French Walls

The distinct French sense of design in food, fashion and interiors has had a profound effect on the rest of the world. Since the beginning of the 18^th Century right through to the present day it has continued to cast its spell over us.

It is difficult to to define what French taste is and why it has continued to be so popular, for interiors the best description is probably subtlety and simplicity but with flair.

The style tends to be unadorned and crisp, the emphasis on less being more. In many other cultures, minimalism can become gruff basic and crude; in French hands it is graceful and balanced with just the right amount of decoration and shapeliness. It is also playful and delicate – never heavy, never over-adorned, and never complicated.

How to create the look: Colour

PALETTE OF PALE: neutral colors of white, off whites, mushroom, taupe, soft grey, the fabulous duck egg blue and soft green. Touches of gold and silver would add that touch of luxury.

or

PALETTE OF BOLD: look to use rich colors to add some vibrancy into your concept. Peacock blue and teal look fabulous as do emerald green and shades of red.

Walls

Create a feature wall making use of a glamorous wallpaper using the typical French design.

-Fleur De Lys

The English translation of “fleur-de-lis” (sometimes spelled “fleur-de-lys”) is “flower of the lily.” This symbol, depicting a stylized lily or lotus flower, has many meanings. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life.

-Rococo

The emphasis in this wallpaper is clearly on the leafy, floral pattern. Most things during this period shared this idea of emphasizing pattern and rhythm. Color is used as a tool to aid in this task. Most color palettes were made of pastel colors or other light, airy colors. Also, gold was a common color used throughout Rococo art.

-Baroque

A profusion of plant life characterises the Baroque style. Scrolling foliage and garlands of flowers decorate many objects.

-Toile De Jouy

Abbreviated to simply “toile”, is a type of decorating pattern consisting of a white or off-white background on which a repeated pattern depicting a fairly complex scene, generally of a pastoral theme such as a couple having a picnic by a lake or an arrangement of flowers.

-Damask

Damask wallpaper is synonymous with luxury and sophisticated style. With a rich history as a cultured and fashionable design element. Ranging from traditional to glamorous.

Decor

To top your French home decor, look for striking vintage furniture or antiques which will enhance your French interior design concept. Go for beautiful upholstery fabrics which could be of similar pattern to the examples shown above, in the collection of wallpapers or choose opulent fabrics of velvet, brocade, silks and lace to get your look of luxury.

Lighting

Surely the wise choice of lighting is to go for a chandelier which would become part of your focal point within your space. There are some many ranges available to choose from. Look at both traditional and modern fittings and decide which would fit best into your concept.

Just as the French cuisine uses basic but very fresh ingredients so it is with interior design. Fine cottons and linens, natural materials such as metal, wood, stone and terra cotta is combined with matt paints, rather than shiny, artificial finishes.

Thats why its so easy to fall in love with this style.