Ultimate Guide To Haussmann Style Decor

Haussmann decoration

Grandiose, chic, elegant, there is no shortage of superlatives to designate Haussmannian design. Although it is primarily an architectural style, associated with the city of Paris, the Haussmann style is also a decorative movement that we like to reproduce at home to revamp our interior. Easy to implement, it relies on sumptuous decorative elements such as herringbone parquet flooring, moldings, cornices, bases, classic furniture or a beautiful fireplace.

The history of the Haussmann style

The origins of the Haussmann style date back to the 19th century. Under the Second Empire, Napoleon III launched a major modernization, sanitation and redevelopment project for the French capital. This major project was entrusted to the prefect Georges Eugène Haussmann, also named Baron Haussmann.

Monumental urban planning works were carried out between 1853 and 1870. From a medieval city, with narrow and unhealthy streets, we move to a more modern city, with large boulevards, open squares, the multiplication of squares and green spaces as well as than an efficient sewage system. It is the birth of the modern Paris that we know today.

Characteristics and aesthetic codes of the Haussmann style

The emergence of the Haussmann architectural style gave way to large buildings that did not exceed 6 floors. Attention is paid to proportions. The buildings have the same dimensions for a harmonious and rectilinear whole. The magnificent facades are made of dressed stone. The Haussmannian project also provides for a well-defined social organization. The ground floor is intended for shops. The lowest floors for the richest (with balconies and decorations) also because there were no elevators and therefore the lower floors were a privilege. The top floors were for the less fortunate.

Inside, the Haussmannian aesthetic is expressed above all by the use of large volumes. The ceilings are high and the windows wide to reinforce this impression of grandeur in the room. In terms of layout and decoration, we can distinguish these different distinctive elements characteristic of this style:

  • marble fireplace
  • decorative plaster moldings
  • cornices
  • herringbone or herringbone parquet flooring

Revamp your interior in a Haussmann spirit

Taking inspiration from the Haussmann style to embellish your living room, dining room or bedroom is a great solution for bringing a chic, airy and distinguished side to a living space. It is not reserved for Parisian apartments and can also find a place in our homes. Here are some inspirations to borrow a bit of the Haussmann spirit at home.

Solid wood flooring

The first development to make in his room is the installation of a beautiful parquet floor. To respect the Haussmann decorative style to the letter, the adoption of a solid wood floor is a prerequisite. Imitation wood vinyls are also possible for those who have a smaller budget. Regarding the layout of the floor, we avoid the classic blades arranged lengthwise to prefer a more original configuration. Two laying patterns are recommended:

  • Herringbone or herringbone parquet flooring: diagonal strips
  • herringbone parquet: the blades are diagonal as for the rafters but this time arranged in staggered rows.

A beautiful decorative fireplace

The fireplace is at the center of a Haussmannian living room. Historically, it was used to heat homes. Today, the fireplace can fulfill this dual function of heating and decorating. A Haussmann-style fireplace is often made of marble, a noble and chic material. There are many different marbles that will each bring a sophisticated side (African, Carrara, black marble, etc.).

Moldings

Moldings can have that somewhat old-fashioned cliché. However, carefully added to an interior, they are superb decorative elements. And it is not the Haussmannian style that will say the opposite! They give relief and a worked effect in a room. We like them on the ceiling, in door frames, for baseboards or on walls for basements. A designer decorative asset with a touch of art deco that is sure to hit the mark in a high-ceilinged interior. For example, a delicately placed plaster cornice in the living room will create a beautiful visual effect and an elegant finish to the decoration.

Chic decorative items

Let’s not forget that the Haussmann style is chic and emblematic of an ancient era. We then bring beautiful decorative accessories to complete the decoration and the layout. As such, the decorations in brass and golden colors will wreak havoc in a Haussmann decor. It is also appreciated for slightly vintage and classic objects such as a large mirror with moldings or a trumeau mirror.

The wooden furniture, old or vintage, with beautiful ornamentation and carvings, magnify these rooms with generous volumes. Go for collection on homary.com! For the coquettish touch, a velvet sofa on a black or gold metal foot will create a beautiful contrast of textures and materials in the Haussmann living room.

Make a nice base

For a Haussmann decor, another planning tip is to create beautiful bases. It is a question of decorating the lower part of one or more walls of the living room, the bedroom or even the hallway. The Haussmann style is crazy about it. And that underlines a sophisticated setting. To achieve this effect, one can in particular play with traditional moldings in wood, plaster or even with painted polystyrene strips found in DIY stores. We respect the rule of ⅓ for the base and ⅔ for the upper part of the wall to be sure not to be mistaken. The idea is therefore to play on the reliefs, but you can also apply colors or patterned decorations to make a beautiful base.

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