It is a joy to be in Paris at the best of times, but to go when the City of Light is playing host to one of the most iconic sporting events in history is indescribable. I have been to Paris many times through the years and though I visited for just four nights before heading to the coast, I had my fill of its insatiable charm and allure.
Between the games, there was lots of strolling through my favorite arrondissements (between 3rd, 4th, and 6th in case you are wondering), enjoying delicious pastries, and whiling away the hours in the most coveted of boltholes. Cool and inviting, the styling of these spaces paves the way for the most memorable moments. Naturally, I was happy and inspired to take home some of those interior design trends...
1. Bibliothèque charm
Getting lost for an hour or two in a Parisian library is a favorite pastime in the city. Playing homage to this I headed to Cravan bar, which is in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the literary heart of Paris. It is set in an imposing 17th-century building that has been redefined by Belgian designer Ramy Fischler. Three bars are set over four levels, with a Scandi-esque elevator to accompany you if you wish, and each space has its own distinct look. The area that I was immediately drawn to in this historic building, was The Rizzoli Library on the second floor.
There is an art to decorating with books and Ramy does it very well, bringing even more zest to modern charm to create a space that you will happily spend hours in. Here, cozy, cool luxury is redefined. Red velvet couches hug the walls and Parquet de Versailles wooden floors carry inherently beautiful bookshelves – both built-in and on wheels – this was a look I wanted to take home immediately.
A neutral color scheme and clean lines create openness without taking away from the intimacy of the space, while angular furniture, coffee tables, and coffered ceilings add just the right amount of definition and kindly juxtapose the architectural bones. The balance is impeccable. The Bookshelf wealth trend is personal look of course but I will definitely be creating my own reading nook with these design cues
2. A hint of unexpected marble
From marble-topped round bistro tables to hints of the enduring material spotted on ornaments when window shopping, Paris took my love of marble to new heights.
This look is not new, by no means, but I now have a refreshed outlook on marble – no longer considering it only for kitchens and bathrooms. Now, when injecting a little of the Paris Grandma Aesthetic into my home, I will consider hints of marble in accessories, statement lamps and small side tables.
3. Pinky reds and creamy whites
Color trends have been pretty peachy this summer, but red and white is the color combination that reigned for me in August. And it kept catching my eye around the city.
It forms part of Paris' natural brasserie-studded landscape, but I enjoyed it in particular on the outdoor woven bistro chairs at a new cocktail location called Bar Bisou Paris. It sounds like a bold combo, but as I saw in Bar Bisou, tone down the red and warm up the white and you get a scheme that's high-contrast but livable.
4. Exaggerated sculptural decor
Silver hot air balloons adorned the 'vitrines' (windows) of Louis Vuitton and voluminous light shades dressed the fifth wall of my favorite restaurants. Colors were light, with reflective finishes, and eye-catching to say the least. From curvaceous couches to ceramics, finding subtle ways to add drama will lift all of the more traditional allure of Parisian interiors.
Plus, if your space has angular furniture or architectural features like a marble hearth, fluid shapes can soften the tone. For the daring, include those gold glimmers and nuances of silver, a pop here and there can bring a room to life. Think of it as charme nouveau!
Post Paris trip I was keen to find a piece of marble furniture to really make an impact in my space. This black marble coffee table is sure to do just that, and I will soften the look with a high-pile rug underneath and cover the surface in coffee table books.
Speaking of coffee table books, this is a must have. Assouline books are a piece of decor, and this one is filled with gorgeous pictures of the city that are sure to inspire.
Bringing in some red and white was high on my list when I returned from my trip. Bistro chairs for my backyard seem a little unseasonal now we are going into fall so this pillow brings the combo into my living room as well as updating it for autumn.
Naturally, I love a hint of French provincial style, but nodding to more modern looks will uniquely elevate this aesthetic. And that's what I learned from my trip to Paris, I fell back in love with the more modern, bold side of French interiors which can often be forgotten in favor of the French country style we all love.
