With summer heat arriving early in London, bringing the effortless glamour of the South of France into your home offers a stylish escape. The upcoming fourth season of The White Lotus, now filming at iconic locations like Hotel Martinez in Cannes and Airelles Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez, highlights the enduring appeal of Côte d'Azur aesthetics. Sun-faded stripes, playful colours, sculptural rattan, and relaxed elegance define this design lover's paradise—and you can recreate it without a Riviera villa.
Embrace French Riviera Stripes
The stripe is the quintessential motif of the South of France, from candy-coloured parasols in Nice to café awnings in Antibes. H&M Home's Côte d'Azur collection offers an accessible entry point: the Côte d'Azur striped cushion cover (£6.99) paired with the Soleil throw (£17.99) adds layered texture to sofas or beds. For a bolder statement, Studio Atkinson's Alvaro Picardo Zig Zag lampshade (£475) reimagines the classic stripe with playful geometry reminiscent of Riviera beach tents. Pila Parasols, inspired by French Riviera designs, offers made-to-order striped parasols with valances in eight shades of Colefax & Fowler outdoor fabric (£1,995). Raj Tent Club's vibrant Riviera-striped day bed (£1,395) complements the look, while Jonathan Adler's Playa La Mer beach towel (from £73) and Christy's College, Cabana and Take Away towels (from £21) double as stylish home accessories.
Mediterranean Tablescapes for Al Fresco Dining
The Riviera style truly shines around the dining table. M&S Home's Coastal Icon collection captures relaxed entertaining with cereal bowls (£14 for a set of four) and a melamine fish picnic platter (£12), ideal for olives, grilled seafood, and market salads. Pair them with Coastal embroidered napkins (£14) for an easy-going summer tablescape. For a more elevated approach, Late Afternoon's large blue platter (£96) features rich cobalt tones typical of Mediterranean ceramics. Nic Britten's Lido tablecloth (from £155) provides a classic backdrop, while La Double J's Lotus of Life Disk coasters (£80 for a set of four) add glamour. Combining different textures and embracing imperfections creates tables that feel evolved over many summers.
Use Sun-Washed Colour and Natural Materials
The Riviera palette favours colours softened by Mediterranean sunshine: blush pinks, pale greens, terracotta reds, and faded blues. Natural materials like wicker, rattan, and woven textiles blur indoor-outdoor boundaries. Oliver Bonas's Vero pink rattan bedside table (£170) exemplifies this, with woven texture adding warmth and a soft pink finish evoking pastel harbour town facades. Stone is equally important; Ca' Pietra's Versailles Marble Rouge (from £144 per sq m) introduces rich pink and terracotta tones that reference the region's sun-baked landscape, adding depth to interiors.
Shop for Brocante Treasures
For authentic Riviera style, visiting local brocantes (flea markets) is key. Jo McPherson of vintage homeware store Soap and Salvation advises against a rigid shopping list: “If you are determined to find one particular item, you will spend the whole day looking for it, probably won’t find it, and you will miss all the other beautiful pieces along the way. Instead, let your instinct guide you and trust it.” Annalise Holasz of curated vintage art platform Hue agrees: “Things move quickly at these markets, and the best pieces rarely hang around. Go early, take cash, and have a plan.” Both experts recommend taking time to inspect quality, condition, and authenticity. McPherson adds, “Talk to the vendor and ask what they know about its history.” Holasz notes that minor flaws like dirt or small chips are often fixable: “Dirt can be cleaned, frames can be replaced, silver can be polished and upholstery can be redone. But major cracks, structural damage or anything that feels too fragile, I would probably pass on.” Haggle with confidence, but set a budget beforehand. McPherson warns, “Transport, restoration, rewiring or upholstery can all add up quickly.”
