Features of the Parisian style
In the list of fashionable styles of our time, Parisian is the most popular. This is eclecticism, a mixture of trends in fashion, architecture, art. The lifestyle of people with fine taste, good manners and education.
Style history
Until the 19th century, medieval street buildings were preserved in Paris. Under Napoleon III, the reform of Parisian architecture began. The appearance of the city has changed. Signs of modern Paris:
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width of streets;
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location of boulevards;
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tenement houses with hotels;
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neoclassicism in the design of facades;
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mansard roofs.
Paris was lucky that during the world wars it was not completely destroyed. Streets diverge from squares like rays from the sun. Buildings of the 19th century have been preserved. These are 6-7-storey buildings with passages, inside of which there is an entrance to the residential area. Numerous hotels brought income to the owner of the site.
The mezzanine was rented by wealthy middle-class residents. The first floor was occupied by the shops of merchants who lived in rooms above the shop. The higher the floor, the lower the ceiling in the rooms. One or two mansard floors under a roof in past centuries had low ceilings and cost. But with the advent of elevators in homes, these floors have acquired special value. The most beautiful views of Paris are from the attic floors.
The facades of the houses are created in the neoclassical style. Rich stucco molding, columns, "French" balconies with twisted wrought iron railings, high windows with shutters a la Provence create a unique Parisian style in architecture. The light color of the houses is set off by bright spots of flowers on the balconies, fluttering striped awnings in the windows of shops and cafes.
This is how Paris appears before the eyes of numerous tourists. They take this image to their countries and often try to embody the Parisian architectural style in their native land.
Characteristic features in the interior
At the beginning of the last century, a clear layout was formed, which became standard. The living quarters were divided into zones:
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dining room, kitchen, utility rooms;
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bedrooms with bathroom and toilet;
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spacious living room;
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corridor or front.
In wealthy homes, there are two communication zones: for the owners and for the staff. The zones do not overlap, but go into the front room. If space permits, equip a back staircase with a separate entrance.
A Parisian-style interior presupposes freedom of expression, a mixture of design styles. But there are clear signs of the Parisian style:
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wall color - white, light beige;
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light parquet, laid with a French herringbone;
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fireplace with mirror in the center of the living room;
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high windows to the floor;
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glass interior doors that follow the shape of the windows;
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the presence of stucco, decorating windows, doors, ceiling;
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antique furniture;
- design art objects, works of art.
If the dwelling is two-level, then there must be a staircase. A wrought-iron, openwork, oval staircase decorates the interior.
The presence of good quality antique furniture in an apartment does not mean that the Parisian style is pure retro. Rather, it is the ability to combine classic and modern design. A distinctive feature of such furniture is rounded corners.
High snow-white windows are decorated with light, airy textiles. Drawings of textiles and furniture upholstery - graphic flowers, zigzags, spikelets, goose feet. Baroque armchairs enhance the Parisian chic feel. This style assumes the presence of bright, contrasting spots in the form of posters, works of European painting or bright upholstery. The color of the sofa upholstery "royal blue" organically matches the style.
The beds in the bedroom are located opposite the windows. The high headboard of the bed is reminiscent of the times of the French kings. Vintage mirrors in the bedroom go well with Art Nouveau pieces. These are floor lamps or design art objects.
A spacious bathroom with a window allows the owner to relax, lying in the bathtub and admiring the nature. The bath is located on a pedestal as the main object of this room.
Not every city dweller can afford to maintain a large living space and decorate it in a Parisian chic style. Modern people have become more rational. In recent decades, studio apartments have been popular. With the correct zoning, designers decorate a small area in a Parisian style. Using typical techniques - the right color, high-quality furniture, vintage details and many other features of style, the feeling of Paris is created in a small apartment.
Signs of style in clothes
Paris is the capital of fashion. This is a cliché that has been refuted many times by other European capitals. But the influence of beautiful streets, interiors, lifestyle has shaped the Parisian chic that many strive for.
Women in Paris do not pursue the luxury of brands, but rather appreciate the charm, style and natural elegance of the image:
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minimalism of basic things;
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required accessories;
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light makeup;
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elegant casualness.
Having a minimal set in the wardrobe base, Parisian women skillfully diversify their appearance every day.
True Parisians don't buy low quality fake items. It is impossible to tell which brand the Parisian is wearing. For them, the correct fit and comfort are important. They value convenience in everything.
Parisian women love to use elements of men's wardrobe. These are white shirts, fitted jackets, men's shoes, leather belts. They are very fond of ballet flats with tight trousers. The classic black jacket is combined with all the details of the image.
The predominant colors in the wardrobe are: white, black, shades of gray, beige, blue. They are in harmony with the color of the streets, the graphite shades of the roofs. Fabrics are preferable from natural raw materials.
A woolen knitted jacket with a wide neck is a sign of autumn Paris. A beige raincoat or trench coat with a casually raised collar completes the look.
The importance of accessories is not exaggerated. The Parisian woman will not forget to wear black glasses, a scarf or a scarf around her neck. Special requirements for bags. They don't carry cheap bags, preferring brands instead. After all, the bag is an outstanding part of the image.
Parisian women don't overload themselves with makeup. Do not apply a tonal foundation for makeup, preferring a powder of bronze shades for a tan. Powder, mascara and red lipstick are all a Parisian woman needs to get out of the house.
There is a natural, not deliberate negligence in clothes, make-up, hairstyles. A slight disheveled hairstyle does not create a feeling of neglect. The Parisian woman will not waste time creating complex hairstyles. Just tie a low ponytail or bun and leave the house.
Pastel or red nails on short nails complete the Parisian look.
Parisian style parties
Themed holidays for children and adults are popular. In order for your birthday to have a light touch of French chic, you need:
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invite a professional presenter with knowledge of the language;
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decorate the event area;
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prepare authentic costumes;
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order a cake;
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musical accompaniment.
The task is simplified if the evening is led by a professional. He has a program for the holiday, the necessary costumes.
The easiest way to celebrate a birthday in Parisian style is in a restaurant with a suitable interior. But you can also create the atmosphere of Paris yourself, if you arrange the hall in a suitable way.
The tricolor hall is decorated with white-blue-red colors. Garlands of French flags, streamers, paper lanterns are hung from the ceiling. You can't do without the Eiffel Tower. Cardboard turrets are placed in the center of the tables. It is important not to overload the design with a lot of little things.
When decorating the hall in Provence style, pastel beige and lilac shades are used.
The presenters 'and guests' costumes must match the chosen style. Often the presenters act as "mimes" with make-up on their faces.
So that the guests do not get bored and do not forget the theme of the party, contests and quizzes are held.
Competition "Montmartre" involves the competition of guests in drawing a portrait of the birthday boy or other guests. Quizzes on knowledge of France, dances to French songs, French menu are typical for Paris-style parties. An Eiffel Tower cake with candles for the birthday man will round off the party.
An army of designers are working to perfect the Parisian style. As one of them said: "The world needs Paris, and we sell him a fairy tale about Paris."