How the Parisian apartment style brings elegance, intention, and meaning to small spaces
L’Art de Vivre is a French philosophy that celebrates the art of living well. More than an aesthetic, it is a mindset shaped by centuries of cultural refinement, intellectual thought, and an appreciation for everyday beauty.
As part of our exploration of global experiential design philosophies, we turn to France with this article to explore how the Parisian apartment style embodies L’Art de Vivre, particularly in small spaces. We'll understand why French interiors feel effortlessly elegant, even when they are modest in size or budget.
Let's dive in.
Sign up for my newsletter
I’m Wanjiku Kimari, an experiential interior designer and founder of Kaleidoscope Living. I believe our spaces should do more than look good. They should move us, tell our stories, and elevate how we live and feel every day.
That’s exactly what you’ll get from my newsletter - Beyond Aesthetics Playbook.
Practical tips, inspiration, and expert insights to help you design spaces that are aesthetic, functional, and experiential, whether you’re a homeowner, real estate pro, or in hospitality.
Here's what to expect every Tuesday:
- Bite-sized design strategies you can use.
- Guidance on applying experiential design in your space.
- Real-world project insights, style guides & trend commentary
- How-tos and resources to build confidence in your design choices
No fluff, just smart, soulful design inspiration, like this blog, in your inbox!
What is L’Art de Vivre?
L’Art de Vivre emerged in 18th-century France during the Enlightenment, a period that emphasised personal liberty, emotional depth, and cultural refinement. Living well became less about excesses and more about awareness, intention, and meaning.
Homes evolved into expressions of identity. Interiors were curated to reflect intellect, comfort, and individuality rather than status. As ornate Baroque styles gave way to Neoclassicism, French interiors embraced restraint, balance, and emotional resonance.
Objects were chosen for their stories and craftsmanship. A vintage lamp, a worn chair, or an inherited table became markers of lived experience. This philosophy teaches that a home should feel authentic and personal, not crowded or performative.
This can be a transformative design philosophy for a small home. Instead of trying to fit everything into a limited footprint, L’Art de Vivre encourages us to select fewer pieces that truly matter, allowing each one to shine.
Curation over decoration
To implement L'Art de Vivre interiors, you'll need to follow a simple principle: if something is well-made and loved, it belongs, regardless of price. A vintage piece can sit comfortably alongside a refined textile or contemporary artwork, creating a space that feels layered rather than styled.
This interior design philosophy can be effective in a small home or apartment. Instead of trying to fit bulky matching furniture sets, French interiors rely on a small number of impactful elements:
- One standout vintage or antique piece
- Neutral backdrops that allow objects to breathe and stand out
- Meaningful art pieces rather than excessive wall décor
- Textures that add warmth without visual clutter
When a space feels curated over time, it gains depth. The eye moves slowly, discovering stories rather than processing everything at once. This sense of visual breathing room is what makes Parisian apartments feel like quiet luxury.
Quality over quantity
At the heart of L’Art de Vivre is the belief that quality creates presence. One custom-built chair has more impact than several mass-produced pieces. A single original artwork can carry more authenticity than a wall of prints.
This approach aligns with the idea of investing in what you use daily. Items such as seating, bed linen, tableware, and lighting can define how your space feels moment to moment. Over time, choosing fewer, better-made pieces will result in interiors that feel grounded and personal rather than trend-driven.
L'Art de Vivre also values patience. The homes you see in magazines like Architectural Digest are not designed and decorated at once. They evolve gradually, allowing each addition to feel intentional and authentic. This slow curation builds emotional connection and long-term satisfaction with our spaces.
Effortless sophistication
French interiors never aim for perfection, but for a lived-in, relaxed, and authentic aesthetic. This creates a sense of effortless sophistication that is ideal for small spaces, where overly styled rooms can feel rigid or artificial.
Sophistication comes from subtle gestures: loosely arranged flowers, books left within reach, a throw draped naturally over a chair. Natural light streaming through generous windows enhances materials, making even simple interiors feel refined.
Imperfections are embraced. Patina, wear, and age add character and warmth, creating spaces that feel livable rather than polished for display.
Applying L’Art de Vivre to your own space
L’Art de Vivre, as a design philosophy, is not limited by location, size, or budget. Whether you live in a city apartment or a countryside home, its principles remain adaptable.
Begin by observing your daily rituals. How do you drink your coffee, set the table, or wind down in the evening? These moments are the foundation of your Art de Vivre because investing in items you interact with daily has a significant impact on how you experience your space.
Next, edit your space with intention. Remove what feels unnecessary and focus on enhancing what remains. Over time, small, thoughtful upgrades will become the outward expression of yourself, creating interiors that feel authentic and deeply personal.
Ultimately, L’Art de Vivre reminds us that true elegance is not about having more, but about living well, with intention, meaning, and pleasure woven into everyday life.
