How to master Parisian bathroom décor

There are some things that France does better than anywhere else in the world. Cakes and croissants, for one. Sophisticated style in terms of dress, for another. But what we think is most incroyable is the effortless elegance of Parisian interior design. Cool colour palettes in opulent materials with an emphasis on natural light creates a clean and classic look suited to bathrooms of any size, while unique vintage notes add that je ne sais quois that elevates the room to the level of luxury. Discover how to master Parisian bathroom décor so you can create the ultimate French fantasy within your own home.

Go monochrome

For your base colour palette, stick with monochrome. Sticking with this enduringly popular bathroom colour scheme rather than following the latest trend means that the room will not date as it ages and will coordinate with the rest of the house no matter the overall theme. Introduce the Parisian vintage touch with art deco check tiles on the floor or one of the walls. For a French feel, ensure that white is the dominant colour and black is used for notes of interest such as taps.

Make the most of marble

While it comes with a significant price tag, marble is well worth the investment for achieving an authentic Parisian bathroom. Using luxury materials is key to creating that sense of effortless grandeur that epitomizes the design style. To get an idea of how the marble will look in a big space, you can visit a local bathroom showroom to browse mock ups and see the samples in person rather than relying on online images. For a truly luxurious look, consider using marble to tile the walls instead of limiting it to the countertop. 

Add old-fashioned features

Once you have your monochrome, marbled backdrop, it is time to get creative with vintage features. Recently, stand-alone bathtubs with old-fashioned clawed feet have been all the rage in bathroom design, and these fit the Parisian décor style perfectly. You can also remove bulky modern features such as shower enclosures and replace these with more elegant alternatives such as wet rooms. For those who want to introduce a touch of pattern, elaborate window frames are a unique vintage touch that will add a surprising amount of character to the room. You could also have a feature wall with a mural for a splash of contemporary colour. Just think unique – the worst sin you can commit in French fashion is being boring. 

Create a relaxation space

A full-blown sauna or Jacuzzi may be out of the question, especially if you have a smaller space to work with, but there are many other things that you can do to make your bathroom an idyllic place to relax in. Adding a seating area close to the window gives you a perfect reading nook after a leisurely bath. Alternatively, you could add a dressing table in addition to your usual sink and mirror to give you the luxury of a separate space where you can apply your makeup and style your hair.

Feature Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash