For the typical haut monde, French décor and style embodies the ultimate in sophistication. So if you looking for chic and a smidge of romance, your best bet is to go the way of the francais.

Let’s start with the living room. If you have a long corridor leading to the drawing room you might want to put up a series of mirrors with ornate frames all along. Your drawing room – being your piece de resistance – has to be special so make sure your curtains are flimsily chic, preferably of lace or silk, giving the room a delicate and feminine appearance.

At the centre of the living room a hand-carved coffee table – preferably painted white – would do wonders. Set down some designer books on it, and Voila! Your room looks classy already. Cover your walls with the works of the great masters (or their imitations).

A Raphael or a Gaugin over an ornate fire-place could give your drawing room that added zing. You could also, alternatively, hang a large gold-gilt beveled mirror. And if you want to complete the tasteful picture, do throw in a couple of high-backed Renaissance chairs with fabrics to match the colors of your curtains.

If you like having your library in your drawing room, do go in for a slightly ‘distressed’ French Chateau open bookcase with a pretty dome. If, on the other hand, you don’t want to show off your collection for fear of borrowers, not to worry. Put away your books at a safe place away from prying eyes.

You can still avail of the amazing open bookcase by placing items like flower vases, photographs and other artifacts.

Now for the dining room, the space where your family eats together. If you want to go ‘typically French’ there, you might want to place an oval-shaped French Chateau ivory reproduction (if the real thing is a bit out of pocket) with the classic six chairs – all of them high-backed.

A laced table-cloth and white flowers on a long-stemmed vase makes the dining space look absolutely ravishing. Or, if you want to go cheaper, you might want to place at the centre of the room a table prepared from wooden plank which is thick and sturdy.

The table may be accessorized with wooden benches or cane chairs with slatted backs. Other dining table accessories could include a wooden serving cart or a beautifully carved wooden breakfront.

Most dining rooms exist alongside the kitchen. In that case, you can let your imagination hold sway. If you are particularly ambitious, you might want to re-haul the flooring.

Some particularly sane ideas for your characteristically French-style flooring needs, could be ‘natural’ materials like slate, natural stone, hammered copper or simply terra cotta tiles. A fireplace built of stone would complete the picture. Your maison de la France looks gorgeous already!