How to Decorate French Modern: Interior Design Styles Explained

[@LindsayLiving]

One thing I forgot to point out in this video is the simplicity of the area rugs in these designs. Following along with the modern side of this eclectic style, you'll notice Dirand and Laplace both use a lot of solid color area rugs, often in a dark color to further ground the space and break up the wood floors. Food for thought if you're pursuing this design style though decor alone. Good luck!

[@saraw8503]

The chevron flooring is beautiful.

[@LindsayLiving]

Yes! Thank you!

[@tamiewert808]

I love both French Country and French Modern styles!!

[@cynthiacapps6299]

I LOVE IT. It's beautiful, elegant, classic, and the great thing about this style is you can use it in older homes and use modern and some antique furniture which everyone seems to have in their homes. Plus you can do just a little bit of the techniques like molding or a faux fireplace. Just placing new floor tiles in an interesting pattern and ceiling moldings seemed to raise the wow factor in one of those rooms you showed. The best thing about this style is that it seems timeless or that you wouldn't have to change it for a long time because it's a mix already. I've been thinking about adding molding in my bedroom and I think I'm going to go for it. I'm learning so much just watching your videos. Thanks for doing the heavy lifting for me.

[@MsSam66ok]

I love French modern. Would love to do that in my home. And yes. I love herringbone style floors as well!

[@LindsayLiving]

They really are gorgeous, aren't they? I think it's the historical context that really does it for me. Something that's been around that long can't be denigrated by calling it a trend. Truly t imeless. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!

[@homie-gtv322]

The more ornate and the more gold is what I enjoy in my home.

[@LindsayLiving]

Oh fun! I can see why French Modern might draw your eye - or anything traditionally French-inspired as it includes a lot of elaborate and ornate design. What's your favorite design style?

[@homie-gtv322]

@@LindsayLiving Palace of Versailles is the “style” I enjoy. Everything in and around it. French is awesome! Louis XlV. Louis XV. Louis XVl. French provincial is in my house. Italian furniture is nice as well, which is in my home. Touches of Hollywood Regency are present. Of course, I can’t afford all the beautiful furniture of the time, so I buy reproductions or buy antiques at the many antiques stores in Southern California. I also like a modern, more contemporary style interior for my house, but I much prefer old and gold. I’m a bargain hunter. I wish I could show you one of the most ornate coffee tables I have ever seen, and I got it for $200!! Overall, French Modern is great! Oh, and Palace of Fontainebleau is also beautiful, but Versailles gets all the attention.

[@VolcanoGroupie]

Thanks for the terrific video. Can you do a video on the "English gentleman's library" style of decor (e.g. Chesterfield leather furniture, antique Persian rugs, fern plants)?

[@LindsayLiving]

Ooh, that sounds so fun! Thanks for the suggestion, Kelly! :)

[@ilonascheel8581]

Yes!!!! Sherlock Holmes and Jules Verne meets James Bond, by way of Annabel’s in London. The library at the Biltmore is astounding!

[@ilonascheel8581]

A cabinet of curiosities. A Wunderkammer. Metronomes, globes, old books, taxidermy.

[@ilonascheel8581]

@@LindsayLiving You would LOVE the design book: “MAISON PARISIAN CHIC AT HOME” by Ines de La Fressange and Marin Montagut! Right up your sixteenth arrondissement alley! P.S. the book’s dust jacket has a unique surprise, it is actually a secret frameable work of art!!! 🕵️‍♀️👩‍🎨🦋🌳🎨🕯🖼🪞🗝🚪

[@LindsayLiving]

That sounds amazing!!! Thanks so much for the recommendation!

[@richpollock383]

I know this is a video from a number of years ago .. but you asked so .. here is my two francs worth. Both in Europe and Argentina [BA is called the Paris of SA] they also use herringbone wood floors .. which I prefer. It is sort of the transition style between the butt ends of "plank" flooring and the more angular ends the "chevron" floors. Also the interweave effect is somewhat more appealing to my eye. And as with chevron floors, the length of the board [pattern] can be used to influence the perceived scale of the room.

