Yes, Please: Parisian Hotel Flair
Bring on the Bling to Recreate the City of Romance at Home
I dedicate this idea book to Paris, the city of romance. It was here that my husband proposed to me, and here that I had my first taste of French decorating decadence. I stayed at a small boutique hotel, Hotel des Tuileries, and was fascinated with its marble walls behind the bed, rich artwork and decadent fabrics. Many authentic Parisian hotels are ornate and decorative, using Baroque, Rococo and Neo-Classical styles. I have always wanted to check out the Plaza Athénée, George V, the Crillon, and the Ritz, where Coco Chanel had an apartment. If I wanted to capture the authentic Parisian hotel style I would include the following:
What a fun Parisian style banquette area! It hits so many staples in French design: gold and crystal chandelier, silk drapes, velvet ornately patterned upholstery, rich woods, antique mirror and marble flooring. Cute peek-a-boo bar!
The room should be magnificently elaborate. A bit Rococo with fabulously textured upholstery, graceful lines on furniture, an ornate rug, gold accents, full patterned curtains, and a giant crystal chandelier. The point is to be elaborate and ornate everywhere so the entire room looks like a work of art.
Dine in a room that captures Parisian hotel indulgence. And you can do it using a light a palette. Use floor-to-ceiling window treatments that are layers and layers of silk and sheers, and upholstery of decorative patterns. Top it with that essential crystal chandelier.
Try adding more decadence to a dining room by hanging silk drapes at the entrance. Have them just touch the ground, not puddling, so no one trips on them.
Lighting is an important part of creating any destination space, and a large antique crystal chandelier is an important part of authentic Parisian hotel style. Find one that is full of character. There are many options with a weathered, gilded look.
Mirrored furniture, velvet upholstery, huge ornate art and decorative columns create the decadence of French style. You want to show off curves and shine. Bring in the mirrors and the bling!
Parisian hotel style is sophisticated and vintage chic. Lots of decorative appeal with an old world feel-timeless. This space has the features that go into this look including a gorgeous large gilted mirror, vintage looking standing clock, ornate console table with marble top, and golden toned stencil border. To do this in your own home look for curved lines, or little round skirted tables using silky fabrics. I can imagine a velvet chaise lounge by the mirror popped with a silky patterned pillow with fringe.
Apply gilding and painted finishes to walls, mouldings, trim, ceilings, and furniture.
To get the look of a Parisian hotel bedroom, pour on the fabric. Go for really rich, opulent fabrics, like velvet, damask, brocade, toile de jouy, lace, and of course, silk and satin. Use skirted tables at the bedside, and remember to make all the fabric look full.
Create a Parisian escape for guests. Add lots of pattern, silk fabrics, and golden touches. Add rich furniture with decorative legs and curves. You can get well priced second hand pieces at thrift stores.
A luxurious Parisian hotel bathroom includes marble walls, free-standing tub with floor-mounted tub filler, antique silver accents, and a large leaning mirror. Just add the fluffy bathrobes and slippers!
And don't forget to add a towel warmer!
More: Find traditional chandeliers
Get the Look: Coco Chanel Style
Escape to the South of France
More: Find traditional chandeliers
Get the Look: Coco Chanel Style
Escape to the South of France