Paris Kitchen Décor Ideas To Add Chic Parisian Style ~ Fresh Design Blog

For most of us, watching Emily in Paris is the closest we’re going to come to living in Paris, or the City of Lights. No matter where you live, though, you can introduce a little French chic and Parisian style into your kitchen. Here are some Parisian interior design tips for doing just that, plus some ideas for accessories to buy for your French style kitchen.

Key elements of Paris kitchen decor

Apartments in Paris are often limited in space and the kitchen is no exception. However, even the smallest of spaces can ooze French style and Paris kitchens are renowned for their clever use of space and je ne sais quoi, alongside a seemingly effortless style. If you want to emulate this home decor look in your home, there are some classic design elements of Paris kitchen decor that you need to take on board.

Colour scheme

Blue shaker style Parisian inspired kitchen — Credit: Wren Kitchens

The perfect Parisian kitchen blends relatively neutral base colours with mid to dark accent colours to create a sense of French flair. For example, neutral colours such as off white, putty grey or cream are a good base layer, whilst medium blue, indigo blue or even black are good French country style accent colours. The same accent colour doesn’t have to be used across the entire kitchen – you can create a more casual feel by using a mix of several tonal colours, such as shades of blue.

Kitchen style

The perfect Parisian kitchen has a timeless style to it. It looks right at home in the heart of the city, but would work equally well as a French country kitchen, in a cottage or chateau in the depths of the French countryside. It blends old and new styles and aspects such as open shelves, copper pots and wooden wine racks, with bistro chairs, stylish appliances and contemporary light fittings.

Shaker style kitchen cabinets and cupboards, with their characteristic flat centre panels and minimalistic look, are ideal to create a sense of French kitchen charm. The French love the social aspect of dining, so dining table in the kitchen, or easy access to a dining room, helps carry that sense of Parisian style.

Introduce gold or brass accents

Gold or antique brass is the only colour for anyone wanting to transport the atmosphere of their kitchen into the heart of Paris. Handles, taps and accessories can be gold-coloured and polished to bring a true sense of refined luxury to your kitchen space.

Match crockery with your colour scheme

Forget mismatched crockery, if you want to emulate the Parisian chic, your crockery should match the overall colour theme of your kitchen. Think crockery in neutral colours, such as soft grey, cream or pale blue. Look for a hardworking everyday style which will take you from morning breakfast pastry to an evening soiree effortlessly, and mix it up with a few chic accessories.

Decorate your kitchen with artwork

Add some artwork to transport you to the heart of Paris. Photo (c) Wren Kitchens

Why not bring some of the famous Paris art scene into your kitchen to liven up your walls? From images of natural beauty to incredible architecture – French art will make your kitchen memorable to guests whilst transporting you to the streets of Paris every time you cook.

Let your appliances blend in

Having stylish appliances is a must if you want to stay in keeping with the Parisian aesthetic, but they must be as neutral as possible. Try to opt for neutral toasters, kettles, and pans which won’t distract from the overall aesthetic and, where possible, integrated appliances that will blend in with the design.

Get clever with storage

Kitchens in Paris are often short on space, but use ingenious hacks to make the most of every nook and cranny. Some of the tricks to takeaway from French kitchen designers are built-in dressers designed to look like standalone pieces, concealed storage cupboards, a little breakfast nook and every last space utilised.

You could even emulate the style of Parisian cafes by using overhead storage solutions, like traditional pot and pan storage, metal wine glass storage or racks for drying herbs.

Choose chic accessories

Add fresh flowers for am uplifting focal point. Image (c) Wren kitchens

Any Parisian kitchen worth its weight in gold has a good dash of chic accessories. From subtle chandelier pendant lights or eye-catching wall décor, to a white vase or jug of fresh flowers on the table, some well chosen accessories helps bring the overall room together.

You might not be able to stroll down to your local fleuriste swinging an artisan basket over your arm, but picking up a bouquet when you do the weekly shop will do just as well. Flowers in the winter are an especially welcome treat, lifting your spirits and freshening up the kitchen.

Best buys to help you achieve a Paris theme kitchen

Keen to get these Parisian kitchen ideas into action in your home? Here are some ideas for the best French-inspired kitchen buys to help you create perfect harmony in your kitchen.

Abstract Paris art print, Abstract House

Abstract Paris art print, Abstract House

A beautiful abstract expressionist view of the Eiffel Tower, the iconic Paris landmark. Experience the heart of France’s capital and its luscious green landscapes on a beautiful grey day. Available in different sizes, this print comes framed in your choice of frame colours. Prices start at £53, available from Abstract House.

Metal hanging wine glass rack, Wayfair

Tobin hanging wine glass rack, from Wayfair

Store your wine glasses overhead in a hanging wine glass rack. This one is the Tobin rack by Symple Stuff and it’s available from Wayfair.

Paris print, Rocket Jack

Paris print, Rocket Jack

This Paris travel poster featuring the Eiffel Tower can be customised with the text of your choice creating the perfect memory of a special time or event. It’s available in different sizes and prices start at £24 from Rocket Jack.

Paris grey paint, Annie Sloan

Paris grey paint, Annie Sloan

Soft, gentle Paris Grey is a Chalk Paint™ colour inspired by the painted furniture found in elegant French châteaux or old Swedish manor houses and is the perfect Parisian colour for your kitchen walls. It’s made from a mix of blue and orange, so it works naturally well with these complementary colours. Prices start at £4.95 for a 120ml test pot, available from Annie Sloan.

Copper pans, John Lewis

Cook like a French chef with this Tri-Ply stainless steel three piece copper saucepan set with lids. £190 from John Lewis.

Cafe de Paris ‘Chocolat Chaud’ mug, Rex London