[@jerseygirlmillie]

I can appreciate this style though I prefer transitional. Would love to see that style featured! I lean traditional but not stuffy with plants, baskets, brass and a fun piece here and there. Basically, I like too much!🤦🏻‍♀️🤪I would love your ideas and options as always.🥰

[@LindsayLiving]

That is definitely high on my list for an upcoming video. I’m planning to continue this series every two weeks, so keep the ideas coming. Transitional coming soon!

[@bellaizza2772]

@@LindsayLiving romantic style please

[@12NeeLynn]

A lot of old apartments in NYC also have this style. With the crown molding, exposed brick, no carpet, fire place, etc.

[@LindsayLiving]

Totally - I love all of the neoclassical moldings in historical NYC apartment buildings. ❤️

[@aisling8308]

I've definitely noticed that, some older buildings in UK cities also have similar architectural details and lend themselves to this style.

[@1234greengrapeyum]

Great video and I appreciate all of the links / resources. ❤

[@brigantiablackbird]

You forgot the cardinal factor in this design style--PERSONALITY. The French Modern aesthetic works because the owners of the spaces infuse their actual personality, interests, and personal history. It isn't about following the cookie-cutter formula that you presented--it is about a love affair with one's home and embracing the romance of high-contrast.

[@AarianaVictoriaW]

I started with French country in my first apartment but I wanted something a bit more updated and this video is exactly what I was looking for! So detailed and thoughtful. Thank you for the great information :)

[@LindsayLiving]

I'm so glad! I love this style so much I'm planning a follow up video soon. Let me know if you have any specific questions... 😊

[@brionyf1193]

I started doing this style in our powder room…everyone but me hated it! But I love it so will carry on…

[@LindsayLiving]

Awwww!!! I'm glad you could carve out an area of your home to pursue the style you love. I'm planning an upcoming video on Transitional style that may help!

[@asneakpeekatbeauty]

It would be a DREAM if you made a video exactly like this for different interior design styles. I found your video so informative and kept my attention 100%. Better than what I’ve learned in school regarding styles 👍🏽

[@LindsayLiving]

That is such an incredible compliment. Thank you so much. I'm going to develop this series and plan to make a lot more of these videos like you suggested. Please let me know if there's any particular style you'd like to see featured next!

[@ameliaclark5792]

Ive never been a French country girl but The modern French is definitely me! I feel very at home with it.

[@anniemeacham4217]

My dear, you deliver more pertinent, well-researched information in 16 minutes than is humanly possible. Remarkable. I leave with inspiration and information I can actually use to put things into action and make change. You are super human. Seriously!

[@LindsayLiving]

Oh yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. I saw your comment as I was finishing editing the latest in this series. I'd love to hear your thoughts! You can find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmGkc4WFe82ZncU

[@madison7645]

I've never heard of this design style before, but I love it! I'd like to see a video on transitional style. Including an explanation of how it differs from similar styles, like French modern, would great too. Because I notice a lot of similarities in the combination of traditional and modern elements.

[@LindsayLiving]

Absolutely - great eye, Madison! I'm planning to do a full video on Transitional and will definitely discuss this as part of that video. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.

[@ThisIsKassia]

This was a great video. I'm torn between doing French Modern and a sophisticated California Coastal (not kitschy beach or nautical theme 🤢). I'd love if you did an episode in this series for Coastal.

[@LindsayLiving]

Thanks so much, Kassia! I've had a few requests for Coastal, especially since releasing my video on Transitional, so that's going to have to come up pretty soon. There is so much you can do with Coastal sans the "beach that way" signs and the like. My mother has done Coastal in her home very well over the years, through key pieces, especially vintage accessories and expressionist coastal artwork. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! 🌻

[@msbathball]

This is exactly what I’m loving right now! Thank you for this video! So informative!! 😍

[@LindsayLiving]

Awwwwww! Yay! Happy to help!

[@521tess]

Good overview and very informative. Concerning furnishing - 2 possible additions. I think the lighting in French Modern tilts to the very modern -- whether chandeliers/pendant lights, sconces, floorlamps & table lamps. I see a lot of Italian lighting in these spaces. Also the window treatment also seem to very simple and neutral -- long pinch-pleat drapes lightly puddling onto the floor.

