Coco Chanel’s living room is a jewel box of baroque style
Chanel’s iconic tweed suit made its runway debut in 1925, and it is still a symbol of timeless elegance 100 years later. Thus, as we consider how to create interiors that will never go out of style, the home of its designer, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, is an obvious place to look.
The fashion titan’s living room at her Paris apartment is a masterclass in baroque French decor.
Images of Coco’s 31 Rue Cambon abode from the 1950s show that it features large gilded mirrors, an oversized crystal chandelier, and a variety of intricate sculptures. Her famous Coromandel screens add a touch of stylish chinoiserie. Rows of books make the room feel simultaneously more luxurious and more lived-in. The overall effect is a stylish combination of baroque and 50s decor.
It’s evidence that Paris offers untapped inspiration for timeless decor. Though most people in 2025 might prefer their living rooms a bit less ‘Versailles chic,’ looking at these historical influences for modern Parisian design gives us a sense of French style in its purest, most luxurious format.
For instance, pieces like a patterned rug and statement lighting remain staples of the Parisian design style to this day. Baroque design, like Coco Chanel’s, is the jumping-off point from which modern French design emanates.
(Image credit: Rapho Agence/Photo Researchers History via Getty Images)
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Gemma Crystal Round Chandelier
Effortlessly elegant, this chandelier speaks for itself. The modern shape gives it an intriguing boho chic feel.
This set of three mirrors gives any wall a vintage feel. I love the detail and they are perfect for building a stylish gallery wall.
This beautiful mid-20s century bronze crane is the perfect antique piece to transform your home. It will look all the more elevated mixed with pictures from a variety of eras.
To transport your home into the First Arrondissement, experts recommend starting with a neutral base. Decorating with neutrals allows the bolder and more opulent elements of this design style to stand on their own.
Interior designer Charmaine Wynter explains: ‘Parisian Chic is a style that is most often implemented in hues of white with interior architectural detailing painted one color to minimize its visual contrast. Furniture in contrast to the, oversized and ornate molding, trim work, and old plaster walls, is modern and sleek.’
(Image credit: Cecil Beaton/Condé Nast via Getty Images)
Charmaine advises: ‘If you want to emulate this design style in your home, consider faux finishing walls to an aged plaster appearance, add a wide ornate border on the wall and ceiling, widen door frames and baseboards. Then install contemporary furniture with pristine, glossy finishes.’
If you prefer an understated look, more rustic styles, like French Provincial design, can be a subtler way to introduce the historical influences of France on design to your home.
Coco Chanel’s living room is a treasure trove of luxurious design ideas. To understand the trends of the future, we needn’t look further than the past.
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