Modern French Interiors: Let’s Chat About Serene, Soulful Timelessness Now

It’s a romantic, refined, rustic yet timeless look unconcerned with TikTok hashtags or trending wallpaper patterns. The color stories emerging from modern French interiors I favor most? Whispery atmospheric pale tones glowing with calm ethereal quiet. At its best, European country antiques and contemporary forms combine to create lovely tension. Fresh flowers in a vintage urn seem more at home than floral fabrics. Linen, velvet, and natural materials often play starring roles. The Modern French Interiors below inspire and soothe the senses.

Modern French kitchen with rustic elegant design by Jill Egan and architecture by Kirby Mears. #modernfrench #kitchendesign
MILIEU (Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Produced by: Shannon Bowers, Photography: Laura Resen, Written by: David Massello)

While I’m no expert on this design style, I remain committed to its charms and mystique as a student.

Funny meme from Raiders of the Lost Ark classroom scene with student gazing at Harrison Ford.

Serene Modern French Interiors

Jill Egan’s Houston Home

My favorite designer, MILIEU’s Pamela Pierce, featured an amazing newly built home by interior designer Jill Egan and architect Kirby Mears in this 2019 issue:

Milieu magazine summer 2019 cover with red and white stripe dishes and green shelves. #milieu
MILIEU – Summer 2019 Issue

I have yet to recover from the beauty.

The thoughtful design details are simply transcendent. It’s not the sort of dreamy new build where you muse, “ahhhh, we could do THAT…”

Modern French kitchen with rustic elegant design by Jill Egan and architecture by Kirby Mears. #modernfrench #kitchendesign
Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Photography: Laura Resen

Rather, it invokes the sort of reverence and awe that whispers:

“Look at the care these hearts and souls took with precious, natural, timeworn materials to bless them with presence, love, and purpose.”

Modern French kitchen with rustic elegant design by Jill Egan and architecture by Kirby Mears. #modernfrench #kitchendesign
MILIEU (Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Produced by: Shannon Bowers, Photography: Laura Resen, Written by: David Massello)

The sense of restraint in the design is admirable. It’s one thing to make a million decisions as a private curator and quite another when all earthly grammers are watching!

Let’s face it. Creating an effortless mood is an exhausting process!

Modern French living room with elegant white mix of antiques - design by Jill Egan and architecture by Kirby Mears. #modernfrench #livingrooms
Modern French Country Inspiration – Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears

Contemporary Art With Old World Style

Perhaps that is why I also admire the subtle magnificence of art pieces collected by the owner. In the entry, a framed work by Lauren Collin is prominently displayed in the entry. The artist carved watercolor paper with a surgical scalpel to create it.

Elegant modern French entry in Jill Egan's home with antique wooden Swedish armchair, Kelly Wearstler stool, and art by Lauren Collin. #modernfrench
MILIEU (Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Produced by: Shannon Bowers, Photography: Laura Resen, Written by: David Massello)

Isn’t the work incredible? Simple paper is repeatedly pierced and transforms into something lyrically alive and soulfully energetic.

Emily Dickinson quote about hope on Hello Lovely. #hopequotes #emilydickinsonquotes

For me personally, the paper sculpture reveals nearly forgotten beauty from my past. Ragtime sheet music from a player piano the child me enjoyed in the 70s. French knot embroidery on a white linen curtain. An elderly next door neighbor’s slender fingers gliding over Braille pages. Delicate bas-relief on white iced wedding cake tiers.

Modern French dining room with antique farm table, Swedish apothecary chest, and crystal chandelier by Ochre. #modernfrench #diningrooms
Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Photography: Laura Resen

Artfully Designed Lighting

With a minimal approach to Modern French, lighting and texture play starring roles. This dining room chandelier appears to be an artful masterpiece during the day so I can only imagine the magic it brings to the space in the evening!

Modern French living room with elegant white mix of antiques - design by Jill Egan and architecture by Kirby Mears. #modernfrench #livingrooms
MILIEU (Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Produced by: Shannon Bowers, Photography: Laura Resen, Written by: David Massello)

As someone who blogs ad nauseam about paint colors, I would be gleeful to inherit plaster walls this warm and luminous.

Luxuriously sumptuous modern French bedroom with velvet and linen pillows and ring chandelier by Christopher Boots. #modernfrench #bedrooms
MILIEU (Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Produced by: Shannon Bowers, Photography: Laura Resen, Written by: David Massello)

The drama need not be minimal in a Modern French space!

