Combining French interiors elegance and British interiors edge

As a French person who has lived in the UK since 2003, I feel influenced by both French interiors and British interiors. As an interior designer, this is an advantage as it gives me more styles to play with and opens my sensitivity to both nations and beyond.

Admittedly, there is no hard line — if French interiors are known to be elegant, it does not mean British interiors cannot be elegant, and vice-versa when it comes to British interiors being edgy. That said, I thought I would write about how I would design an interior with these two countries’ influence.

French elegance often shows up in proportion, symmetry, and a certain confidence with classical references. British interiors can bring texture, personality, and a willingness to mix periods without making the room feel like a museum.

When I design for clients in London, I often combine the calm refinement of French living with the warmth and character of British homes — layered fabrics, well-chosen antiques, and spaces that feel lived-in rather than staged.