The Paris Grandma aesthetic is the vintage style making a comeback |
Hailed by many as the fashion capital of the world, there is every reason to look to Paris for the latest interior design trends. More recently, the Paris Grandma aesthetic has been making waves. A little luxurious, with a polite dash of quintessentially French provincial style to it, this look is a true character that is not the easiest to define or get right.
Especially when we are more often than not, re-shaping minimalism, and choosing neutral interiors, featuring a look that errs on the side of flamboyant might come as a surprise.
So what do the designers think of the eclectic vintage vibe? We spoke with a handful of experts to hear how they interpret the latest aesthetic that maximalists and part-time minimalists might just love.
Parisian grandma is politely over-the-top
(Image credit: ©Francis Amiand Photographe for Humbert & Poyet)
Depending on the era, family heirlooms and antiques can be ornate, colorful or even a little kitsch with this look. It works on all accounts. ‘The Paris Grandma Aesthetic blends luxury and laid-back comfort, with a dash of glam,’ says Noelle Harvey, Owner, Principal Designer, and Creative Director of Sunday House. ‘At Sunday House, we love it because it is timeless with one or two over-the-top touches that add that extra joie de vivre.’ Think luxurious colors and heady materials, all done with balance and good taste.
‘It’s also highly textural in that soft, rich fabrics are layered so that it feels both cozy and luxe, and rooms are visually layered with rich molding throughout.’
It’s the perfect amount of ‘contemporary’
Victoria Maria Interior Design, photography by Belen Imaz & Pedro Bermejo
(Image credit: Victoria Maria Interior Design photography by Belen Imaz & Pedro Bermejo)
To keep its appeal relevant, the Parisian grandma aesthetic nods to modern elements, for some ‘je ne sais quoi’ – cliché intended. ‘This is an established interior design style, classical and chic but unafraid to blend a bit of contemporary into the mix,’ says interior designer, Benji Lewis.
‘So there are likely plenty of inherited heirloom pieces – Porcelaine de Paris ceramics, silver trinkets, the bureau of arrière grande-maman (great grandmother), and the obligatory pair of period Louis XV fauteuils (giltwood or in their original paintwork),’ continues Benji.
Then to lift the look, expect pops of new-age excitement through artwork; even if it is secondhand, it can add spark to the space. ‘Grandmère will be unafraid to showcase the occasional modern oil painting hanging on her Pierre Frey jute wallpapered walls.’
Benji Lewis is an established British interior designer with extensive experience working on residential and commercial properties both at home and abroad. Benji Lewis trained at the KLC School of Interior Design and worked for Bonhams Auctioneers and a major Interiors house in London before successfully setting up on his own in 2004.
It is unapologetically unaltered in many ways
Tom Parker photography for Benji Lewis Design
(Image credit: Tom Parker photography for Benji Lewis Design)
With that said, tastes may develop, without changing entirely, and this is something that is reflected rather well in the Parisian Grandma aesthetic. Whether that means styling a bookshelf as you first bought it or still only keeping house plants that were popular some decades ago. ‘Grandmère decorated her home very beautifully and expensively in a timeless style in the ’70s and has no intention of changing things drastically,’ continues Benji.
‘Grandmère will have books, showcased on a floor to ceiling bibliothèque and beautifully curated into categories covering topics from the study of plants to the writings of Molière.’ Everything has a deeper meaning and philosophical value, perfect to ignite exciting conversations.
It is polished but inviting
(Image credit: ©Francis Amiand for Humbert & Poyet)
It is not by mere chance that this style looks so put together, yet wholeheartedly welcoming. It is considered in many ways.
‘To me, the Paris Grandma aesthetic is collecting and curating pieces over time that have a history and story,’ adds Hannah Oravec, owner of Lawless Design. ‘I believe that it is surging in popularity because it makes your home personal, you are telling your story through pieces and time.’
Whether it’s a family photo or a travel trinket from the other end of the earth, the Parisian Grandma aesthetic might make a wonderful fit for those unique objects. ‘I love incorporating this aesthetic by mixing new with old. I will use more modern pieces and fuse them with vintage pieces,’ adds Hannah.
It is striking and architecturally fitting
Culture in Architecture – Beauséjour ©Matthieu Salvaing
(Image credit: ©Matthieu Salvaing Photography for Culture in Architecture)
Although the Paris Grandma aesthetic tells a story of past generations. ‘While the name might change, this is undoubtedly a timeless style,’ continues Noelle. ‘It has its roots in the historical design of places like Versailles and Petit Trianon that has accumulated over time and pieces that were designed to last decades, if not centuries. with each generation adding its own layer and updating over time.’
Speaking to the Haussman architecture and classic French style of a Parisian apartment, expect nothing less than intricate molding, standout lighting, and endless unique additions that echo the beauty of the city’s heritage. ‘The floors will be finished in original parquet de Versailles throughout and laid with antique rugs sized to fit the spaces perfectly and her rooms will connect en enfilade,’ adds Benji.
It boasts a select few family heirlooms
Lucas Soubigou-Marie for Benji Lewis Design
(Image credit: Lucas Soubigou-Marie for Benji Lewis Design)
To find decor that will blend with your style and your home’s bones, look to family heirlooms or locally for rare finds that pop. ‘Grandmère doesn’t shop second-hand for her Paris home, she inherited plenty of beautiful pieces anyway so she doesn’t need to,’ adds Benji. Combining old with new is one of the key traits of a home that never dates after all.
Whether placing items in a modern white bedroom or a cozier and more traditional kitchen, ensure they carry charm. From sweet table lamps to douse the room in ambient light to Chinese ginger jars given a second life as beautiful vessels, as Benji tells us, everything is humble yet grandly steeped in history with this style.
The Paris Grandma aesthetic is very in keeping with the design trends of this year. Not so much trends in fact, the styles gaining popularity this year have been around for decades and are totally timeless. 2024 is all about adding character and personality to a home and the Paris Grandma aesthetic definitely does that in spades.
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