Danielle Miller (pictured above) is the author of New Paris Style, a fascinating peek into the private homes of some of the most exciting creative talents in Paris. This is not the Paris you think you know - each of the 27 properties featured is an eye-opening glimpse into a modern approach to a timeless city. We talked to Danielle about why Parisians get it so right, so often. 

Did you set out to capture a new aesthetic with New Paris Style?
Absolutely, I wanted to give insight into these inventive, romantic, mostly unseen places tucked away in hidden corners. Naturally there's a touch of 'bon chic' and sophisticated, but the majority of the spaces, all belonging to creatives in various fields, are edgy and graphic.



Do you feel Parisians capture something distinctive in their approach to interiors?
Sure they do, and we're not talking Louis chairs, but the more urban, modern version that we uncover along with more thoughtful, colourful and quirky abodes.



Some of the apartments are small but the ideas and concepts are big – is that a noticeable trend?
Parisians truly have a knack for pulling the tiniest of spaces together, and they do it with sensitive understanding and finesse. The smallest space featured covers about 38 square metres on two levels, and it shines like a jewel. As for clever concepts, these in particular along with expressive use of colour were vital deciding factors at the early stages of project scouting.



Many of the spaces have serious designer pieces – are Parisians collectors at heart?
There's also a lot of amazing self designed pieces and artworks - it's a great manifestation of design on many levels. This is down in one way or another to each of the homeowners who live work and breathe the design world. Decor-wise, I was careful to expose as many styles as possible, and for the book to be as diverse a mix as the homeowners themselves.

I think anyone who has visited the city, and squints their eyes to distract from its monumental beauty, knows that it can be like one vast flea market. For the locals, browsing is a national pastime. That's also why you find great little buzzy bistros right where the market is. They take this form of foraging as seriously as they do dejeuner, and it's contagious. For all the years I lived, studied and worked there weekends were mostly dedicated to seeking out the perfect little find (or something like a huge Venetian mirror) to squeeze into my little pad that wasn't much bigger than a postage stamp...



Did you meet any fascinating creative people in the process of writing the book?
I was lucky enough to spend time with each and every one of the 27 contributors and found them all amazingly inspiring. They are artists, singers, chefs, designers, architects & illustrators, all with the same intense passion for what they do, which I think hugely reflects in their homes. That's what we tried to capture in the pictures.



What did you learn about decorating that you didn't already know?
So many clever tips and tricks but one in particular I've bookmarked on hanging artworks on mirror panel using industrial-strength velcro.

Images courtesy of Thames & Hudson. Photographer - Richard Powers.

Update: Congratulations to Deborah McBurnie, who wins a copy of New Paris Style. This promotion is now closed.