The Paris Apartment: Romantic Decor on a Flea-Market Budget

In The Paris Apartment, Claudia Strasser, the founder and owner of the shop, offers readers the quintessential guide to achieving this romantic Parisian look without having to spend a fortune. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful advice, she shows readers how they can transform their homes into a living environment that reflects both their personal style and timeless French elegance. Laid out in the form of an entertaining diary, the book helps Francophiles define their fantasy home, find inspiration, select a color palette and use light creatively. She also includes instructions for making canopies and valances; advice on dyeing fabrics and restyling furniture; tips on budgeting; guidance on shopping at flea markets and auctions; and a glossary of terms. Color photographs throughout illustrate the ideas and techniques shown in the book.

As interest in the home experiences a resurgence, and as Americans become more careful about their spending, nesting has become the pastime of the '90s. People want luxury homes without spending a fortune. With its unbeatable combination of style and solid practicality, The Paris Apartment is a home-decorating guide to treasure and draw inspiration from for many years to come.

Having said that, this is a perfect book for someone who is especially creative and artistic. I already had an idea of what I wanted, and had decorated quite a bit. However this book really gave me a reference.

If you are willing to look, and are up for a search you can decorate for less the $1,800 but you do have to put effort into the hunt. Flea Markets, Garage Sales, Discount stores like TJ MAXX and Ross's if you have them in your area have been a wonderful source for me.

If you are a romantic and a dreamer -- this book is for you


Absolute must-have for the "posh" look on a budget.   July 11, 1998
jstoner@mindspring.com (Athens, Georgia, USA)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is by far my favorite decorating book. It is filled with more hints and tips to get that "jewel box" or "genie bottle" effect than any I've read. If you are creating a very elaborate, whimsical living space and need some inspiration...this is the book to get! This is the book to bring out the fairy tale prince or princess in anyone. Wonderful budget advice also. I love this book!


A Charming & very informative book....an inspiration too!   February 4, 2001
Rhonda (NJ)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This book is fantastic. I followed Claudia's tips and now have furnished the majority of my home with beautiful things....and very affordable as well. It's true...a little paint and fabric will go a long way. I am so pleased with the way things came together. I took before and after shots and WOW...what a feeling of accomplishment! I am disturbed that the previous person who reviewed this book referred to the author a hypocrite. Her opinion was that her store/website is expensive. Well, the book teaches us how to find beauties in the rough ourselves. She shares her secrets as well as her sources. What more could the average person ask for. Claudia has to make a living too.


Down to earth, gorgeous and practical   April 21, 2000
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I finally found a book that is down to earth and practically helpful. Instead of showing me things I could not possibly create like other "fancy" decorating books, this one gave me a new way to look at my own space and actually change it for the better. It shows before and after pictures that show you how even the worst spaces can be turned into dreams without spending an arm and a leg. I took the book to Australia with me and ended up having to buy 5 more copies for friends there that loved it and had never seen anything like it. Can't wait for the next one.....more inspiration please!