The appeal of Parisian decorating

February 18th, 2009

Parisian-style decorating is all about exquisite detail, well-worn but gleaming antique furniture, yards of brocade or velvet draperies, gold and gilded accents on furniture and accessories. The French love to decorate their walls, so I would start there. Paneling and crown molding will elongate your room and make the ceiling feel higher. You can either install real panels and intricately carved moldings, or use paint to create the grace and glamour on the walls.

The base coat is mustard yellow. Two-foot and 3-foot panels were taped off; I used a hand-cut stencil for the top of the panels. Fill in the taped borders with white paint. Add a shadow line with brown paint and an artist’s brush down one side of the panel molding and along the bottom. Remove the tape and apply a thin coat of white glaze (1 part white latex paint, 1 part water-based glazing liquid, 3 parts water) over the entire wall, brushing in one direction up and down. Repeat the veiling technique, brushing on the glaze inside the panels to imitate the look of linen. To complete the French panels, you will need a decorative stencil and watercolor pencils. Color the image with gray for shadow, yellow for highlights and brown for the centers. The color does not have to be dark. Dip an artist’s brush into water and go over the colored-pencil area using long strokes. The water reacts with the watercolor pencil to give a watercolor appearance. Protect the watercolor stencil with spray acrylic varnish.

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Build on this elegant theme with one or two crystal chandeliers, gold-plated sconces and black-framed scenes of Paris. Choose carved-wood furniture with rounded legs, and silk, velvet or brocade upholstery. Chairs should be comfy, just this side of shabby chic. Black is an important element; use it in wrought-iron fireplace accessories, frames or painted tables.

Nothing matches in this charming style. Pick pieces for their age and because you love them. This is a style that is created over time. Finish with a vase or bottle collection in brilliant jewel tones of ruby red, emerald green and royal sapphire blue to celebrate Parisians’ special version of joie de vivre.

Author: Debby Travis