Parisian Style Mansion Tour: 5 Surprising Ideas to Apply Now!

Préparez-vous à vous évanouir (prepare to swoon/pass out!) as you enjoy this Parisian style mansion tour and (surprisingly!) score ideas to apply to your own interiors. Hey hey hey, bougie and anything-but-bougie francocentrique friends. The objective here is NOT to convince anyone a $17 million manse on the market and offered by Sotheby’s HERE has a look within reach. It’s 8,650 square feet of luxurious yet understated sophistication so c’est impossible. Instead, we’ll collect furniture choices, finish details and color story intelligence within this magnificent home.

French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

Photos: Sotheby’s

Parisian Style Mansion Tour: 5 Surprising Ideas to Apply

Curious about the particulars of this magnificent San Francisco beauty on the market?

Magnificent architectural exterior of Parisian hôtel particulier style mansion (2839 Pacific Ave., San Francisco). #frencharchitecture #frenchmansions #parisianmansion

Number of rooms? 17 (Five bedrooms and five and a half baths).

Magnificent architectural exterior of Parisian hôtel particulier style mansion (2839 Pacific Ave., San Francisco). #frencharchitecture #frenchmansions #parisianmansion

You’ll find a chef’s kitchen, four fireplaces (including a 16th century Renaissance-style showstopper), library, grotto, plaster walls, and hardwood flooring.

Elegant and architecturally magnificent loggia in a French inspired San Francisco mansion. #loggia #frenchchateau

The listing from Sotheby’s calls the home’s style “evocative of a Parisienne-style hôtel particulier.”

Magnificent architectural exterior of Parisian hôtel particulier style mansion (2839 Pacific Ave., San Francisco). #frencharchitecture #frenchmansions #parisianmansion

Hôtel particulier? That description is precisely what drew my attention.

Magnificent architectural exterior of Parisian hôtel particulier style mansion (2839 Pacific Ave., San Francisco). #frencharchitecture #frenchmansions #parisianmansion

One of my favorite parts of our stay in Paris was touring hôtel particulier wonders!

Opulent and ornate ceiling in a living room within a French inspired manse in San Francisco. #modernfrench #livingroom

What’s a hôtel particulier? Not a hotel, but rather a grand mansion in the city.

Parisian style mansion - let's go inside this elegant French inspired home in Pacific Heights - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchhomes #frenchprovincialstyle #parisianmansion

My favorite? Carnavalet which closed for five years of renovations shortly after I toured it.

Opulent and ornate ceiling in a living room within a French inspired manse in San Francisco. #modernfrench #livingroom

While these private manses certainly appear palatial to this peasant, not all are palaces.

French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

“The term hôtel was defined by Catherinot as ‘houses less beautiful than palaces and more beautiful than simple lodgings’ in his Traité d’Architecture published in 1688.” –UNTAPPED CITIES

French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

While 2839 Pacific Avenue’s classic French architecture is undeniably Old World, inside you’ll discover contemporary furnishing and what appears to my eye as MODERN FRENCH.

French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

Yes, indeed, it’s luxuriously grand like its asking price.

French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

And it is also comfortably livable inside with modern appliances and state-of-the-art technology.

French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

For example, the breathtakingly beautiful centuries old fireplace upstaging even the La Cornue range in the kitchen?

French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

It is equipped with a gas starter. (If you’re thinkin’ an antique French limestone mantel needs to come live with you, your first stop ought to be Chateau Domingue.)

Detail of pale brick fireplace in a French Provincial style mansion. #fireplacedesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

No. 1: Calm Color Palette Idea from a French Inspired Mansion

This first idea to explore in this magnificent French kitchen is the tranquil tonal atmosphere.

French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

Notice there is little in this everyday kitchen dining area that is jarring or saturated in color.

French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

From the beige stone to the white trim to the light wood floors, contrast is low.

French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

While the walls are luxuriously finished with plaster, a paint color that springs to mind for a similar warm white look is Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter.

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter paint color.
BENJAMIN MOORE Revere Pewter

Another possibility is a color I just used in a guest bath here at the new house:

Beige paint color idea: Clare No Filter - Hello Lovely Studio. #beigepaint #paintcolors #clarenofilter
Find this paint color No Filter (CLARE) Here

You guys – talk about fancy schmancy service! This Clare paint comes straight to your doorstep. I love that so much!

BTW. What do you think about the black stone used to top cabinetry in here? It surprised me yet felt consistent with a more Modern French look.

French kitchen in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #frenchkitchens #elegantkitchendesign #oldworldstyle #frenchcountry

No. 2: Modern Art & Contemporary Shapes With Traditional Architecture

This French home is a dream for a modern art collector as it is designed with art lighting and plenty of gallery walls.

Elegant modern French dining room in a French style mansion in Pacific Heights. #modernfrench #diningrooms

The tension created by modern abstracts or sculpture in traditional Old World spaces is highly intriguing and alluring.