[@LindsayLiving]

Absolutely - lighting always seems to tip toward Modern. Lately I'm seeing a lot of 70s designs with curvilinear elements and I am HERE FOR IT 😍

[@loralu9420]

I've been on Etsy looking at French antiques a lot lately, so I was so happy to see your video pop up! I find this design aesthetic just so beautiful. It doesn't quite work with the architecture of my house, unfortunately. I think the Chevron/ herringbone pattern floors totally complement this look. Just lovely. I enjoy learning about the history too, so I'll be checking out your links :)

[@LindsayLiving]

Great minds think alike, Loralu! I could waste away hours searching for French antiques online and Etsy is my main hang. You'll have to let me know if you find any incredible Etsy sellers I should check out. In my haste to solve some tech issues I forgot to include several important history links. I updated the description box to include them - I hope you'll enjoy checking them out!

[@jacqueline-jackietorres3455]

I always wanted chevron floors!

[@markellwilliams3594]

Give me chevron wood floors any day. I understand it’s not everyone’s style but there are some things that just stays classical and elegant. Ohh and the black and white tile in the bathroom . Love it

[@LindsayLiving]

Same here! I think they are truly timeless and beautiful. They add such character to the architecture of a room. Thanks for your comment, Markell!

[@markellwilliams3594]

@@LindsayLiving anytime. I’m here for it 🇫🇷♥️🙏🏽

[@carmencolon3520]

Definitely my cup of tea with some country French style. Please do a video on this subject. Thanks

[@LindsayLiving]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@berlinorama]

I absolutely love this, definitely my style. I am very fortunate to have late 19th-century crown molding (no fancy woodwork, though) and the original French doors and wooden floors (chevron pattern in one room and I don't find it busy at all, but much of it is covered by rugs). My living room has furniture and lamps from the 1820s to the 1970s, plus some newer decor pieces and art, virtually everything bought second hand over many years.

[@LindsayLiving]

Any old details like that in a home are SOLID GOLD in my book regardless of the style. I'm hoping to add a bit more character to our home through the addition of some carefully selected molding. I LOVE that you have the chevron floors! What city are you in if you don't mind my asking? Your home sounds incredible. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@berlinorama]

@@LindsayLiving I live in Berlin, Germany, and my apartment is pretty typical for buildings from the 1890s. I got lucky that nobody ever invested in "improvements" like new doors;-))

[@yorkielover1027]

I am obsessed with the Chevron floor!

[@LindsayLiving]

Me too, it's gorgeous. If you study rooms closely you might see some in a herringbone pattern, and others in a chevron pattern. The difference is in the way they cut the wood to join pieces together. So fun to look for in interior designers' portfolios and in historical homes.

[@markellwilliams3594]

Keep giving me French modern hahaa maybe it’s living in Paris have me stuck .. love it .. thanks for sharing and have a blessed week Lindsay 🙏🏽🤍🤍

[@LindsayLiving]

Visiting Paris had such a HUGE impact on me design-wise. I have always loved French style, but there is something so special about standing in those spaces. It's fun to think about what we can recreate at home with some simple tips.

[@markellwilliams3594]

@@LindsayLiving ouii that is so true. It was so magical for me. Lol thanks doll. 🙏🏽🇫🇷♥️👌🏾.

[@cynthiadefehr6272]

Delightful! Love the chevron too.

[@marielucier7982]

I like chevron and other French floor patterns. I’m planning to do two areas in the chevron pattern, upper open hallway and rectangular landing halfway up the stairs. the bedrooms will be installed basic straight (budget reasons). I’d like to see Romantic Parisian.

[@cynthiadefehr6272]

Love! Chevron-YES!

[@LindsayLiving]

Me too! I love it. Truly timeless.

[@sarabarton509]

I have been struggling to find quality ideas like this! Thank you so much! Everything else I’ve seen is French country and I’m not a fan. Love the ideas you have and thanks for doing the research

[@LindsayLiving]

There is definite a big distinction here between French country in French modern, I like to think of them as two sides of the same French coin. I’m glad you found this video helpful. Thanks so much for your comment!

