, polka dots, muted florals, and colorful crocheted knits. Lavender is a major player in the color palette of this season’s wares, likely to conjure technicolor dreams of the signature lush Provençal champs de lavande. Other sherbet hues like matcha greens, berry pinks, and the occasional orange creamsicle give way to classic earth tones in the form of jumpsuits, silky blouses, overalls, prairie dresses, and light cardigans.

See more of my favorites below, and shop the FRNCH Spring Collection HERE.

Shop These Favorites from the FRNCH Spring 2021 Collection

The Edelyne jupe from the FRNCH Spring Collection.

The Assa dress from the FRNCH Spring Collection.