What I love this week: (modern) Parisian decor & more

So in the process of gathering ideas for my redecorating project, I’ve tumbled down the rabbit hole of the Interior Design Web. Between Pinterest and other online design sites, I’ve been spending a lot of time narrowing down the look I’m going for.

You might call it “California Relaxed Modern with a Pinch of Paris.” 😉 The first part suits my lifestyle, and the very California style of our home. The Paris part is about adding a little fun and fantasy, but also about incorporating some practical elements of Parisian decor.

Inspired by: modern Parisian decor

What many Paris apartments have in common with my house is that the rooms are small, and there’s not always a lot of light. So some of the design elements you see used there most often (white paint to brighten rooms, and smaller, lighter furniture) will also work well for my space.

Modern Parisian apartment decor with mirror on mantel.

One accent that I see most often in Paris apartments is a large mirror over the mantel. This can help create more light, and make the room look bigger. I currently have a wall mirror over mine, but it’s too small and too high up to do much good. So I’ve started looking for something to replace it, once the painting’s done.

I’ve been bookmarking some mirrors that might work in my living room. Here are a few on my short list… (I know for sure I want one that’s curved.)

Stylish gifts from France

“My French Country Home Box” is a quarterly subscription box filled with gifts from French brands, and curated by Sharon Santoni. Each box has a theme, and November’s was Soirée Élégante (elegant evening).

My French Country Home Box for November 2023 with the theme "Soirée Elégante."

As I opened each of the lovely gifts in this box, I could imagine getting ready for a lovely evening out in Paris with friends.

Disclosure: I received this box at no charge from My French Country Home.

Contents of My French Country Home Box for November 2023.

Included in this collection are:

  • a beautifully soft reversible cape from Atelier Fanli
  • a small leather pouch from Fanli, perfect for keeping lipstick and other small items handy
  • stylish textured gold hoop earrings from Louise Damas
  • luxurious body cream from Godet in a beautiful glass bottle (looks so elegant on the dresser!)
  • lip pencils from Yolaine
  • antique liqueur glasses
  • a gorgeous floral photo print from Jamie Beck
  • a tin of chocolates from Maxim’s Paris! (an extra gift for subscribers)

Each of these boxes is like a little “Paris fix” for me, and are a perfect gift for any Francophiles on your list.

You can also shop for individual items from current and past boxes in the MFCH Boutique!

Are there particular interior design styles that have inspired your home decor?

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26 Comments

  1. I lover your front runner choice. Please buy your first choice mirror. You will need so happy to make that choice.

  2. In response to: “Are there particular interior design styles that have inspired your home decor?”

    IKEA–don’t laugh!

    If you walk around the IKEA design floor, some strong concepts pop out:

    One is to use the whole of a wall space, which I see in your Paris apartment shots too. Instead of a piece of furniture that goes 1/2 or 3/4 of the way up a wall and dead space above, both use shelves that go all the way up or add mirrors/shelves strategically above other furniture. Similarly, cabinets are strung together across the whole wall instead of stopping partway. This makes for visual interest and a practical use of space.

    Another is to not be afraid of having multiple elements in a small space. A small room with multiple seating/activity options and limited open floor space can feel efficient and purposeful rather than cramped if arranged and lit correctly. My home office is in a small spare bedroom. It contains: desk, armchair, shelving filling two walls, storage chest, and footstool; topped off with a very large houseplant. There is enough floor space to comfortably reach each station and have a bed for my 95 pound dog. Everything is close together; nothing is jammed. Because the lighting is excellent, everything has enough room, and it is easy to move around, the space feels focused and productive rather than claustrophobic.

    A third principle is the use of repeated elements. A collection of three-+ houseplants filling the top of a bureau make a feature where one plant would feel like clutter (inevitably other things would end up strewn on open horizontal surface).

    The design principles I absorbed from IKEA have helped me create a functional and uplifting space with a hodgepodge of thrifted, hand-me-down and gifted furnishings.

  3. Hi, Susan! I love all of those mirrors! You can’t go wrong with Anthropologie. Have you looked at Ballard Designs? Their catalog is always fun to look at. If you haven’t looked already, I’m sure you’d love their style!

  4. Susan, I have the Primrose mirror from Anthropologie at my main home and love it BUT it’s very heavy and somewhat difficult to hang as well as being pricey. For my other home / condo, I found and purchased the Kate and Laurel Arendahl mirror from Bed Bath and Beyond / Overstock.com that has an almost identical look for about half the cost and am just as pleased with it. It comes in a multitude of sizes and I’m certain you can find one that’ll meet your requirements. Just wish I’d found it before purchasing the one from Anthro. I’m excited to see how your redecorating project progresses!

