Photo by Joanna Maclennan
Decluttering may have gained global attention through tidying trends and minimalist home tours, but the French have long been quietly perfecting their own approach to pared-back interiors. For them, the secret behind a serene home isn’t about obsessively organizing or achieving a stark, empty space; it’s about expert curation.
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French homes — from sleek Parisian apartments to comfortable countryside cottages — are filled with life, personality and purpose. Decluttering in this context is an act of refinement, rooted in craftsmanship and practicality. Every basket, armoire and heirloom should carry intention, as well as being beautifully made. It’s less about what you remove and more about what you choose to keep.
From seasonal swaps to mindful mannerisms, here’s how to adopt this uniquely French way of simplifying your space without losing its soul.
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1. Fewer, Better Things


Decluttering isn’t just about letting go; it’s about being intentional with what you bring in. The French are famously selective shoppers, preferring a single exquisite find over a dozen forgettable ones. Before purchasing anything new, ask: Does this enhance my home or dilute its personality? If the answer is the latter, let it pass.
Embrace this artful approach, and your home will soon feel lighter and lovelier — as well as uniquely yours. Remember, every item in your home should tell a story, whether it’s a hand-thrown pottery bowl or a beautifully framed antique painting.



2. Embrace the Space


In French design, space is as important as the objects within it. A stretch of exposed parquet flooring or an empty corner of a marble countertop is not a missed opportunity — it’s an invitation to enjoy the quiet craftsmanship found throughout French homes. Clutter diminishes this sense of elegance. For a sleek French look, try clearing your dining table and leaving only a single statement object, or a minimal curation of antique finds. Wicker baskets can also be utilised to tuck away stray objects, from scarves to magazines and tv remotes, leaving surfaces calm and unencumbered.



3. Make Mindful Additions


The French have a knack for honoring sentimentality without being imprisoned by it. Meaningful items — such as a grandmother’s enamel jewelry box, or vintage postcards from Provence — are not hidden away, but have an important and prominent place in French homes. Too many sentimental objects, however, can create visual noise. To prevent these items from becoming clutter, rotate your treasures seasonally and group a choice selection on a sideboard or mantle. Anything else can be carefully stored in an antique trunk or dresser, ready for rediscovery when the time is right.



4. Invest in Show-Stopping Storage


Storage isn’t just functional in French homes — it’s decorative. A Louis XV-style armoire, with intricate carvings and warm patina, can double as a wardrobe or a linen cupboard. Handwoven cloth or seagrass baskets are perfect for keeping everyday items accessible yet out of sight. Open shelving in kitchens and dining rooms is often used to turn practical necessities into visual delights, such as stacks of white porcelain plates or rows of terracotta herb jars from Provence. When storage solutions are beautiful, staying organized feels less like a chore and more like second nature.



5. Rotate Seasonally


Finally, the French embrace the rhythm of the seasons, and their homes reflect this ebb and flow. Winter’s heavy blankets and velvet cushions are carefully stored away in drawers come spring, perhaps with a few lavender-scented sachets tucked with them. Summertime linens and seasonal accessories like straw hats or gardening tools are brought out in their place and displayed thoughtfully. This practice not only frees up space but also refreshes the style of your home with every passing season.


