French fashion and design has dominated the western world since the early 18th century. Versailles and the court of the Sun King may feel a long way off, but French interior design continues to be dominated by the soft pastels and natural wood finishes that have held our attention since that time. Let’s look at some top French interior design rules.
Top French Interior Design Rules
Times have changed significantly. However, you will find that many French design rules are so characteristically French that they wouldn’t have been out of place 300 years ago. Here are some common rules you can keep in mind if you’re looking at European kitchen cabinets in NYC to create a chic, French vibe.
Historical Reverence
The French take their history seriously. The identity of the people and the country are strongly tied to the art and architecture that have made them famous. As a result, modern remodels are not common.
A new occupant may choose to refresh a space for comfort and safety, but they will usually do whatever they can to maintain the historical character of the building. The design is then created to reflect a mixture of the past and the present.
Effortless Design
French interior design is purposefully unpolished in the most polished of ways. It’s almost impossible to describe if you haven’t been exposed to a lot of French design. Nothing matches. There are a whole range of textures, styles, and historical periods in every room, yet the effect can be breathtaking.
This approach creates a very warm space that looks very personal. What started as a mess of different design elements has somehow come together in a room that feels like it has absorbed the history and love of the people living there.
Focus on Function
French interior design is highly functional. Nothing exists without purpose, and all walking paths are carefully planned for an ease of movement. More than anything, French homes tend to be designed for the inhabitants’ comfort.
Especially in the cities, it is pretty unconventional for friends and family to congregate in their homes. Most prefer to meet outside of the home for a long dinner. That means the home itself exists purely for the comfort and joy of the family, not for show.
Forget about Trends
French interior design is all about creating a timeless look that feels natural in your home. That means that trends are essentially persona non grata in many French homes.
To get a similar effect in your home:
- Forget about what’s in.
- Don’t just look at interior design magazines from the last year.
- Look at pictures of homes from the last 300 years.
- Keep an idea book and paste in pictures of things you like to create a design that totally you.
Staying True to Yourself
Sure, French design is often all bright white, powder blue, and natural wood finish, but that’s not what makes French design unique. What makes French interior design so desirable is the fact that it totally balks at trends and prefers individual taste.
With French interior design you can be as eclectic as you want. There are no real rules except that you should be true to yourself and make design choices that feel comfortable and warm in your home. Your kitchen cabinets in New York can be as modern or as traditional as you want. That won’t limit you at all.
Thanks to Leicht, your cabinets will still have all of the modern conveniences you expect but with the look that makes you relax whenever you walk into the room. To truly embrace French interior design, forget about what other people think. Just choose what makes your home feel like it is truly yours.