[@laitae]

I love chevron parquets, I don't have them myself as I'm still renting. I do hope this will change soon though:) This was a thorough overview, thank you so much! This style really appeals to me!

[@LindsayLiving]

Thanks so much, Laitae - I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. It's so fun to research and present different, unique design styles. Let me know if there are any styles you'd like to see featured here next.

[@ameliaclark5792]

Love it! The mix is so much fun.

[@LindsayLiving]

Such fun! These rooms are so carefully curated to showcase the best of what a homeowner has found out there in decor land. Each piece feels so special in its own way, like the museums in Paris. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@created2love]

I am so happy I came upon your channel checking out modern design I am now redesigning my home and love this. I have subscribed to your channel looking forward to viewing your videos God Bless

[@LindsayLiving]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. 💜

[@thejenfuen]

Love the chevron pattern!!!

[@LindsayLiving]

Me too! I real classic IMHO.

[@aaza2310]

excellent presentation i have learned a lot from you thank you very much

[@silviaperdomo8215]

I'm learning so much with you! Thank you for the education ♡

[@LindsayLiving]

I'm so glad! That's truly why I'm here on YT - to help demystify interior design and help people move confidently in the direction they want to take their homes. I'm so glad you're enjoying this series, Silvia! Thank you! 😊

[@donnacompton7006]

Lov love this

[@LindsayLiving]

Thanks so much!!

[@CarmelQTful]

Love this style 😍

[@aisling8308]

In my opinion, the chevron/parquet flooring looks great in large rooms with high ceilings, especially if the building is older. In smaller spaces and new builds I think it can look tacky

[@missgranger5362]

Little french tips: for modern buildings we can do ash color wood, with larger parquet strip. It feels modern and not tacky ! If you like older look, choose warm darker wood with small pieces of parquet chevron.

[@olinemy]

I will love herringbone parquet floors… I’m still thinking about it. 😅 Love French modern style and Scandinavian and Moroccan. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@LindsayLiving]

Honestly I used to think they were a bit trendy, especially when used within certain design styles. After doing more and more research I connect it now more with the historical context referenced in this video - timeless. You should go for it - if YOU want to. Good luck!

[@olinemy]

@@LindsayLiving Yes, it is timeless... I fell in love when I saw them in a historic building in downtown PA couple of years ago. Beautiful, beautiful floors... and thank you! =)

[@elliebashaw4370]

this is feeding into my dream of owning a house in Europe

[@LindsayLiving]

Yes! Now that is a dream I can get behind. So nice to hear from you, Ellie! 😀

[@sheilarasor5671]

I'd love a video on the Grand Millenial design style.

[@carmencolon3520]

OMG! This is how I want to decorate my motorhomes but couldn’t find any videos on how to. Anyway I am planing to add molding to the cabinets, would like some peel and stick ceiling tile wallpaper and to add some ornate wood trims to the furniture. Now I love gold details my question is how much gold is to much gold?. Oh furniture will need to be upholster , how do I go by choosing a fabric that can keep up with a recreational vehicle?

[@LindsayLiving]

Look for color safe or indoor/outdoor upholstery fabrics. Chatting with someone at your local cutting counter can lead you to the right product locally sourced. Good luck! That sounds like a fabulous plan for RV decorating. How fun!

[@shishniatnuom8497]

I love this, it's right up my alley. I am having a hard time sourcing interior doors for a neoclassical style, any ideas?

[@LindsayLiving]

Single panel doors are great for that classic look. I usually use Build.com for sourcing doors. Let me know if you find any other great places to find them!

[@lyonhawaii]

Tile on a diagonal with a smaller black tile inserted in the corner.

[@LindsayLiving]

I love the play between black and white tiles in a lot of these designs. I can't wait to figure out what we'll do with tile in our bathroom renovation. Thanks for sharing your idea!

[@erika1temple]

Can you do more videos on the history like neo classical, and rococo VS the other ones?

[@RonioFOX]

Funny calling my style french because I'm using baroque, but I'm using only Italian, portuguese and Brazilian historical pieces😅😂 the only french thing that is Gothic influence

[@LindsayLiving]

Then I probably wouldn't call it French! I'm specifically talking about French style furnishings and architectural elements as well as French modern furniture design.

