Interiors

Say ‘Oui’ To Layered Interiors With Modern Cottage-Meets-Parisian Style

This eclectic style channels French flair with a cosy cottage twist — as seen in the artfully styled homes of Sasha Gattermayr and Zeb Nicholls; Gemma Leslie; and Ben Mooney.

Spaces that embrace this Parisian ‘lived-in’ look are full of collected, meaningful objects and effortlessly combine old pieces with new finds. Plus, they don’t hold back on colour, pattern and texture.

Discover the secrets to perfecting this style below!

Written
by
Bea Taylor
|
Editorial styling
by

Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks

Writer
Bea Taylor
Editorial styling

Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks

14th of December 2023

The French are known for ‘effortless’ interiors that balance sophistication with a calming, lived-in look.

In Paris this rings particularly true. Interior design in the city of light has a casual elegance, often peppered with art and vintage finds.

Modern cottage-meets-Parisian style takes this much admired aesthetic and amps up the cosiness with eclectic, layered interiors.

Most notably, when it comes to mixing texture, there’s no holding back. This means pairing a key furniture item, like a plush linen sofa, with pieces that have contrasting texture; such as a sheepskin armchair; a timber coffee table; a sharp metal lamp; and a woven rattan pendant lamp. And don’t forget textured rugs underfoot too.

Patterns and colours can — and should — clash. In the moodboard above we’ve paired a graphic checkered rug with a more traditional design, and for colours, think opposite sides of the colour wheel, such as brown and teal or mustard and blue.

Turn off the overheads, as lighting should be soft and come from multiple sources; table lamps, floor lamps, pendants and sconces. Paper shades are the perfect choice here.

Finally, finish the look off with plenty of art and objects that tick the boxes for all of the above too (colour, pattern and texture), we’ve chosen a small amber jug by Hay, House Editions Petal plate from Craft Victoria, Miro cushion by Citta and a beautiful artwork by Sally Anderson.

And, if you can gradually add in vintage scores alongside contemporary picks, even better!

Scroll down for more inspo!

Curtains are flat sheets from In Bed. Bead artwork by Camille Laddawan. Outdoor chairs from Ikea. Akari lamps. Wooden chest from The Mill Castlemaine markets. Rug from Etsy. Rattan chair and dining table bought from Facebook Marketplace. Vintage chairs from Nord Modern. Pendant light from Coco Flip. Custom banquette cushions created using Clark Rubber’s made-to-order cushion service and upholstered with Warwick Fabrics. Cushion from Citta Design. Coffee table from Kabinett in Kyneton. Photo – Eve Wilson

Shelves made by the homeowner using Plyco plywood. Akari light. Photo – Eve Wilson

Henning Kjærnulf Razorblade dining chairs purchased from Nord Modern. Artwork from left to right: ‘Flowers And A Trio Of Pears‘ by Gemma Leslie; painting by Tonee Messiah; artwork by Drez. Lamp from Curated Spaces. Photo – Caitlin Mills

Artworks from left: woven dilly bag by Maningrida Arts & Culture; painting by Martin Tighe from his Picnic at Hanging Rock series; bead artwork by Camille Laddawan. Akari lamps. Rattan chair from Facebook Marketplace. Rug from Etsy. Fluffy white hide from Ikea. Wooden chest from The Mill Castlemaine markets. Coffee table from Kabinett in Kyneton. Photo – Eve Wilson

Mud Australia ceramic water jug, cups and white platter. Green platter from Heirloom Tableware. HAY glass water jug. Corey Ashford oyster incense holder from Before March. Original painting (for the first Tart Magazine cover artwork!) titled ‘A Seat at the Table’ by Emma Creasey. Painting of Sasha by Pol McMahon aka Pol the Painter. Photo – Eve Wilson

Bookshelves sourced from Facebook Marketplace. Eleanor Louise Butt painting. Nuñez Rojas for Food For Everyone poster. Large artwork by Sally AndersonMCM House sofa. Photo – Caitlin Mills

From left: Atollo lamp. Green face vase from Waverley Bazaar. Bust sculpture from Facebook Marketplace. Collection of bugs in resin from Facebook Marketplace. Coffee table from Alke. Floor lamp by Noguchi. Leather lounger from Curated Spaces. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Spiral light by Noguchi. Antique bentwoods chairs restored from eBay. A lipstick mirror from the Tyabb Packing Shed. Second-hand Chinese screen and table. Chest of drawers from Facebook Marketplace. Candlesticks from @stilllifesouvenir. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Want to see more? Visit The Design Directory to discover our top picks in furniture, lighting, rugs and more!

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