Exproperti.com – Parisian apartments are a lot like London flats in that they tend to be small and modestly proportioned. This means that it’s important to keep the space functional and practical while maximizing design opportunities.
Mixing Bright Art and Furnishings
One way to do this is with a mix of bright art and furnishings. White walls are a perfect canvas for this because they reflect light and create the illusion of more space. White walls are a must-have in any small home or apartment and are an excellent canvas to display artwork, photographs or your favorite treasures. Light-reflecting white paint is also a good way to brighten up dark corners in a room.
The right white paint can make any home feel bright and airy. A luminous white like Benjamin Moore’s white dove or Farrow & Ball’s all-white will give your living space a warm, sophisticated glow without feeling overly stark or cold. In a similar vein, a splash of blue or beige on a white wall can be just as effective at enhancing natural light and highlighting the beauty of your space. In addition, a dazzling chandelier or ceiling light can be a great focal point for the room. It’s not just for the bedroom, either — we’ve found a number of clever lighting solutions that can be used in any area of the home, from the kitchen to the living room.
The marble countertops in this small French apartment bring a sense of effortless luxury to the space. HGTV reports that this natural stone is a common choice in Parisian apartments because it’s easy to maintain and brings a timeless look to a home. If you’re looking for a more durable option, cultured or engineered marble is another great choice. This synthetic material is a blend of pigments, resins and minerals to mimic the beauty of naturally occurring marble.
An Easy Way to Add a Touch of French Style to Any Space
In addition to being stain-resistant, it’s also nonporous so it won’t harbor bacterial growth. However, it can be more expensive than real marble. Costs of a marble countertop vary depending on the amount of marble needed, grading, color, edge treatment, finish, labor costs and any additional supplies needed. Generally, 80 percent of the cost comes from the material and 15 percent from labor.
Spy any photo of a Parisian apartment and you’re likely to see a gold mirror somewhere in the room. These ornate accents are an easy way to add a touch of French flair to any space, and can make a small space feel bigger and brighter. While a gold-framed mirror may seem like an odd choice for a living room, the right piece can really help elevate your decor scheme. For instance, in a contemporary room, a large circular gold frame can make an elegant design statement.
For a more budget-friendly alternative, you could try making your own. For the best results, be sure to use a high-quality paint. This will ensure your gilded mirror lasts as long as you need it to. You’ll also want to be careful not to smudge the frame. This is especially important if you plan on leaning your mirror against a wall. And don’t forget to use a quality primer. If you’re trying to bring the chic Parisian vibe into your home, it starts with beautiful light fixtures.
Mixing Styles with a Variety of Sizes and Shapes
The style of your light fixtures can make or break the look of a room, so it’s important to choose a fixture that’s not only functional but also fits into your overall design scheme. If your style is traditional, go with a classic chandelier; if modern, try a more contemporary suspension kit. If you’re feeling eclectic, try mixing styles or adding a few variations in size and shape to create a cohesive look.
Choosing the wrong-sized light fixture can seriously disrupt the look of a room, so start with the size of the space and get it right. Measure the length and width of the room in feet, then add them together and convert them to inches to get a good idea of the ideal diameter for a light fixture.
Another thing to keep in mind is the height of your ceilings. A ceiling height of 8 feet is ideal for a flush mount, but if you have a high ceiling, consider a pendant that hangs low to allow the right clearance for general lighting. We really appreciate and welcome guest post submissions from you.