Elegant white marble vanity in a modern French bath with gold finishes, wall mount faucet and design by Jill Egan. #modernfrench #bathrooms
Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Photography: Kerry Kirk

Perhaps my favorite aspect of a Modern French aesthetic is the intelligence required to successfully live with the look. For it to be livable, all sorts of everyday clutter and essentials must have their place. And such a place is often hidden…so I wonder if there are shelves for medicine, makeup, or potions behind that breathtaking bathroom mirror!

Hafiz poem "Dropping Keys" on Hello Lovely Studio. #hafez #hafiz #poetry #sufipoetry #sufipoems #spiritualjourney

More Jill Egan Designed Modern French Moments

Modern yet classic lighting designs can freshen traditional French country spaces that feel one note.

Modern French kitchen with rustic elegant design by Jill Egan and architecture by Kirby Mears. #modernfrench #kitchendesign

Trading heavy stained wood trim and mantels for light toned painted ones (or none at all) imparts a look that feels serene and calm.

Jil Egan designed interior with built-ins and fireplace. #modernfrench

Gilded iron and unlaquered brass work well with all of the cool greys and whites.

Beautiful bath designed by Jill Egan. #modernfrench
Jill Egan

Patina and texture elevate Modern French interiors so distress from age and use is very welcome!

Antique desk in a space designed by Jill Egan. #europeancountry #oldworldstyle

Wait. Patina?

Patina Rich Interiors from Steve and Brooke Giannetti

Because Brooke and Steve Giannetti know their way around both patina and modern French allure. If you haven’t already snagged a copy, this is their most recent book and a MUST OWN.

Patina Homes by Brooke Giannetti and Steve Giannetti (Gibbs Smith, 2021) book cover. #interiordesign #brookegiannetti #frenchfarmhouse
Patina Homes (Gibbs Smith, 2021)

If you search online for examples of this design dream team’s work (Velvet and Linen is a treasure trove!), you’ll find it often characterized as “rustic.”

Giannetti Home designed Malibu bathroom with rustic elegance in Luxe Magazine.
Luxe Magazine – photography: Lisa Romerein, design: Giannetti Home, styling: Erin Taylor, produced by: Lisa Bingham Dewart

But is that accurate?

Another label slapped on their beautifully layered, organic, Napa-Euro inspired romantic interiors is “modern farmhouse.” Also inadequate!

Giannetti Home designed Malibu bathroom with rustic elegance in Luxe Magazine.
Luxe Magazine – photography: Lisa Romerein, design: Giannetti Home, styling: Erin Taylor, produced by: Lisa Bingham Dewart

Freshened French & European Country Romantic Homes

I find their work to be gloriously timeless, timelessly romantic, and romantically unfussy. There’s a gentle grandeur permeating all those authentic layers of natural materials.

Breathtaking exterior of a French country style stone house exterior with arched windows and shutters by Giannetti Home. #modernfrench #houseexteriors
Velvet and Linen

Nothing appears to be showing off even when plenty of the design elements have every right to! I mean…a reclaimed stone mantelpiece like the one below likely has a rich history and made quite the journey overseas to its new dining room.

Dining room with modern French country style, handpainted mural with green, and antique French fireplace - Velvet and Linen. #frenchcountry #diningrooms #murals
Photo: Velvet and Linen

Yet it feels utterly at home, approachable, and humble yet refined thanks to the Giannettis. I’m so grateful they share “in progress” shots of their builds and renovations. I saved these next images a couple of years ago as they created a kitchen which felt very modern French to me.

Pavilion Gray (Farrow & Ball) painted kitchen cabinets in a luxurious kitchen by Giannetti Home. #modernfrench #kitchendesign
Velvet and Linen

The cool blue-grey of Farrow & Ball’s Pavilion Gray on the cabinets and steel never strayed far from my mind and is likely to make an appearance in my own “in progress” kitchen.

Pavilion Gray painted cabinetry in a pantry with glass and steel by Giannetti Home. #modernfrench #kitchendesign
Giannetti Home

That pantry designed by the Giannettis!!!! Doesn’t it speak Modern French in all of the best ways?

So many more examples of this enchanting design style I’d love to share! Let’s chat all things Modern French again very soon!

Beauty quote by Alice Walker on Hello Lovely Studio. #beautyquotes #soulfulquotes #alicewalker

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

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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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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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