The Difference Between Modern Décor and French Décor

The Difference Between Modern Décor and French Décor

When it comes to interior design, there are many different styles, ideas and design concepts to consider, and it is easy to lose your way between interior designs. But when it comes to the differences between Modern Décor and French Décor, there are a few things that you can look out for. These are two interior designs that you can be sure you'll get right!

Modern Décor

Modern décor has its roots in the Scandinavian and German interior design of the late 1920s to 1950s. These designs are stripped back, have clean, non-fussy lines, and look their best in contemporary, modern homes with large open-plan spaces and light, airy windows.

The accessories that go with this modern décor style follow the furniture with clean lines. There are no unnecessary adornments or interpretations in this clean style. It is completely functional in its ideas. Modern décor follows the rule that "form follows function", so any unnecessary additions are not encouraged or part of the design. A vase with clean lines, such as this Modern Duo Tone Glass Vase, which is an accessory that would complement a modern décor concept

Color Schemes of Modern Décor

The color schemes of Modern Décor focus on light, airy spaces that bounce light around large open areas. The color palette employed is mainly neutral, with light color schemes in a range of hues from grays and whites. These are contrasted with reflective surfaces, such as chrome, steel, leather, and plain wood or veneer furniture and flooring. Fabrics echo these color schemes and feature plain, neutral colors with a recurring accent color. Modern art focuses on Scandinavian-style clear and clean landscapes or contemporary art forms featuring preferred accent colors.

French Décor

French Décor encompasses all those rooms of the late 19th Century, with designs that incorporate Art Nouveau and Art Deco. The French Deco style mixes both of these styles and early 20th-Century styles, too. With a backdrop of neutral, clear walls and ceilings, traditional and elegant furniture is arranged to display features that are decorative, gilded, and well upholstered with elements of antique and inherited furniture, mirrors and furnishings, such as this Arched Top White Wall Mirror.

French Décor Interior Design

Want to incorporate elements of French Décor in your home? Consider arranging your rooms in a traditional but elegant style reminiscent of a French country chateau or elegant Parisian apartment. Chandeliers, candelabras, bookshelves, and sculptures are an important feature of the French Décor style. Antiques and art in prints or lithographs are used to dress the plain cream or white walls. Painted wooden shutters are used to close the windows, and the polished wooden floors are covered with antique woolen rugs. You can’t go wrong incorporating touches of gold or bronze in sculptures or furniture to capture this elegant French Décor look with pieces like this Ornate Scroll Candle Sconce.

Flowers, Crystal and Fabric

French Décor includes unfussy arrangements of hydrangeas or country roses and flowers in beautiful bowls or cut-glass vases. Crystal is another important element of the beautiful French Décor look, and it ranges from crystal chandeliers to crystal candleholders, vases and porcelain dining room china. Fabrics are an integral part of the French Décor look. Search for hand-worked tapestry cushions or framed pictures of country or pastoral themes. Floor-to-ceiling drapes in plain pastel linens and silks complete this elegant but timeless look.

Modern Décor and French Décor

These two appealing interior designs are both attractive in their own way and have a lot of positive attributes to consider. Of course, it is essential to go with the style you identify with the most. Perhaps you have a modern architecturally designed home that would look great with modern décor. There are many excellent examples of modern furnishings and sculptures to complement the modern décor look.

French Décor would suit late-19th and early-20th century apartments or houses, and with the availability of Art Nouveau or Art Deco antiques and furnishings - especially those that have been inherited - this is a style that is easy to live with and replicate. It's particularly fun if you like browsing flea markets and antique shops or have inherited antiques or furniture.

The interior design of Modern Décor and French Décor both have great appeal. Modern Décor is attractive for current times and fits in easily with our lifestyles because it is unfussy and easy to live with and care for. Meanwhile, French Décor is stylish and elegant and brings to mind traditional, elegant, living. The wide availability of furnishings and accessories in both of these wonderful styles makes them easy to replicate.