6 Ways to DIY the French Inspired Home of Your Dreams

Is it any secret that people around the world are obsessed with the French? From style guides detailing how to emulate their effortlessly chic outfits to recipes influenced by the indulgent (yet, mysteriously healthy) nature of their cuisine, many of us use inspiration from the French to enhance our everyday lives.

As a Parisian-wannabe myself, learning their beautiful language this year isn’t the only goal I have in the pursuit of becoming more French. While waking up to the view of the Eiffel Tower is at the very top of my “dream” list, as a new Mom in rural Virginia, the reality is that I’m going to have to get creative in my own home if I want it to look and feel like a Parisian apartment.

When Sam and I bought our first home nearly 2 years ago, we knew that we had quite the laundry list of DIY projects to tackle. We have certainly come a long way from blue carpet and turquoise walls, and although a few of the rooms in our house are “complete” in our eyes (tour my walk-in closet and our nursery), we know that we still have a ways to go.

Recently, when I was searching through my Pinterest boards for inspiration for home projects to tackle in 2022, I realized that many of the images shared elements that could be accomplished in any home, no matter the original bones.

After digging into this further, I broke it down into 6 specific DIY projects that could lead to the French-inspired home of your (and my) dreams.

These ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos from Kasha Paris’ interior design project really solidified the idea that a French-inspired transformation has the potential to work in any home. With the right features, colors, and decor, a faux Parisian apartment is only a few DIY projects away.

1. Add crown molding and/or wall paneling

I am extremely tempted to add wall paneling to our living room after witnessing how much of a difference the DIY crown molding had on my walk-in closet (and how easy it was!) Both crown molding and wall paneling are very French elements shared in nearly every inspiration photo that has gone viral on Pinterest or Instagram.

There are countless DIY tutorials on Youtube to follow that make this process look incredibly attainable in any home.

2. Install a medallion and chandelier

Emphasis on the medallion part. This tiny inexpensive, and often forgotten, detail ($50) elevates the entire experience. Oui, a stunning chandelier never hurts, but when you pair the two together, you’re guaranteed to achieve that certain je ne sais quoi of a French room.

3. Go thrifting for antique furniture and decor

Look for: vintage artwork and floral prints, brass candlesticks, gold frames, cane dining chairs, geometric designs, and gilded mirrors.

Apparently it’s not just for show when Parisians share via Instagram that they are spending the day rummaging through antique shops and flea markets. One of the things that sets French homes apart is that they value each piece of decor in relation to how they tell a story. Spend the day thrifting and grab a few key furniture and decor items that are one-of-a-kind.

Here’s a hack: if you don’t have time to spend thrifting, there are wonderful handmade pieces and vintage inspired decor items online from places like Etsy and World Market for affordable prices. I have rounded up some of my favorite finds below:

4. Create a mismatched gallery wall

With all of those gorgeous antique prints, paintings, and frames you picked up while thrifting, create an intentionally mismatched gallery wall. Don’t take a specific color scheme or layout into too much consideration; you want the overall feeling to come across as effortlessly thrown together.

5. Style a faux fireplace

Search Facebook marketplace or your local antique shops for a free standing fireplace mantel and style it with a giant gilded mirror, paintings, candlesticks, or fill the inside with mismatched books and/or candles. Finding a fireplace mantel may be more of a challenge than the other decor elements mentioned, but there’s no doubt that it will be a conversation starter when hosting.

6. Make it feel cozy

Think: sheer white curtains, candles, luxe tufted furniture, fuzzy pillows and throws, warm colors, and layered rugs.

Every home should feel cozy and welcoming and the French seem to have this down to a science. Nothing feels too rigid or bare, and it’s as if the space is destined to have smooth jazz playing on a vintage turntable in the background.

Now that we have covered 6 ways to transform any room into the French inspired home of your dreams, you’re well on your way to making it a reality. Plan a weekend of thrifting and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone with DIY wall paneling and unique, mismatched decor. Until next time, au revoir!

Want more lifestyle inspiration? Read How to Design and Install an IKEA Pax Wardrobe (plus DIY hacks!)

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xo Anna Elizabeth