French Fling

As Paris Fashion Week 2014 comes to a haute and heady close with social and print media celebrating the fashion, festivities and all round fabulousness of this iconic city I have been left with the desire to inject a little more ‘je ne sais quoi’ into my own world.

As I’m not prepared to start drinking my coffee black again or take up smoking (why is this still chic?!). Nor am I a size 0 or willing to ditch the morning school run in my Bonds trackie (although I might consider teaming it with a pair of killer heels and Fendi baguette mood and budget pending). I am beginning to think that this Francophile feeling may have to be sated with a few objets d’art around the home.

The three main types of French decor are country, traditional and modern with wonderful examples of personal interpretation and overlapping styles in between.

With roots in the rolling hills of the French countryside, country French home decorating has become incredibly popular over the years and has been recreated in homes worldwide. Combining a look of time worn beauty and rustic charm with an easygoing mix of traditional and modern pieces this favoured theme is perfect for families with young children.

The traditional French interior is classic and timeless with a neutral backdrop that allows the textures and details of a room to stand out. Minimal yet homely, less really is more when aiming to achieve this look. Think of a quintessential Parisian apartment filled with simple yet sophisticated furnishings, natural light and a crystal chandelier thrown in for good measure and you’ve nailed this très chic interior.

The modern French interior is sassy and stylistic with clean lined appeal and bold furnishings. By no means cluttered (comment collant! ), this decorating style may include covered accent chairs in bright shots of colour, a gilded baroque mirror and abstract paintings adorning the walls all mixed together like you’ve inherited several centuries worth of family pieces!

For now I will remedy my Parisian penchant with a set of 100% French grown flax linen bedsheets, a foundation textile in French decor, and sleep on my delicious dilemma.

Remember, whether it’s subtle Parisian touches or a full room makeover you certainly don’t need to overcomplicate this theme to bring a little French flare into you home.

As Leonardo da Vinci once stated ‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’.