[@SandraSandra-zh6ck]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@LindsayLiving]

Thank you!

[@lisalapinski9892]

I need some help with adding a sideboard in my new dining room. In SW Florida. My style is French modern. My dining table is round, cherry, and has straight legs. The chairs are simple ladderback/rush seats with cabriole legs. Can the sideboard be built with shaker cabinets sand decorated with some type of interest?

[@LindsayLiving]

Absolutely! A sideboard with shaker cabinets can be a great addition to your French modern dining room. It will provide extra storage space and add a touch of elegance to the overall decor.

[@marm2371]

I hate the mix of the very ornate walls and super modern furniture. I love trimmed-up walls and I do have a lot of it in my home but I feel that some traditional and classic and contemporary pieces look more cohesive in the space. I also dislike very old style ornate furniture with the heavily trimmed walls..lol.. so basically I love trim and all sorts of wainscotting ( my house is full of it :) ) but like more traditional/contemporary style furniture to pair with it and a touch of glam. I love herringbone patterned wood floors.

[@LindsayLiving]

That's the beauty of interior design. We all have our own tastes, which makes the world of design broad enough to fit that. It's expanding to reveal new ideas. One of the many reasons I love design so much. Thanks for watching!

[@SlackSlackSlackSlack]

Ahaha looks like my parents house. I like it but for my house since I don't live in France it could come pricey and a bit tacky to copy. But interesting vidéo. Thank you! Love Roche Bobois furniture but come at a price 😁

[@LindsayLiving]

I think going for the full on Rococo style molding in an American suburban home could certainly run the risk of tacky. That said, if you hold back a bit, and come up with a simple design that fits the style of your home, maybe in one or two areas of your home it could work. At least that's what I'm hoping to prove at some point. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@SlackSlackSlackSlack]

@@LindsayLiving I live in Ireland but same problem. Anyway ceiling is not high enough in my house but still your video is original and very interesting. I grew up in this style so I never looked at it but your explaination is on the spot. 👍

[@babyyodachelsea7034]

😍😍😀

[@LindsayLiving]

😉

[@NatallieAnastasova]

Can you recommend books on french interior design to learn for the general styles in the french style plus book on modern french style

[@LindsayLiving]

Hi Natalie! I would highly recommend Joseph Dirand's book for French Modern design - he is incredible and so inspiring. I would also recommend the books Henri Samuel: Master of the French Interior and French Chateau Living: The Château du Lude for more historical context and information on traditional French interior design techniques. It's such a fun topic to dive into - have fun!

[@abrokenandacontriteheart.4855]

I really love certain French and modern pcs. but I don't have the money to have the things I love exactly. I use mirrors and pictures instead certain pcs. I really dont know what my style is ... I love clean not cluttered and certain pcs. Rococo mirrors candelabras and I do love gilt frames paintings and choice pcs. Beautiful guilt rose painted plates on the wall. Shabby chic was sort of appealing but to much clutter. I dont know ... tfs the info.

[@LindsayLiving]

Although I discuss design styles at length here on this channel, I’m a big believer that our styles are constantly evolving and changing with us. Just in the way our clothing styles change and grow with us over time, interior design as much like that. I don’t always feel the need label my style necessarily, just moving in the direction that I like most and having fun in the process. I hope you can do the same! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.

[@le_th_]

If money were no option, it would be chevron hardwood all throughout the living area and bedrooms. However, all it takes is for one condensation line to leak/block and bye-bye gorgeous chevron flooring, so...maybe make certain your hot water heater, plumbing, and HVAC system are all far, far away from your uber-expensive wood flooring (and furnishings).

[@datayinteriors]

great, informative video. thank you

[@LindsayLiving]

Noted!

[@amethystfire3076]

Do you have any info on a Mardi gras style room in the French quarter? I have all kinds of masks and dolls for the look. Thank you.

