We can all be French

Most people think of design as something out of reach, a luxury only the wealthy and the famous have the privilege to dabble in or hire for. When scrolling on Instagram, you probably see the most beautiful and opulent spaces from all over the world. The designers for these spaces are regulars of Architectural digest, Elle Decor or Vogue Home, some even have published books or have a TV show!

As a scroller myself, I love seeing the beautiful work my renowned colleagues do, and it is a great source of inspiration. Like walking in a new city or strolling through a museum, we take it in and see things we like, things we don’t like, we’re in aw, we learn and we are moved.

Now. Back to real life. Chances are you have ideas and visions for your own home but think it’s too much to tackle? I am here to tell you there is no such thing: design IS for everyone, at any budget and any space size. It’s about working in an aspirational way and what you want people to see and know about you when they come to your home. Champagne taste? The French drink beer too ! Or affordable wine. The poinT: work for where you are in life - first place after school, new parent, etc. - but keep an eye on where you’re going. Invest in important pieces when you can.

The French (my native people) have a reputation for being fabulous in more ways than one: fashion, art, architecture and of course, interiors. The secret that we French people know: we often color outside the lines and rebel against the rules. Although there are some decoration edicts guided by centuries of history (Hungarian herringbone parquet floor anyone?) - the French love throwing a wrench in the formal scheme of things. The Olympic Games ceremonies were the perfect example of that: the perfect blend of nod to tradition, followed by glamour, control chaos, over-the-top joyous party all wrapped with a finale full of dreamlike grandeur, an Edith Piaf song and a fairy tale hot air balloon over the Eiffel tower.

At home, the French take it slow, collect over time and keep it simple. Curating your home is a long haul process that should be a delightful adventure. The great Williams Morris said: “HAVE NOTHING IN YOUR HOUSE THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW TO BE USEFUL OR BELIEVE TO BE BEAUTIFUL”.

Courtesy of Alinea

Let this principle guide you. Covet, pounce, ponder and love it. Every time.

You don’t have to live in Paris or anywhere to explore your taste, train your eye to look, be curious, be confident and unruly. Wherever you are, where your career takes you, what town you live in, you too can create a home that is utterly you, where memories are sprinkled throughout and where you are your best self. You see, the secret is… we can ALL be French

French style principle to live by:

Don’t accumulate things for the sake of it. Less is more.

Shop everywhere: retail store, artisans, antique shops / markets and second life items (thrifting is an art)

Remember art is part design and brings joy !

Let go of things you don’t like or use anymore at least twice a year.

Love everything you buy.

Puces-Saint-Ouen, Paris