See: Interior design trends – top looks for the year ahead However, if traveling to Versailles remains impossible at the moment, then fear not. We’ve selected our favorite interior style tips you can steal to bring the eternal allure of the Palace into our own homes.
1. Indulge in the upholstered wall trend
See: Traditional bedroom ideas – ways to combine tradition, luxury and comfort We’re not shy of admitting our support for the upholstered wall trend, but this extravagant craze is certainly nothing new. Enter the Grand-Baron-de-Staël-Holstein – Chambre – with its indulgent pattern and overflowing fabric, this upholstered wall which epitomizes modern maximalism – and stands as an instant fashion statement. And while we expect to see such elegance in Versailles, Arte (opens in new tab)’s Managing Director, Philippe Desart, suggests that upholstered walls, of sorts, can work in modern spaces, and with all budgets: ‘From light silks and satin to heavier fabrics like boucle, corduroy, cashmere or velvety chenille and suede, there are a number of real textiles, as well as innovative and clever imitations to suit all styles and budgets in both traditional and contemporary spaces.’
2. Bring rattan into the bathroom
Versailles may ooze 17th-century style, but that doesn’t stop remnants of the vibrant 1970s in the bathroom. Take inspiration from this bathroom and combine baroque charm with retro charisma by incorporating the material of the year into your bathroom with rattan furniture. Typically made from rattan vines, these pieces are often associated with the outdoors, but if Versailles approves of rattan in the bathroom, who can surely disagree? We can’t promise the rattan will look as good as it does in these northern French sunbeams, but we’re willing to follow its ultra-stylish lead nonetheless. See: Bathroom ideas – stand-out decor ideas for washrooms, ensuites and more
3. Create a maximalist match between your walls and furniture
We all know Marie Antoinette is the queen of Versailles, but we’re following the lead of the queen of maximalism, Abigail Ahern, who would likely set up kingdom in this extravagant bedroom. For an unrivaled celebration of this bold movement, choose matching wallpaper and fabric sets that will create an audacious flow of pattern throughout your space – and stand as a fearless statement of luxury. Plus, to replicate Versailles’s interiors entirely, choose prints from Maison Pierre Frey, who decorated the Château in patterns that pay homage to Marie Antoinette’s adoration for nature.
4. Bring a chandelier into your hallway
We can’t all bathe in the grandeur of Versailles’s hallway in our homes, but we can still replicate its elegance by crowing our space with a chandelier. This grand furnishing is somewhat expected in a space as glorious as Versailles; however, it is just as impactful in a hallway of all sizes and is known to create the illusion of space – so we have every excuse we need to invest. ‘Don’t be afraid to opt for a statement chandelier in smaller spaces,’ explains Jane Rockett, Co-founder at Rockett St George (opens in new tab). ‘Chandeliers come in a range of sizes but opting for a bigger, bolder design not only adds more light to the space but also helps establish a central focal point and sense of grandeur in smaller hallways and entrances’ she adds. See: Hallway ideas – stylish ways to create a welcoming first impression
5. Camouflage your doors
See: Wallpaper trends – the most stylish ways to dress your walls Despite being an essential feature of any room, doors can sometimes feel intrusive in our decorating scheme – so why not conceal them? Versailles has mastered the art of disguise by hiding doors behind beautiful prints that allow them to blend discreetly into the room. Play hide-and-seek in your own interiors by hiding your doors behind your chosen wallpaper, or opt for paint that softens the door without hiding it completely. If France is on the cards, rates at Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle begin at €1,700, including a private butler and tours of the grounds. More information is available here (opens in new tab).
