How to Add French Style to Your Home

French decor is all about filling your home with meaningful items that bring you joy and reveal your personality. I once heard a Parisian say that they judge their friends more by the contents of their bookshelves than their career accomplishments. Additionally, you’ll always find locals at the brocantes (flea markets) on the weekends. Lucky for us, there’s no shortage of places that sell books, antiques and French-made home goods around town.

For Antiques

The Vintage Peddler (1432 E. Trafficway St., Springfield) seems to always have ornate gold mirrors, taper candle holders and beautiful plates in stock. For more of a French flea market experience where the vendors run their own booths, visit the Schofield + Gray seasonal markets (358 Hill St., Fordland).

For Books

Pagination Bookshop (150 E. Walnut St., Springfield) is one of the coziest corners in town. They stock the most beautiful book editions that will double as decor when not in use.

For Hosting

I love strolling through Commercial Street and popping into all the quaint shops. A visit to Sunset by Freeman Home (303 E. Commercial St., Springfield) is always a must. They sell antique wood cutting boards imported from Europe, handmade taper candles, French market bags and gorgeous plates and cups. The newly re-opened Springfield Mercantile Co. (326 E. Commercial St., Springfield) carries French linen napkins and aprons, and the flower bar at Serendipity (215 W. Commercial St., Springfield) is a convenient way to get a bouquet on a whim.

For Soap

The French are very eco-conscious, which is why I can imagine they’d love a shop like SOAP Refill Station (210 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield). Their offerings remind me a bit of a French apothecary. I love refilling my bottles of soap and lotion there and customizing them with essential oils such as lavender or rose geranium. Plus, they carry those beautiful square blocks of French utility soap.

For Perfume

French people love their perfume. The first time I visited Paris, I was struck by how you’d get a whiff of fragrance as locals would walk past you on the street. They are known for having signature scents for the perfume they wear and also for their home. Make your own signature scent at these places.

Perfume Yourself

The Ritzy Flat (431 S. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 106, Springfield) is a hidden downtown gem. They offer a one-on-one Perfumerie Experience, where you can make a signature scent. Think aromas like neroli, gardenia, pink peppercorn, black currant, tuberose and amber.

Perfume Your Home

Heirloom Candle Bar (400 W. Walnut St., Springfield) lets you customize and pour your own candle in downtown Springfield. If you have an old candle jar you’ve been saving, you can bring it for a refill on Thursdays.