One of the things that has intrigued us most about Paris, besides the beautiful architecture, the fashion, and of course the food, is how Parisians decorate their homes. They seem to like a mix of old and new, traditional design offset by modern, and interiors which are always very chic and stylish, just like their sense of fashion. H ere, with the help of the stylish ladies behind Flamingo Interiors, a firm that explores innovative ideas to create customised lifestyle for each client, we break down different elements and share our top tips for bringing that certain je ne sais quoi of Parisian style into your home.​

Mix it up

Mix old with new, different styles, as well as art and books, to create a space that’s distinct and eclectic à la Philippe Starck, France’s most famous interior designer. Of course, some Parisians have the added bonus of living in a beautiful Haussmann building with period features, but that doesn't’t mean you can’t recreate the style by mixing and matching flea market finds and placing them next to modern pieces of furniture. Combine the contemporary with the vintage. Aashni Pandya and Esha Pandya Choksi of Flamingo Interiors agree. "It's essential to mix the traditional with the modern," they say. "An example of this would be a modern piece of furniture which seamlessly blends with the slightly more old-school sense of French elegance, through the use of brocade or striped linen fabric."





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The simple philosophy behind Stark’s opulent rooms is to blend “something very rough with something very refined” to “add attitude and warmth.” By grouping furniture arrangements and art objects of various textures in surprising ways, you create intrigue and diversity. There is no set rule in home décor.

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White Walls

The apartments in Paris are notoriously dark (unless located on the top floor), so Parisians tend to keep their walls white to maximise the amount of light. But if you do crave some color, create an accent wall using a sky blue or teal, or a contrasting dark colour. Furthering this thought, the ladies behind Flamingo share their own tip: "Stick to a monochromatic scheme which has a sombre or more neutral colour palate. One can consider white, hues of warm linen, marshmallow, pale blue, dry sage, ivory, or grey."





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Go Vintage

Paris is famous for its brocantes (French for flea markets), which pop up every weekend in a different arrondissements (neighbourhoods), lining the streets with untapped treasures. Parisians are always on the hunt for something unique, so when choosing knick-knacks and curiosities for your home, spend some time online on vintage sites or at your local flea market, to pick out something that will add individual style to your home. "French period pieces, oxidised mirrors, old restored brass lamps, leather, paintings, sculptures, and silverware throughout the home will help add that personal sentimental touch," say Aashna and Esha.

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Rugs

A large rug is the centerpiece of any Parisian apartment floor. Although Paris herringbone wooden floors are pretty, the downside is that walking across them can be very noisy, so a nice, thick rug is a good way of muffling the noise and adding colour (as well as warmth). Go for something bright, such as an orange rug or something patterned, as it will offer a good contrast to the recommended neutral walls in your home.

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It may be a bit of a cliché, but hanging a chandelier above the dining table or in the living room is the simplest way to introduce a bit of Parisian style into your home — think the Palace of Versailles. Golden White 5 Light Chandelier in Brocade Shades - Shop Now

The Flamingo Interiors founders have a few more fun and effective tips. "Embrace details," they say. "Be it elaborate ceiling or wall moldings, coffered ceilings, intricate period details, wall paneling, tall skirting, tufting or brass rivets, Parisian interiors are incomplete without these details."

The girls are also a big fan of florals for this style of home decor - as are we! "Floral patterned fabric on headboards, sofas, armchairs and more add the necessary opulence. A bouquet of flowers is a must for the perfect finishing touch for any look that follows the Parisian style of decor."