What is French Design?

If you’re looking for a beautiful home interior design style to update your home, consider French design. It’s a beautiful option if you’re looking for a modern, elegant, and traditional touch.

There are many key characteristics of French design, and there are many types of French designs. Before I get into specific types, let’s look at the characteristics and see what makes a home French-inspired.

Accents

Your home’s style can really come to life in the details. It’s not all about large furniture pieces or fancy art decor. Your accents can speak to your style and help your house become a home.

French design uses timeless accents. Gold finishes, elegant drapes, soft-color throw pillows, and solid light fixtures are a few staples.

You won’t see overly modern or industrial accents and finishes in a French-inspired home. There will be a mix of old and new, but it doesn’t follow current interior trends.

This design style uses timeless and ageless accents instead of bending to current trends that may only last a season.

Authentic Living

Another key characteristic is the feeling of authentic living. You’ll see high-end pieces with French design, but you’ll also find casual tones and earthy elements.

You may have a classic and bold chandelier in a living room or foyer mixed with fresh plants and flowers.

This element also brings in the feeling of old and new. The beauty of this design style is the ability to blend elements.

Not everything needs to be new and shiny because the older or rustic elements balance it all out.

Now that you know the key traits let’s look at three specific types.

French Country Design

This specific type of French design uses a blend of rustic and casual decor and elegant and timeless decor.

You’ll see light-wood furniture, rustic metal accents, and elegant drapes or upholstery. It’s a casual take on an elegant style.

There are still sophisticated pieces of furniture, but you won’t feel like you’re in a museum. This design style creates a perfect blend of casual and elegant, leaving you wanting more.

Modern French Design

If you’re looking for an updated and more sophisticated style, consider Modern French design. This style incorporates modern furniture with timeless accents and decor.

You’ll see lovely white couches with velvet throw pillows or modern wooden chairs with a soft white fabric.

You might find a traditional gold chandelier in the foyer and modern pendant lights over the kitchen island. It’s a blend of classic French elements and modern furniture and upgrades.

Classic French Design

The more traditional and time-defying option of French design is the classic design. This style is all about traditional patterns, fabrics, and accents.

This design style uses elegant drapes, gold finishes, large crystal chandeliers, dark wood, and ornate rugs.

You’ll see patterns on the couches and chairs mixed with colored walls, likely a deep green or blue to signal sophistication.

All the small details are elegant, and nothing is overlooked. From the trim to the baseboards, you’ll find an elegant touch representing the classic French style.