​France is thought of as the very height of sophistication and luxury. Parisians especially have a certain “je ne sais quoi.” From fashion to décor, the French are trendsetters and the go-to experts for style advice. That is why this installment in the series on decorating trends around the world is focusing on French home design and incorporating this style in your condo.

Cubism is Chic
Add a touch of avant-garde to your condo by incorporating cubism, which is prominent in Parisian homes and apartments. In order to get the full effect, invest in imported furnishings and antiques, and adorn your walls with masterpieces by 20th-century artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.

Bring Out the Best in the Building’s Architecture
Play up your building’s architecture with intricate details that highlight your condo’s best features. If you are renovating, consider replacing the floors with herringbone hardwood. Highlight ceiling moldings and other prominent features with gold outlines and place a large gold mirror above the fireplace or sofa. Showcase your condo’s best features and choose paint that complements your furnishings and décor. Pull the Parisian look together with a stunning crystal chandelier and simple yet elegant accent pieces.

Out with the New, In with the Old
​Contrary to popular opinion, aged furnishings and décor can be quite stunning. The French, in particular, have a fondness for antiques. Antique mirrors, chairs, and artifacts will add character to your humble home, and the history of these pieces alone should provide excellent topics of conversation while entertaining guests. Incorporate European antiques for an even more authentic look.

Floral Arrangements
Floral arrangements can spruce up any room, but the French fancy simple bouquets rather than elaborate arrangements consisting of multiple plant varieties. Fill a vase with a single type of flower. These can be hydrangea, roses, daisies, or any other flower. Just stick to one type per vase or room. A popular choice for rooms with more earth tone colours and subtle shades is a bouquet of white roses.

Classic Prints and Patterns
Add a touch of classic French design with toile. Typically used in French country designs, this print creates a classic look and makes any room stand out with its subtle elegance. Couple this with an antique bed, simple furnishings, and historical or family photos with gilded frames.

Breathe New Life into Rustic Furnishings
​Add a touch of elegance to your rustic furnishings for a refined French country look. An old, rustic armoire can become new again with a few details. Sand down the furniture and add paint if needed. Replace old broken doors with elegant new doors and fill in details with bronze or gold paint to make it pop. These armoires are not only for the bedroom, either. Place one in the dining room to store your fine china and other decorative dishes, linens, etc. Alternately, you could move it to the living room where it can serve as an entertainment center or make a bold statement while also serving as a bookshelf or storage.

Cozy Breakfast Nook
​Create a small, charming breakfast nook in the corner of your kitchen for the ultimate French country look. Choose earth tones and neutral shades for your furnishings, linens, and décor. A small bench with patterned fabrics will complement your elegant French style while also making your condo feel like home.

Fancy Footwear and Chic Coat Hooks
Antique-looking coat hooks will give you a place to hang your jacket and keys, while also playing up your French condo look. Add a small, decorative bench in the entryway to store your shoes as you walk through the door. Play up the entryway even more with a vase, some décor, a large mirror, and an antique cabinet.

French Home Designs to Make the Condo Feel More Luxurious by Condo.ca