First thing's first, research Rococo style. The art movement that dominated the 18th-century is what mostly dominated the grand beauty of the Palaces of Versailles. It has its own look, defined by the softness of the curves, the delicacy of the palette, and some ornamentation here and there. It's slightly similar to baroque style, only a lot lighter in essence and aesthetic. Just by looking at Rococo style, you can already taste the champagne that people of the time drank. It's all about evoking an expensive and regal look, backed by a certain romanticism, both alluring and engaging at the same time.
Perhaps the easiest way to really evoke the Palaces of Versaille in your humble home is to simply put in baroque wallpaper. These curvaceous patterns will easily remind you of the extravagant bedrooms that the likes of Marie Antoinette and Madame du Barry once slept in. You can easily imagine waking up with a few handmaids and butlers, read yo serve at your beck and call. However, covering all of your rooms with this wallpaper can become overwhelming. It's best if you choose just one room, preferably a common room, to over the wallpaper with. And remember, go for pastel colors for that exquisite Rococo touch!
If you don't want to go for baroque wallpaper, you can just as easily bring out the opulence with your furniture. As old-school as they may be, there are still some craftsmen out there who make ornate furniture, similar to the ones you see in the Palaces of Versailles. Think wooden dressers with gilded details. Sofa sets with curvature wooden frames and quilted seating. Beautifully sculpted wooden coffee tables with baroque carvings and marble tops. Though slightly gauche, that's the whole point. These are the types of extravagant details that will help you achieve that Versaille look.
When you went to the Palaces of Versaille in Paris, or watched any movie that involved the French Revolution, you probably notice that this famous site usually sparkles. Well, that's because of the many mirrors that decorate the monument. They even have a very famous "Hall of Mirrors," with doors and walls lined with the reflective material. And to get that same shining quality in your own home, put in lots of mirrors. But place them strategically that they don't look out of place. A good example is to put a large one right above your fireplace.
Want to add more sparkle to your home a'la Versailles? Add in a chandelier! Yes, it's pretty gauche to have one in your home, but if you want to emulate the famous palaces in your place, a chandelier is a must! Fortunately, there are still many furniture stores that sell chandeliers, complete with crystal details and gilded frames. And they come with their own lightbulbs too. You don't have to light hem via candles anymore. You can simply turn the switch on and let it shine and sparkle in the room. Preferably, it's best to put your chandelier in your larger and common rooms, like the living room!
You probably noticed by now that there's one word that's common in many of the tips already mentioned: gilded. But that is one of the secrets of Versailles. The reason why you imagine it sparkling and shining is because the place has a lot of gilded details. Even though the halls are made up of different colors, it's the color gold that will immediately come to mind when you think of the Palaces of Versailles. And you can just as easily recreate this illusion in your own home too. Again, go for gilded details, not gold-colored furniture. Think golden frames to hand your family pictures with, and the like.
Special pieces that may be hard to find but make all the difference are intricate vases. With their painterly features, beautiful details, and glimmering sheen, these decorative fixtures also help the room shine the Parisian palaces. You'll see when you go to Versaille or search images of it on the internet that many rooms have such intricate vases. Some are mostly decorative, others are used to hold flowers, while some contain potpourri and other items. You might have to travel to a lot of antique stores or flea markets to get the best but they'll be worth your money and patience for sure!
Finally, it's not enough that your home looks the part of Versailles, complete the vibe with the everyday items that you use. Especially your silverware. If you really want to feel like you're King Louis VI ruling over France, go for some shiny silverware for your kitchen. Beautifully detailed spoon and forks for lunch and dinner. Intricate teaspoons for when you have afternoon tea. And some nice shiny pots to keep your condiments and sauces in. Not to mention some shimmering trays for when you want to eat in bed or at the backyard!
If ever dreamed of seeing the Palaces of Versaille but you can't go to Paris yourself, don't you fret! You can actually transform your own home into looking and feeling like the historic site that once housed France's nobility! Keep everything fine and fancy!
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