How To Re-Create ‘Midnight In Paris’ In Your Own Home

Bring the feel of Paris in the Twenties to your home and live ‘la Vie en Rose’

Whether or not you are a Woody Allen fan, you can’t help but adore the main character of the movie ‘Midnight in Paris’. We’re not referring to Owen Wilson or Rachel McAdams, the real star is Paris herself.

Throughout all three time periods in the movie; the 1890s, 1920s and 2010, authentic Parisienne décor is front and center, and we couldn’t help but take notes!

“America is my country and Paris is my hometown.”

-Gertrude Stein

The best part about Parisienne decor is that it’s easy to achieve. Gather a few key pieces, play some Cole Porter to add ambience, et voila!

 

Recreate Gertrude Stein’s Atelier

Artwork, dark wood paneling on the walls and ceiling, and antiques of every kind: these form the basis for Stein’s original 1920s apartment décor, but you needn’t go that far.

Your den or library can echo the age and style beautifully with some carefully chosen artwork in gilt-edge framing, mirrors, antique brass lamps and dark-colored furniture. Each of these accents will give the appearance of being vintage (and expensive) without the worry about exposing a valuable piece to the wear of tear of pets and children.

ALICIA 401-761BK

http://www.whionline.com/products/Worldwide-Homefurnishings/wwhf/401761bk.html

 

The Parisienne Dining Room

If you have a formal dining room and want to give it a touch of Paris in the Twenties, opt for brocade chairs, ornate wallpaper, rich velvet window coverings and gilded mirrors.

A truly opulent crystal glass chandelier will round out the look.

Too much, you say? We say there’s no such thing! Parisian décor should exude shameless luxury. The idea is to design a dining room that makes you feel like you’re actually there, even if all you’re eating is grilled cheese.

PARIS II 403-856NL_2

Paris II Linen Chair

 

A Paris Café, Conveniently Located In Your Kitchen

If the dining room feels like a bit much, a gentler option is to create the look and feel of a Paris cafe.

Go with vintage looking cane chairs or a simple café chair like the Belize (shown below in two sizes) and a round table edged in metal. Add some wrought iron decorative features, and simple lighting provides the perfect backdrop. You can even get a wall sized decal of a Paris lamp post, to give the room more joie de vie.

belize chairs

 

Now add in a splash of color with dark red draperies or paint an accent wall mustard yellow or bright blue. All you’ll need is a bottle of Bordeaux and you’ve the perfect setting for date night at home.

 

Feel Like You’re On Holiday In Your Romantic Bedroom

The bedframe is key to a romantic bedroom that inspires to feel like you’ve flown the ocean to Paris, if only for the night.

A luxuriously padded headboard like the Upboard, shown below, is a perfect option.

UPTOWN 101-480D-IV

The UpTown

 

For your walls, frame high quality reproduction prints of classic works of art. The cover image from the movie that features Van Gogh’s Starry Night is a lovely choice.

Finally, when we think of Paris bedrooms, we think of rich, floral print (toile) bedding with ornate velvet throw pillows. Lots of tassels and crystal buttons will complete the look.

 

What is your favorite Paris look? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below…