HOW TO CREATE A PARISIAN STYLE APARTMENT

French interiors always seem to make my heart beat a little faster, especially modern French decor, with its mix of traditional mouldings, neutral palettes and statement artwork. And styling your home like a Parisian is easy once you know the fundamentals. The French are renowned for their classic style - the simplicity of the Breton stripe is adored worldwide, and the philosophy remains the same when it comes to interior design.

Obviously the French have beautiful architecture at the core of any design, with high ceilings, beautiful open windows letting natural light stream in and wall mouldings to make you sigh with envy. But it's the little things that really give the room that certain je ne sais quoi, starting with a neutral colour palette running throughout. A basic colour palette will help bring understated Parisian beauty to any room, and although white is the obvious choice, greys can work particularly well (see above).

Don't be afraid of mixing styles or genres. The beauty of modern French decor is that it's an eclectic mix of vintage furniture with modernism, inside a traditional property with the odd trend-led piece thrown in. It all seems to work so well together when it's stripped back and styled together in one space.

Inject some fun to the property, from colour filled artwork, through to unique and conversation-starting knickknacks you picked up on your travels. From sculptures, to jewellery, silver and gold trinkets to ornate mirrors, pair them with ease and create intrigue throughout your house. Layer framed photographs and paintings on the mantle piece, decorate the windowsill with vases all differing in size, and hang an impressive chandelier in the middle of the room to create a real statement.

Finally texture is key - invest in a rug or two. French apartments always seem to have the most beautiful herringbone parquet flooring (a dream of mine, although living by myself I feel like I'll need a lot more than my pink Ikea tool box and some Engelbert Strauss workwear to be able to lay something like this), but with a bold or printed rug, it offers a great contrast to understated walls - as well as giving your neighbours some rest from the footstep on wooden floors.

Is a modern French interior something you'd love to replicate? Personally I'm completely in love but I'd love to know what you think.