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Designing your space with a unique and sophisticated flair is easier said than done. While many homeowners gravitate toward modern or contemporary decor, a growing trend dares to be different: Parisian-style interior design. This look blends old-world elegance with contemporary minimalism, resulting in a curated, timeless space that never feels overdone.
According to La-Z-Boy Kingston interior designer Mary Lee Smyth, Parisian decor is one of her favourite styles to work with. “I love this high-end aesthetic; it is chic decor at its finest,” she says.
Even better, Mary Lee affirms that this look is achievable in any home or apartment; you just need to know where to start.
Parisian-style decor takes its roots from the grand apartments of 19th-century Paris, where elegance and intellectualism intersect. This design philosophy emphasizes visual balance, combining high-end finishes with understated charm.
Intricate moulding, floor-to-ceiling drapes, curated artwork, and a mix of traditional and contemporary furniture are all staples of the look.
“It has elegant details in its style but is also balanced by very simple contemporary styles,” Mary Lee explains. She calls it “intellectual urban chic”—a style that suggests comfort, but with a layer of refinement. Parisian decor should feel curated, not cluttered. You don’t just live in the space—you engage with it.
It’s not a style meant for casual lounging. “These pieces of furniture are not meant to be tossed around with or carelessly treated,” says Mary Lee. “They are meant to be sat on and enjoyed with philosophical conversations and intellectually stimulating television.”
This perspective makes Parisian decor ideal for homeowners looking to create a space that feels lived-in yet elevated.
Now that you know what Parisian style decor is, you might be interested in incorporating some elements into your apartment or home.
Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started.
The first step to achieving Parisian elegance is setting the right foundation with colour. Walls should be painted in neutral tones that reflect natural light.
“The French love natural beauty, and it is reflected in their rooms when they decorate their houses,” says Mary Lee. White, cream, and pale beige shades are often used in Parisian homes to create a soft, bright atmosphere.
That said, don’t be afraid to use contrast. Mary Lee suggests adding an accent wall in a rich, natural tone, like the “deep red of small berries” or a muted navy. These colours help add depth and warmth to the space.
No Parisian apartment is complete without a gilded mirror. These ornate mirrors typically feature gold or silver leaf detailing and serve as both a functional and decorative focal point. “You can place it on top of a fireplace or a dresser; so long as it is distinctly placed in the room where people will notice it,” says Mary Lee.
Gilded mirrors reflect light and add dimension to your space, especially helpful in smaller apartments.
You can find antique-style mirrors at specialty boutiques or high-end furniture stores in Ottawa. Look for one with an ornate frame and distressed finish for the most authentic French feel.
To get an idea of some good quality furniture stores in Ottawa, take a look at this article.
Parisian style is all about individual expression, and art plays a critical role in creating a space that feels both cultured and personal.
Mary Lee recommends incorporating paintings, sculptures, or even art books into your decor. “Since this style is considered intellectual, you might even use books as accent pieces on the coffee table,” she adds.
Choose pieces that speak to you, don’t just fill the space for the sake of it. A bold canvas, a unique bust, or a striking vintage print can become the emotional centrepiece of the room.
If you're working within a budget, local galleries or student art fairs often offer beautiful, affordable options.
The Surya Area Rugs available at La-Z-Boy are a great option, offering vintage-inspired prints that blend seamlessly with traditional furniture. These rugs anchor the space and help unify contrasting decor elements, particularly in rooms with lighter wall colours and wood flooring.
Parisian decor leans heavily on stationary furniture with classical detailing. Look for pieces that feature button-tufting, nailhead trim, or carved wood legs. “These furniture pieces must look older with elegant and ornate designs,” says Mary Lee.
Avoid overtly modern materials like chrome and glass. Instead, opt for wooden coffee tables, upholstered armchairs, and crystal chandeliers. Mary Lee explains, “They should be crystal, elegant linen shades, lots of glass base materials, and most importantly, a chandelier on the ceiling.”
These items are not only beautiful but add character and narrative to the room—something La-Z-Boy’s interior design team in Ottawa can help source and coordinate. To learn about What to Expect with Interior Design Services at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.
Wainscoting and panel moulding are key architectural features in classic Parisian homes. These wall details add depth, elegance, and sophistication to any room. You can install square or rectangular wall mouldings, or go with half-wall wainscoting for a subtle visual effect.
Mary Lee advises painting these mouldings in a complementary colour to the main wall. “If your wall is painted blue, you should paint your wainscoting creamy white,” she says. For renters, stick-on moulding strips offer a removable solution that mimics the real thing.
French doors and full-length windows are hallmarks of Parisian architecture. These doors usually swing outward and are designed to maximize light, making them ideal for apartment living. Pair them with floor-to-ceiling draperies for an opulent finish.
“These are not curtains, sheers, shutters or anything inexpensive,” says Mary Lee. “These are just well-crafted draperies.” Choose high-quality fabrics like linen, velvet, or silk.
Parisian decor emphasizes symmetry and balance—a refreshing contrast to the freeform layouts often seen in modern homes. “Instead of doing an L-shape configuration, place everything parallel,” says Mary Lee.
For instance, you could place two matching sofas facing each other, rather than pairing one sofa with a single accent chair.
Symmetry doesn’t mean uniformity—it’s about creating intentional balance. Even your lighting, rugs, and wall decor should mirror one another for a cohesive, polished look.
Parisian decor is luxurious by nature, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. Mary Lee suggests starting with a few statement pieces, like a gold-leaf mirror or a traditional armchair. “Working your way slowly but surely to create your perfect space is key,” she advises.
To stay on budget, look for opportunities to mix old and new. A thrifted side table, an inherited accent chair, or a secondhand lamp can pair beautifully with more luxurious items. Shopping slowly also gives you time to refine your style and make thoughtful decisions.
If you're curious about pricing, check out our article on How Much It Costs to Furnish a Home.
Looking to furnish your home with Parisian-approved furniture? Here are a few designer-endorsed options available at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston.
Features button-tufted backs, rolled arms, and tall wooden legs. “It has a certain lightness because of the leg height, and the tufting adds to the luxury,” says Mary Lee.
A clean, contemporary look with a single-seat cushion and king-size lumbar pillow. Perfect for smaller apartments with a Parisian flair.
A transitional accent chair that reclines discreetly. Mary Lee notes that the upholstery choice is what dictates whether it leans modern or traditional.
Compact, classic, and versatile—available in multiple formats like stationary, swivel, or glider. Perfect for adding charm to reading nooks or bedroom corners.
After reading this article, we hope you have the tips and tricks to create the perfect Parisian-style apartment or home.
As you can see, La-Z-Boy offers varying styles of furniture. If you’re interested in creating a Parisian-style room with La-Z-Boy furniture, why not start shopping today?
You can start shopping by visiting one of our local showrooms located in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston. You can also schedule a visit online before coming in.
Our design consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how furniture like the pieces mentioned above could fit into your home design.
To learn more about our La-Z-Boy decor selection, take a look at this comprehensive Decor Buyer’s Guide.
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