Kissing is not the only art the French have mastered! Katha Nauriyal & Yamini Walia tell you how to copy their vintage décor style
Modern décor, contemporary styles, edgy furnishings — it’s all great, but it can get a little tiring. If your home is begging for a makeover, forget spanking new and look into the past! Vintage pieces have always been very trendy, especially if they’ve got a slightly European vibe. While we love all sorts of vintage and antique styles, we’re starting you off with a little French flavour! Find inspiration from from the Palace of Versailles and spruce up your tired décor with some of these picks.
Hang it high
Who said lights were the only way to dress up your ceiling? A great pick from Anemos, we love the antique curves of this ceiling fan.
Price On request
In bloom
Place your flowers in this beautiful vase from Aria Interior Design to add an antique, vintage French look to your home décor.
Price On request
Wonder tower
The Eiffel Tower is the perfect representation of France. While it’s not too vintage, it’s perfect for those who prefer a slightly more understated style. Pick up this cushion cover from Surprise Home Linen.
Price Rs 450
.jpg)
Well cushioned
The intricate embroidery on this cushion cover by D’Decor is perfect, if you’re looking to add just a hint of vintage France to your home décor.
Price Rs 750 to Rs 1,050
Seat yourself!
Seat yourself comfortably on this Lady Chair from Aria Interior Design. This will look magnificent in your living room.
Price Rs 59,000
Wall desire
The Factory Digital Wallcoverings by Marshalls Wallcoverings will add a subtle texture to your walls and are much more convenient than paint! Add some wooden furniture to the area for an old-world charm.
Price Rs 36,540 per roll
The dressing room
Just imagine getting ready at this dressing table. This period style set by The Great Eastern Home redefines French grandeur!
Price On request
Pretty as a picture
It can’t get prettier than We love this typically French, floral tissue box, available at Sanctum, Khar.
Price Rs 1,250
Vibrant appeal
The French love intricate animal motifs, so even this emerald piece from Baaya Design works! We absolutely adore the design.
Price On request
Design perfection
Nothing represents vintage French décor more than this engraved frame mirror from Anemos. Add it to your living room for a royal look.
Price On request
Natural admiration
The design on this cushion cover, available at Sanctum in Khar, blends perfectly with a vintage French theme.
Price Rs 750
White glow
2Divine - The Lifestyle Temple by Dimple Nahar, has the perfect pick to suit your French vintage décor theme. This vase will enhance any flowers you place in it!
Price On request
Wall pick
This wallpaper from Casamance at Surprise Home Linen is one of our favourites. Experiment with white and silver furnishings to compliment this backdrop.
Price Rs 120 to Rs 170 per square feet
Soak in luxury
Interior designer Shantanu Garg knows exactly what we need. Luxuriate in a tub that fits in perfectly with your French décor, in this Jacuzzi bath area.
Price Rs 250, per square feet
Risky business
Made in Burma Teak, pick up this chair from The Great Eastern Home only if you’ve got the courage to experiment, or want to channel a more royal French vibe.
Price On request
Expert Speak
Shella Kapil, owner of Joie De Vivre, an interior design company, gives you a few tips so you can learn how to channel classic French vintage styles in your décor.
COLOURS
The colours that dominate a French home are soft blues, greys, greens, pinks and whites. It’s important to understand how to use these colours because the entire scheme will revolve around them.
So, use soft hues that soothe and inspire. They have character and depth, which compliment the other elements of the room. Also, avoid using glitter, or too much gold and silver.
FURNITURE
There is extensive use of traditional natural materials when you give your home a French twist. These materials are then painted or polished. The immensely decorative look is also very easy to live with. Pick lime washed cupboards or those that are painted or colour stained, with the inside surfaces lined with patterned fabric or paper.
WALLS
White-plastered stone walls and textures are elementary to this look. A cracked plaster look or a distressed wall finish can help accentuate the vintage appeal.
FLOORS
Terracotta and bricks lend sensuous warmth to your home. When finished with a modern sealant, these materials have a friendly comforting feeling. Also, wooden floors have an old-world charm, which is further flattered by antique rugs.
FABRICS
The French love vintage textiles and the traditional boutis quilt that is widely used throughout the house. In every room, textiles appear in profusion, and not just curtains and blinds, but also on chairs, benches, cushions, beds and tables.