The French Riviera has long inspired interior design and décor. From the sparkling blue of the ocean to the stark white homes dotting the seaside, this coastal paradise is the source of plenty of design inspiration. Like many trending design styles, French Riviera is marked by the merging of indoor and outdoor styles, and, of course, is inspired by the coastal landscape the area is known for.
This trend can be broken down into three categories:
- Neo-Classical
- Contemporary
- Mediterranean.
All three of these styles share their ties to the French Riviera but each uses the elements a bit differently. To make it easier for you to bring coastal French charm into your home, we’ve compiled all three styles and offered our tips on how to incorporate them into your home design.
1. Neo-Classical
Biyork Flooring
Neo-Classical French Riviera design is likely what someone would picture if they were to think about Mediterranean-inspired interiors. This design style focuses on pale greys, blues, and of course, white. All about finding the balance between luxurious elements and décor, Neo-Classical emphasizes open-concept spaces. An easy way to add a Neo-Classical edge to your space is by adding smaller elements, like hanging artwork or gilded mirrors, that tie back to the classic coastal French Riviera feeling.
This design trend also focuses heavily on dark woods, like ebony or mahogany, especially in furniture and flooring. Larger antique pieces, like dining tables, armoires, etc. are often a staple for true Neo-Classical design, however, smaller antique elements can also be a great way to freshen up your space without making any major changes. Neo-classical style can be summed up as the modern take on vintage French Riviera home design.
2. Contemporary
Contemporary French Riviera design combines elements from both modern and vintage Mediterranean home design. While much of the focus in Neo-classical design is on the furniture and décor, Contemporary design is more about the way that your space feels. Mirrors, windows, and the color white are most prominent in this style, as it makes spaces appear lighter and more open. Another reason windows and natural light are important facets of this design style is that they help accomplish the purpose of contemporary design, which is to merge not only vintage and modern but also the indoors and outdoors.
With light and open space being two flagships of the Contemporary French Riviera design, it’s no surprise that this trend tends to lean more toward minimalism. Though, even within the minimalistic tendencies of this design, there are exceptions, the most important being plants and other natural greenery. Incorporating plants help create the feeling of a blurred line between indoors and outdoors that this design style strives for.
3. Mediterranean
Emily Morrow Design
As the culmination of the two previous styles, Mediterranean French Riviera interior design incorporates the best of both designs. The color palette still focuses heavily on the color white, but it also includes other neutral, earthy tones that offer a stunning contrast to monochromatic spaces. There is a focus on larger wood furniture pieces, but typically only one per room or space, as the rest of the décor is used to compliment the statement piece. From intricately carved fireplaces to dark wooden four-poster beds, the focus of your Mediterranean design is entirely up to you.
Mediterranean style also leans heavily into the coastal feeling of the French Riviera itself, utilizing exposed stone, wood, and other natural elements to make your space feel like it belongs on the shores of the Riviera itself. To make it more your own, use rugs, curtains, and other textiles to add a pop of color. Beige-toned pinks and crystal blues are the perfect shades to bring in some color while also staying true to your coastal French Riviera design roots.
