At 18, I traded the comforts of home for croissants and metro rides by living in Paris for a year. It was my debut into independence, and let me tell you, the City of Lights knows how to make a lasting impression. From iconic landmarks to charming alleys, Paris wasn’t just a place to stay—it was a year-long masterclass in culture, style and design. Read on…
Lesson 01
Prepare to be overwhelmed by beauty!
Keep your eyes wide open. Look up, down and all around.
Growing up on Vancouver Island and sticking to Canadian and American destinations in my early years, the journey across the pond was eye-opening. Unfamiliar beauty seemed to be everywhere!
If you haven’t explored Paris yet, you will still be familiar with the city’s charm—the lively people, distinctive architecture, iconic metro signs, passionate language, chic fashion, food, wine and an overall multi-cultural sophistication.
My interest in French architecture & art had already been piqued by art history studies; but, to see it in person was unreal. Oh, and I was also absolutely smitten by French fashion! This journey eventually steered me into studying and pursuing a career in fashion design and now interior design. Life unfolds in interesting ways!
Takeaway: Embrace Parisian Style
The first step in creating a Parisian-inspired home is to embrace the timeless style that defines the City of Lights. Think classic elegance, muted color palettes, and a perfect blend of vintage and modern elements. It is all about capturing that effortless sophistication that the city is renowned for.
Lesson 02
Learn to live petite!
I quickly realized an extended stay in the City of Lights was out of the question unless I got a job.
Within a week of arriving, my resources were dwindling.
I was soon hired as an au pair, by a lovely family with a 3-year old daughter, living in the 16 arrondisement.
I worked Monday to Friday afternoons. My charge and I went to the park and read English books in exchange for room & board plus a small wage. My 200 sq. ft. room, situated in the employee quarters, was an incredible feat of small space planning. Amazingly, it contained a sink, shower, mini kitchen set-up, and a single bed with built-in cabinets. The shared toilet was down the hall. Oh and of course, it had French doors which opened into the inner courtyard of the building.
Takeaway: Maximize Small Spaces
Paris is synonymous with cozy apartments and compact living spaces. Making the most of these dimensions lies in clever space utilization. The key: use multifunctional furniture, opt for hidden storage, and consider custom-built pieces. A well-thought-out floor plan is essential to create a functional yet aesthetically pleasing environment.
Lesson 03
Traditional and Modern Styles Collide
Throughout my upbringing, I was surrounded by vintage furniture, and my admiration for it deepened during my time in Paris. The prevalence of decorative crown moldings, gilt mirrors, and dark wood pieces was striking, most always paired harmoniously with sleek, modern furniture. This balance of beauty and functionality was a consistent theme in both residential and commercial spaces, making it a defining characteristic of the Parisian aesthetic.
Takeaway: Blend Traditional and Modern Elements
Achieving the perfect balance between traditional and modern styles is crucial in creating a layered and interesting living space. Incorporate antique furniture or vintage-inspired decor items alongside sleek, contemporary pieces. This fusion not only adds character but also prevents the space from feeling too dated or too cutting-edge.
Wait, This all sounds great! Can you help me in my home?
Lesson 04
Balance it out
Like mixing traditional and modern, mixing high and low was new to me. I started saving up and shopping for high quality used clothing pieces. At the same time, I fully embraced fast fashion. I mixed the super trendy pieces with classic French pieces like wool wraps & suits. In homes, heavy chintz in florals, stripes, and tassels were used on drapes and upholstery. Weighty dark wood furniture was mixed with sleek sideboards and high tech entertainment systems.
Takeaway: High and Low
The art of blending high-end and more affordable elements, is key here. Just as I mastered the balance by pairing high-quality used clothing with trendy fast fashion, the same principle applied to home decor. In interiors, the balance of rich fabrics and decorative furniture with less expensive sideboards or modern pieces, creates a stylish and diverse aesthetic that seamlessly combines the best of both worlds.
Lesson 05
Practicality
Because my space was so petite, I had to be realistic. Luckily, I had arrived with just a backpack and had little to spend on extras. Despite this, everything needed a designated storage spot. This was especially true when I had fellow backpackers bunk in with me. There was just enough floorspace for a single sleeping bag!
My kitchen and fridge were tiny, as is the case with many Parisian’s apartments; so, grocery shopping daily was the norm. This results in the most pristine and in-season produce, meats, breads, and fish.
Takeaway: Practical and Functional Design
Practical storage is paramount. Shopping for just what’s needed that day is best. Functional but stylish furniture is key, such as my tiny dining table that could be folded away when not in use. Durable, easy-to-clean materials that withstand the wear and tear of living in a small space are important, as is adding a touch of style and glamour!
Lesson 06
A considered Color Palette
I began to wear a muted palette of black, blush, and white. I appreciated the cuts and drape of the French clothing and thought back to sewing dresses with my Nana. Similarly, the interiors I came across were based upon neutrals but often mixed in greens, blues, yellows and black.
Takeaway: A Perfect Palette
Parisian interiors are known for their neutral color palettes with subtle pops of color. Stick to soft, muted tones such as whites, creams for the bigger pieces and muted pops for the accents. Introduce texture and color through fabrics, rugs, and accent pieces to add warmth and depth to the space.
Summing it up!
Living in Paris at a young age had a huge impact on the trajectory of my life! My tiny living space was both stylish and functional. It was a cozy refuge amidst the vibrant urban energy. I inadvertently learned about color, style, and decor just by absorbing the city around me, shaping my aesthetic sensibilities in a way that continues today.
Until next time,
