This blog post was inspired by my recent binge of Emily in Paris!

One thing i always pay attention to in any show i watch is the way homes are decorated. I can’t help it, it’s the Feng Shui consultant in me.

I couldn’t help but love all of the decor in Emily in Paris, it was so chic and effortlessly put together. This had me inspired and i immediately wanted to pull together a guide on how you can achieve the chic Parisian look without having to move to Paris.

There is something about French homes that feel so romantic and effortlessly stylish. Nothing is over done, everything looks naturally put together.

French style is more about embracing a way of living, and the decor is more about the people in the home expressing themselves, but it still all looks beautiful. Trends are definitely something that French decor does not care for.

If you have ever dreamed of living in a sun-drenched Parisian apartment or French countryside styled home, this guide will show you how to bring that energy into your space.

Don’t be afraid to mix old with new

French style homes are rarely matchy. They are layered with different textures and styles.

A modern looking sofa next to a vintage mirror. A sleek lamp on an old weathered desk. Even inherited pieces with something contemporary.

How to do this in your home:

Pair one antique or vintage style piece with something you recently bought from this modern era.
Shop in antique and thrift shops.
Choose furniture with history and character instead from unique stores.

✨Feng Shui tip: Mixing eras helps to ground your space while allowing fresh Chi to circulate. This is perfect for emotional balance and prosperity.

Start with soft, sun washed neutrals

French interiors feel calm because the color palette is gentle. Think warm whites instead of bright whites and muted colors like blush and blue, even some lavender accents.

These colors make rooms feels expansive and not closed in.

Avoid harsh contrasts.

Focus on texture

Texture is everything in French homes.

Focus on:

Linen curtain (even wrinkled in France is chic!)
Wood with visible grain
Stone, marble, ceramics, and terracotta
Wicker or rattan accents

If it’s shiny and plastic - it probably doesn’t belong.

Natural materials help to regulate the energy in your home. It helps bring a sense of grounding and nourishment.

Style furniture casually, not perfectly

French furniture looks and feels lived in and not perfectly staged. Even the placement feels natural and not forced.

Try this:

One or two statement chairs instead of every chair matching
A throw blanket draped on the couch or chair, not folded neatly
Chairs and other heavy furniture pulled slightly away from walls (very good for Feng Shui and Chi flow)
Space between furniture for easy movement

Highlight architectural details

French interiors are special because of their bones.

If your home already has tall ceilings, crown molding, wood floors, and any quirky accents, celebrate them.

My home was built in the early 2000’s and has high ceilings and arches, it is what made me fall in love with it.

The archway between my living room and kitchen.

If your home doesn’t have any natural character, you can create it.

Use tall, slim mirrors to create height
Add antique hooks to hang coats
Hang your curtains high to make the ceilings appear higher
Hang pictures in unique frames

Choose art that feels personal

French homes don’t follow trends, instead they tell stories.

Art work to consider:

Images of countries you love and bring you happy memories
Vintage sketches, portraits, or landscapes
Black and white images
Art books displayed on coffee tables
Leaned artwork. Although Feng Shui isn’t a fan of this, if the intention of leaning art is intentional and not because you just haven’t gotten around to hanging it, it will work.

Romanticize the everyday

This is my most favorite tip as i am the Queen of romanticizing life.

This where French style becomes French lifestyle.

The French don’t rush, they savor.

Ways to romanticize your everyday:

Make your morning tea or coffee a ritual. Don’t rush the process and always use the best cups and mugs.
Put fruit and snacks in cute ceramic bowls.
Place a carafe on your bedside table.
Light candles while you cook, when you watch tv, and even when you do your nighttime skincare routine.
If you work from home, work in your favorite robe with some soft soothing music on.

✨Feng Shui tip: Daily rituals should be part of your everyday. These help our nervous system feel relaxed and safe and helps us to activate our feminine, receiving energy.

Embrace imperfection

I really think this is the whole point of Parisian decor.

A scratch on the table, a weathered cupboard, and mismatched chairs. These are all the essence of French decor.

True elegance comes from authenticity and not perfection.