    1. Hi Carol, thanks! I did look at that mirror, but unfortunately it doesn’t come in the size I’m looking for. I was thinking I’d lean rather than hang the Anthro mirror (it comes with special hardware to prevent tipping).

      1. I have the Anthro mirror in my NYC apartment. It is VERY heavy; 60 lbs if memory serves me. It was pricey but it looks great on the brick wall of our very small living room.

        1. According to the website, the size I’d order is just a little over 30 lbs. But I’m still keeping my eyes open for other options.

  5. I love the idea that you are bringing Paris to your home. Will you also add a fireplace facade that is ornate and white? And interesting trim? I would guess that could really set the stage for the “mirror”.

  6. If I lived near LA, I’d check out the Cisco showroom. They lean more Californian than Parisian and have a rather eclectic collection. They seem to be very high quality and have gorgeous fabrics. Even if you just get a couple accent pillows for your neutrals or find some inspiration….. Happy hunting!

  7. We lean toward contemporary, but not hard-edged. We moved to northern NM from the Texas gulf coast. From a high-rise apartment to a one story New Mexican style home. Most of our furniture and art worked well here with some tweaking. We did sell a few things before we moved. There is a more earthy vibe in our current home. Most of our upholstered pieces were in ivory linen. We’ve added a few pieces of art made by native Americans. Our belongings tell the story of our lives so that’s important. I’ve never been comfortable with trying to copy a certain look. It’s almost like clothing – start with some basic pieces and then personalize with accessories. I have confidence your home will look great and the mirror over the fireplace seems like the perfect idea.

  8. The Paris apartment look is a perfect fit for someone who loves Paris as much as you do, Susan. Why not bring Paris home?

  9. Be sure to use a pro to earthquake-proof the mirror. I learned the hard way what a mess a huge mirror can make when it breaks — not to mention the everyday dangers of falling mirrors and shards of glass.

  10. I hope that you’ll buy yourself the mirror that you love the best. It will bring in light both actual & spiritual. It will bring a bit of France to Southern California. Enjoy the midwinter light!

    1. Sounds like you got ideas in your head. Have you thought about hiring an interior design person. They have access to all these design warehouse. Kinda like people coming to you for color analysis. Saved me making a lot of expensive mistakes and headaches.

  11. Dear Susan,

    Thanks for sharing your design inspiration with us – I love a touch of Parisian style mixed with a more modern look.

    I don’t know if this is in the budget – but since I think about authenticity and having one “stunner” of a piece in a room, any possibility you could get a “real” French mirror? I see so many beautiful antique ones at this (Canadian) company – tresjoliette. With international shipping and the great exchange rate, they’re not that much more than the Anthropologie one. And they have that wonderful patina. Anyway, no matter what you choose, it’s going to look wonderful.

  12. I learned the hard way that white doesn’t light up a dark room – all you get are shadows.. I got the courage to paint my white walls brown by testing the colors on SW website where you can upload a picture of your room and “paint” the walls and furniture different colors.

  13. I couldn’t work out what my furnishing style was until my own rabbit hole dive. Then the mist cleared and Modern Spanish Revival seemed to fit well with my favourite pieces and colour choices. I hasten to add we live in New Zealand (settled by British Colonists) but I’m currently waiting on ancestry dna results to see what may have influences on my personal choices.

  14. Could you tell me the name of the print by Jamie Beck? I would like something like that for my dining area. Thank you!

    1. Kelly, Jamie Beck does sell prints on her website, https://jamiebeck.co/ Not sure if she offers this exact print for sale there, but her floral prints all have a similar ethereal style, so I would guess you could find something you love from her selection. I’ve been a fan of her work for quite a while!

  15. Susan, I’m loving your ideas for your home! For inspiration, please check:
    Jean-Louis Deniot @jeanlouisdeniot on Instagram. He’s an architect, interior designer.
    He is based in Paris. His living rooms are divine – the mirrors above the fireplaces. Love his design. MFCH follows him on Instagram, too.

  16. I want to recommend a color blog for home decorating, mariakillam.com, Color Me Happy.
    Also, I have a favorite French restaurant in my town that has such a comfortable and interesting decor. I love the feeling in there. Enjoy your projects.

  17. I’m looking forward to seeing your finished room. I Know it will be beautiful! And I suspect it will be true to you and your personal style. I love your style!