[@LindsayLiving]

Gosh, I really don't! That's not a style I've made time to research, but it's very interesting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@CokeysCasino]

Can you offer any advice on paint colors for this decor? I’m building new 14 foot ceilings and I’m going for French modern decor, tall baseboards. But I want that monochrome look where baseboard, wall ans ceiling is all one color.. I desperately need direction on white/ off white paint colors for this style

[@LindsayLiving]

I answered your question in depth in today’s new video. I hope you get some great inspiration here… 🤞🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57Oh5-QhpuHmqc

[@CokeysCasino]

@@LindsayLiving thank you so much

[@shannontate8483]

I’m obsessed with Paige Kontrafouris’ style. Can you please do a segment on that style? Vintage European or something.

[@LindsayLiving]

I was unfamiliar with her - thanks for sharing! She has a very unique sensibility - somewhere between English Traditional and Cottagecore.

[@lexiconlover]

I don't see your Pinterest board anywhere, how do I find it? How do I follow you

[@LindsayLiving]

www.pinterest.com/lindsayliving

[@Englishroserebecca]

Nice video but the yellow nail polish would take some getting used to. 😂😂. Just my opinion

[@LindsayLiving]

I find it amusing that you think I care about a stranger’s opinion of my nail color from two years ago 😂 just my opinion.

[@Englishroserebecca]

@@LindsayLiving I don’t think or expect you to care.

[@user-jv9qz2bu1r]

yes support mom n pop hardware stores

[@LindsayLiving]

Seriously!!! I shop small hardware stores as much as possible and try to go to big box hardware for the things I can't get otherwise. The world needs more mom n pop hardware stores! We can save them together, people, one purchase at a time!!!

[@graciebaw7515]

Love your videos, but your music drowns out your voice and is distracting. Please don't take this as a criticism, just feedback to you. Really enjoyed your video about saying goodbye to things we don't really use or love~~ very inspiring!

[@LindsayLiving]

Noted!

[@sundaigreene1203]

I cant find her on Pinterest. Anyone have it?

[@LindsayLiving]

My pinterest is linked in the description box and in my bio. Happy decorating!

[@veronicaoberg1722]

Please stop with the music in the background it’s so loud that it’s hard to hear what you are saying.

[@LindsayLiving]

Thanks for letting me know! It's just background to me, but I know we all experience video a little differently. I'll keep this in mind.

[@matheokaba8128]

I agree the music is too loud and it seems like you are shouting over it. Your content is great.

[@lyonhawaii]

Don't love chevron. I like the harlequin pattern.

[@LindsayLiving]

I tend the lean the same way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@bellaizza2772]

Monochrome

[@LindsayLiving]

That is a fun one! Thanks for sharing your suggestion.

[@tammydietschweiler7852]

I have never cared for chevron, looks to busy for me!

[@LindsayLiving]

I tend to agree with you, Tammy, but for some reason in this herringbone wood floor rendition really does it for me. Not sure if I’d take the plunge, but I sure do admire them.

[@sharonlee7111]

Why do people ruin their videos with annoying music?😂

[@LindsayLiving]

I used to wonder that myself and then I realized we all like different things. Annoying is a matter of opinion.

[@fridaber6069]

Step 1: Be rich

[@9grand]

Nope, french style is to show your knowledge, culture, good taste and education and not to show your money

[@LindsayLiving]

I don't think this style has anything to do with money necessarily. You could easily integrate modern design from stores like IKEA and vintage furniture an art from flea markets as the French often do to add that traditional French vibe. It's all about curating things that have meaning, balance when paired with one another, and an appreciation for design.

[@unpapillon2816]

Wow! 😵 You talk way too much. 🤕got a headache

[@LindsayLiving]

I yam who I yam - good luck finding a creator you jive with more. ☮

[@nineteenfortyeight6762]

Rich people trying to make boringness cool.

[@LindsayLiving]

It always surprises me how we all like such different things. Good thing there are endless possibilities in interior design.

[@LindsayLiving]

Hello, my friends! I hope you're having a fantastic 4th of July weekend! Let's jet off to France to study the incredible designs of French Modern interiors. I find these spaces endlessly inspiring - what's do YOU think? If you haven't yet, make sure to connect with me on Socials! instagram.com/lindsayliving pinterest.com/lindsayliving twitter.com/lindsayliving