French Interior Design Trends: 15 Ideas to Obsess Over

It’s tempting to stay within the familiar realm of everyday design styles, but
venture into something new and inspiring. During our honeymoon in France,
I discovered a treasure trove of design ideas. Here are 15 interior (and some
exterior) trends that captivated me during my travels.

1. Rattan: A Touch of Natural Elegance

Rattan is everywhere! I first noticed these huge pendants hanging from the
ceiling of the restaurant at
Carrieres de Lumieres, an immersive art experience within a cave. (Yes, it was as surreal as it
sounds!) From light fixtures to chairs and storage containers, rattan adds a touch
of natural warmth and texture to any space. The versatility of rattan makes it a
great way to add French style into any room of your house.

2. Repetition: Creating Visual Harmony

Repetition, especially in odd numbers, is a visual trick to make spaces more pleasing
to the eye. The orderly repetition creates a comfortable, bold
display. I spotted this trend often with hanging light fixtures, and also with
decorative objects, like the unique artificial taxidermy in the hallway of
our AirBNB. Consider grouping similar objects or using repeated patterns in your home for a
harmonious feel.

3. Mid-Century Modern: A Timeless Appeal

Mid-century modern design continues to maintain it’s popularity. These chairs,
reminiscent of the iconic
Eames Wire Chairs, added a funky, vintage vibe to the Republique of Coffee in Paris. The classic
1950s aesthetic was present throughout many establishments, offering a refreshing
retro touch. Try incorporating pieces with clean lines, geometric shapes, and a
focus on functionality.

4. Pops of Color: Adding Vibrant Accents

Bright splashes of color, especially orange, popped up frequently at
Hotel Les Roches Rouges, a resort in San Raphäel. Whether it’s through accessories, artwork, or furniture,
incorporating vibrant colors can invigorate a space. Don’t be afraid to experiment
with bold hues and unexpected combinations.

5. Color Blocking: Creating Bold Visual Statements

The exterior garden space of The Royal Antibes Hotel showcased a beautiful color
blocked wall, combining a vibrant orange with a white cement background and natural
wooden elements. Color blocking involves using contrasting colors in large blocks to
create a striking visual impact. You can achieve this look through painting walls,
arranging furniture, or using textiles.

6. Reclaimed Wood: Embracing Rustic Charm

While reclaimed wood is popular worldwide, seeing it in Paris felt particularly
gratifying. Oni Coffee Shop utilized reclaimed wood on their counter, and we also observed it on accent walls
and ceilings. Reclaimed wood adds a touch of rustic warmth and sustainability to
any space. Its imperfections and unique textures bring character and history to
modern interiors.

7. Muted, Natural Elements: Bringing the Outdoors In

Wild, natural bouquets and worn surfaces were commonly seen, creating a strong connection
to nature. This charming little table was in the lounge area of Les Roches Rouges
restaurant. Opt for muted, earthy tones and incorporate natural materials like wood,
stone, and linen.

8. Eye-Catching Floor Tiles: Adding Playful Details

Colorful floor tiles gave
Maison Geney in Marseille a playful vibe, especially combined with the whimsical marquee arrow.
Intriguing floor tiles in bathrooms were prevalent as well. Experiment with bold
patterns and colors to elevate your floors.

9. Hexagons: A Geometric Touch

Hexagons were a popular design element in France, appearing on tiles, wallpaper, and
furniture. Their geometric shape feels both modern and organic. Embrace hexagons to
add a touch of contemporary flair to your space.

10. Detailed Ceilings: Overlook No Detail

Remember to look up! The intricately decorated Fontainebleau palace is a great example
of this design philosophy, and this tradition continues in contemporary France.
Detailed ceilings add grandeur and sophistication to any room. This can be achieved
through molding, paint, or even decorative light fixtures.

11. Whimsical Light Fixtures: Statement Pieces

Bold light fixtures are common, especially in Paris. These giant scalloped pendants
immediately draw you inside a room. It is common to see smaller lights echo the
larger ones. Don’t be afraid to choose light fixtures that express your style and
create a focal point in your space.

12. Interesting Wallpaper: A Touch of Personality

The bedroom in
our AirBNB in Paris made the most of its small space by becoming totally memorable with unique wallpaper.
Don’t be shy about incorporating statement wallpaper to create a memorable accent wall.

13. Mosaic Tiles: A Classic Touch

Mosaics have been popular in France for centuries.
Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie was no exception. The use of deep blue green colors also seemed to be popping up
everywhere.

14. Impeccable Exteriors: A Welcoming First Impression

Across the country, buildings had exterior script signs, well-maintained doors and
unique door knockers. Pay attention to the details that make your home’s exterior
stand out.

15. Rounded Furniture: A Soft and Inviting Feel

The lobby of Les Roches Rouges seamlessly incorporated furniture with gentle, rounded
lines and muted colors, embodying a mid-century modern aesthetic. Rounded furniture
creates a sense of comfort and flow in a space.

France is full of inspiration! These 15 trends are just a snapshot of the amazing
designs you might see. When considering how to incorporate French design into your
home, remember to not be afraid to combine modern and rustic elements, add pops of
color, and pay attention to detail. Whether it’s through the use of rattan,
reclaimed wood, or bold geometric patterns, French interior design provides many
ideas to elevate your home.

Have you been to France recently? Share any decor trends you noticed in the comments below!