The New French Look: Interiors with a contemporary edge

The 'It Factor' - the French have it in spades. Discover how they apply it to their homes.

Trends comes and go, but one style that remains perennially popular is the French look. The French prioritise plaisir (pleasure) in their lifestyles and it's no different for their interiors. The New French look is spirited and fresh, layered but never fussy, effortless yet always chic. It uses elements of colour and pattern confidently to create an elegant atmosphere, but with a sense of exuberance. It references history, without ever looking stale and stuffy. There's a respectful nod to the past but, at the same time, the interiors are edgy.

Interior designer Lauren Li takes practical deep-dive into some of the examples of the New French look to discover what makes them so appealing. From the city to the beach, the country and the mountains, this first book in the Style Study series showcases leading interior spaces, unpacking the guiding principles the reader can learn how to achieve the look for themselves at home.

About the Author

Lauren Li is the founding director of Melbourne interior design studio Sisällä, born of a passion to create beautifully rich spaces reflective of her clients' context, lifestyles and individual desires. She has more than 20 years of experience across the residential, retail and commercial sectors. Sisällä's projects have been recognised by several awards programmes, including the Australian Interior Design Awards, and as a five-time finalist of House & Garden's Top 50 Rooms. Lauren is also a regular contributor to The Design Files.