I have a secret crush on French interior design. The French treat their homes, much like they dress themselves. They highlight the classics, mix things well and often ignore trends. They, almost purposefully, ignore perfection. I love it! Given this approach to interior design, you truly can acheive French style on a budget. Just consider…
Mix It Up For French Style on A Budget
Old things, new things and every in-between thing is fair game in French interior design. A classic Parisean appartment may feature a new, modern sofa, but thrift store Bergere chairs in a faded, as-found toile fabric. A contemporary, tufted headboard is complimented by vintage linen fabric, found at a flea market and made into drapes. New dinner plates, but old barware.
Lean In To A Home’s Details For French Style on A Budget
If you live in an old house, this one is often easier. But no matter where you live, save, perhaps a Siberian gulag, you can lean in to your home’s details to get the French style you’re craving on a budget. Highlight your bay window with a blue and white striped, seat cushion. Pull up that old wall-to-wall carpeting and expose the wood underneath, even if it’s not in the best of shape. Stage the built-in bookcase in the den with old books, greenery and sparkly crystal pieces found at your local consignment shop.
Shy Away From Perfection For A True French Style
Voltaire famously said, “le mieux est l’ennemi du bien.” Or “the best is the enemy of the good.” And it couldn’t be more true when it come to Fench interior design. Attempting perfection in your look often destroys the elegance and quiet luxury that is French style. My kids call it “matchy-matchy.” In French style you don’t want matchy-matchy. When every element in a room is of the same value (tonallly or style-wise) it loses interest and runs from the French feel. Try mixing metals or adding something whimsical to your rooms. And accept the flaws in the pieces you gather for your French-inspired spaces. A small chip in a gorgeous vase does not negate its beauty (see: Uses For Broken Porcelain). An oriental carpet that has lost some of its fringe just looks like it’s been in the family for a while. A willingness to go with the less-than-perfect allows your budget to go a lot further too. Oh, if we could not only decorate this way, but adopt this attitude about ourselves, what a world we would have! Hope you enjoy the day, and have fun trying French style.
Insider Tip: One of the best places to shop for things to flesh-out all these ideas is your local thrift or consignment shop, like Consignments Ltd.
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