The homes I love most are the ones that resist definition. They are not “Scandi” or “Boho” or “Modern French”—they are lived in, layered, and unapologetically personal.
As someone who infuses French flair with global inspiration, I believe in mixing design cultures with intention, so they feel like a dialogue, not a clash.
1. Start with one anchoring style
While blending is beautiful, grounding your space with a dominant base—whether it’s Parisian sophistication, rustic Provençal, or modern minimalism—gives your other influences a framework to shine against.
2. Introduce contrast, not conflict
Pair clean Scandinavian lines with bold Moroccan textiles. Place African art above a classic Louis XVI chest. These contrasts create tension that energises a room. It’s like mixing languages—you’ll find poetry in the overlap.
3. Respect craft and origin
A handmade Indian dhurrie, a Portuguese ceramic, a Cameroonian mask—each piece carries meaning beyond its beauty. Don’t use them as trends. Honour their origin stories, just as you would your own.
4. Let colour be your common thread
Even the most disparate styles can harmonise through colour. If you love bright, bold hues, repeat key tones across pieces. If your palette is soft and natural, texture becomes your ally.
5. Embrace imperfection
A home that looks like a showroom lacks soul. Mix eras, cultures, finishes. Let some things be mismatched. That’s where the magic is.
Belle & Cosy Interior Design: Bringing heritage to life
I recently worked on a French Provençal countryside home where we married French elegance with African soul and layers of lived-in charm. A vintage console table, framed by oversized plants in terracotta pots, became the heart of a hallway composition. We styled it with personal photographs, tribal beaded jewellery, a birdcage lantern, and sculptural finds, all beneath a bold Cameroonian juju hat. The space flows into a contemporary rustic lounge, bridging history, heritage and global energy. It’s not about matching—it’s about meaning.
If your home reflects many influences, let’s weave them into something deeply you.
