4 Ways To Get The 'New French Look' At Home

As an avowed Francophile, I have always been captivated by how the French live in their homes. Many visits spent soaking up that characteristic flair have allowed me to experience the French design aesthetic in various settings, and informed the way I interpret the style in my own interiors.

The appeal of French style lies in how ‘effortless’ the interiors appear, and yet they always look so sophisticated. Their spaces aren’t contrived; it’s not like they are trying too hard and they always look truly ‘lived in’.

I discovered when travelling around France, the regions are as varied as the architecture and interiors. There is not one homogenous ‘French look’ and the chapters in my book reflect that.

Each has its own distinct ambience; La Ville (the city), La Plage (the beach), La Campagne (the country) and Les Montagnes (the mountains). Although each region has it’s own style there are some universal hallmarks that make French style oh, so chic.

La Ville (The City)

The city of Paris is as elegant and sophisticated, historic and artistic as the most extravagant Hollywood movies would have you believe. It’s no surprise that visitors are inspired to recreate some of that magic when they return home.

‘The City’ look is not about building a themed shrine to Paris. It’s about creating an authentic space — that looks and feels French — without employing kitsch design cues (leave your Eiffel Tower ornaments at the souvenir shops).

In French apartments, we often see kitchens and dining rooms incorporated, creating a functional and convivial space in which families gather. Thus, the kitchen is treated more discreetly in the space. It is less common to see extravagant freestanding ovens and large rangehoods over cooktops. Instead, the appliances are integrated behind cupboard doors with a neat electric or induction cooktop that can function as precious bench space when not in use.

The kitchen-dining room in a French apartment may be compact, however it functions perfectly and more than makes up for its petite proportions in style and elegance. A smartly designed kitchen and adjoining dining area with banquette seating maximises space and is always comfortable. The French know a beautiful space elevates the everyday experience and encourages a good time — a place where baguettes are broken, the wine flows and, most importantly, there is just enough space for the cheese course!

La Plage (The Beach)

The French beach house is airy and bright. Rooms are flooded with light and there’s an openness and informality that invites relaxation. The colours and materials are based on the surrounding environment: sandy tones of natural stone and warm timbers. They are easy to live with, however, the French have a way of injecting vibrancy through artwork, so they are far from dull.

This style is about elevating that feeling of being near the beach and integrating the home with its surroundings. Consider how it feels underfoot to walk on cool stone floors, the same stone that is sourced nearby. Take a moment from the everyday hustle to notice how the light falls across the floor in the afternoon and enjoy the soft breeze through sheer linen curtains. A beach house helps us to exhale and be in the moment.

The colour tones of the furniture pieces are neutral; tan leather, cream linen upholstery and warm timbers. Using a quiet colour palette for the furniture means that artwork and lighting is the hero.

Think about a conversation piece, something that stands out. It can take a room from nice to sensational. A bold artwork or characterful sculpture on a plinth, even a sculptural coffee table, helps to break up formality and give life to the space.

La Campagne (The Country)

The urge to head to the countryside during the global pandemic, and the societal shift that followed, has also occurred in France. Many urbanites in Paris found the relentless grind of metro, boulot, dodo (subway, job, sleep) exhausting, and trips to the country provided a much-needed magical cure.

French country houses may have old bones but that doesn’t mean the interiors must be old and stuffy. Here, the ‘New French Look’ is about combining the old with new, but not in a shabby-chic way. The heritage features of the building are celebrated — this is about living with the place, not living in a museum. Old things are given new life when mixed with the clean lines of contemporary pieces. While we see more antique pieces in the country house, the clean lines of a mid-century chair or a sculptural pendant light instantly elevate the space, creating a fresh feel.

The French countryside is home to grand mansions, chateaux, old stone farmhouses and converted barns. With each type of country house, the ‘New French Look’ celebrates the raw materials and layers of history — and personal objects add meaning. A humble, rustic aesthetic prevails.

Les Montagnes (The Mountains)

There is a strong connection between the surrounding environment and the architecture. Unsurprisingly, wood dominates inside, be it natural, dark tinted or pastel stained. Used throughout for walls, ceiling and flooring, when it comes to decoration wood is a neutral touch. But often, with an unexpected twist.

While the appearance is rustic and natural, the styling is elevated. There isn’t an antler chandelier or wall-mounted deer’s head in sight, instead, there are simple décor items like ceramic and metallic pieces that contrast with the wood.

Wall-to-wall carpet is beautiful and luxurious in the bedrooms. When it’s cold and windy outside, you’ll be grateful for the plush warmth underfoot. To lift the space, a cheerful patterned carpet adds a sense of joy and delight. In your space, try an un-dyed Merino wool or even an alpaca wool for extra luxury.

Lauren’s new book The New French Look, is out now in all good bookstores!