Sitting room in an elegant modern French bedroom with pale neutral colors and luxurious finishes. #modernfrenchstyle #bedroomdecor #parisianstyle

Imagine how different the bedroom sitting area above might feel with an antique portrait above the fireplace and brown wood furniture surrounding it.

No. 3: Spare & Subtle Modern French Style

Oh this spare and sophisticated modern bedroom with its traditional French doors and shutters! Such restraint as far as decorating the space.

Elegant modern French bedroom with pale neutral colors and luxurious finishes. #modernfrenchstyle #bedroomdecor #parisianstyle

The subtle neutrals, simple lines of furniture, and sumptuous nubby rugs create a very hygge feel that is anything but fussy.

Elegant modern French bedroom with pale neutral colors and luxurious finishes. #modernfrenchstyle #bedroomdecor #parisianstyle

Just imagine if this very Paris-like bedroom was crowded with ornate antique furniture, shelves of objects, or gilded finishes.

Magnificent architectural window dormers in a bedroom in a Parisian style mansion in San Francisco. #modernfrench #frenchbedroom

While the bones and architecture are exceptionally breathtaking here, even without them, such unfussy simplicity would feel modern in a space with a traditional or vintage backdrop.

Arched French windows in a bedroom within an elegant French Provincial style home in San Francisco. #frenchbedrooms

Video of 2839 Pacific Avenue!

Go inside this mansion to see it for yourself!

No. 4: Timelessness of Plaster Finishes & Lime Washes

If you have never lived with plaster walls, you may wonder what all the fuss is about, but they really are allllll that and a bag of…

Funny meme chips at the bottom of bag too small to dip via quickmeme. #bagofchips #allthatandbagofchips

And both plaster and plaster-like finishes are becoming more commonplace. Curious about giving it a try? You could always start small!

If you live near Houston, you could give SEGRETO FINISHES a jingle! Their work speaks for itself…see examples HERE!

Segreto Impressions book with pointe shoes and glass beads - Hello Lovely Studio. #segretoimpressions
Buy the stunning SEGRETO IMPRESSIONS Here

Psst. This ultra-luxurious French mansion’s bathroom with its gold toned hardware and stone floors reminded me so much of the one in our Paris hotel room (Park Hyatt Paris Vendome).

Michele of Hello Lovely Studio in her Park Hyatt Paris Vendome hotel suite.
Bonjour!

Twin showers! As I gazed at this bath, I pondered what could possibly be affordable to get the look.

Let’s see…cremone bolts on grand double doors…nope. Out of the stratosphere soaking tub…non, non, non. Skylight…c’est possible.

Elegant, understated, luxurious bathroom with soaking tub in a French Provincial mansion in San Francisco. #luxuriousbathroom #frenchbathroom #modernfrench

Fine. About all I can emulate are those fluffy white towels in the shower above on the left:

But these aren’t just towels you’ll score with a Target run, kitties. They are the best ones I own!

No. 5: Cozy Study/Work Area in Kitchen

I can’t stop thinking about the beauty of this desk area next to that enormous fireplace in the kitchen. While an ancient kitchen hearth may be out of the question, creating a tucked away nook isn’t an impossibility!

Modern French work area of kitchen with rustic wood desk and cane chair (2839 Pacific Ave., San Francisco). #modernfrench #homeoffice

Another possibility is borrowing the color story happening…reminds me of this:

Ready to move in? For more realistic ideas from fancy French homes, SEE THIS.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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6 Comments

  1. Colleen Martin
    July 20, 2022 / 10:47 am

    I’d write a check today, but alas, it is in California. Everybody is leaving. Sell it to Nancy.

    • Michele
      Author
      July 20, 2022 / 3:58 pm

      I just want the fireplaces and the tub and some of that sunshine! 🙂 Thanks for reading!

  2. Amy
    July 20, 2022 / 11:50 am

    Definitely ready to move in!! The look I’m after…I might need to take down the gilded mirror in my bedroom though! Can’t improve on this in my opinion! Thanks so much for sharing!

    • Michele
      Author
      July 20, 2022 / 3:56 pm

      Thanks for taking the joy ride, Amy! 🙂

  3. Gail
    February 2, 2023 / 1:32 pm

    I love color, and lots of it in our home! But I also love looking at rooms like these, because I always take away some excellent ideas. The sparse, neutral spaces lose everything if one item is out of place, or there is any clutter at all. And for most families, living like that is impossible. So maybe a better idea for empty nesters?
    Thank you, as always, for bringing so much beauty and so many amazing properties into my life! I look forward to your posts so much.

    • Michele
      Author
      February 2, 2023 / 8:40 pm

      Great topic for a post! I have never written about where I hide all the stuff of living I don’t want to see. These images are styled to be clutter-free, but it truly isn’t realistic to live without the stuff of life, right? Thanks so much for reading and for the kind words.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing