Three Small Changes Will Make Your Kitchen Look Like A Stunning French Bistro

Turning your kitchen into a French bistro doesn't require expensive imported pieces or an entire kitchen remodel. You can transform your eating space into a truly chic and charming space that gives all the French vibes just by adding or swapping out a few fixtures. You don't have to hop on a flight to get the inspiration, just pull from these clever ideas and create a kitchen that brings sophistication and luxury to your home. Think bistro-style chairs, soft lighting like a cozy café, and art that instantly transports you and your loved ones to a Parisian eatery. Whether you're an avid traveler or just love this theme, it makes sense to add a few upgrades so that you can have an incredibly luxe layout to eat, relax, and hang out in.

Furniture can be one of the biggest players in changing a room's theme and style. If your eating space boasts an island or counter section, adding bistro-inspired chairs or stools like these Purple Leaf French country stools from Amazon ($239 per pair) will provide extra seating with French flair. You can find them in a variety of shades, and the woven material brings a light, airy texture that also adds dimension. If you already have moodier shades throughout your kitchen, you can opt for black or dark blue chairs or stools to make your darks flow, or tans, beige, and lighter neutrals will work with a variety of decor, too. For lower dining or kitchen tables, consider using industrial metal chairs that are also reminiscent of bistros.

Lighting is integral to making any kitchen functional and stylish, but by choosing fixtures that emanate bistro and Parisian culture, your space will become undeniably chic. The types of fixtures you purchase will depend on where you can hang lights in your kitchen. If you have recessed or overhead lighting, you can either add a few hanging lights like these art deco-ish Vintage Glass Hanging Light Fixtures from Amazon ($63.87 for one) over your island, or add wall sconces like these modern and chic Dimmable Brass Swing Wall Arm Sconces from Amazon ($63.99) to bring in the bistro-inspired fixtures that will elevate the room. Art Deco is very Parisian, so look for metals and designs that match this aesthetic to lend a hand nailing this trend. 

Don't be afraid to go bold with your lights, as they are meant to be statement pieces. Bistros and cafes usually boast artistic lamps with a bit of age, and warmer tones will create a cozy, intimate vibe. Keep that in mind when sourcing your bulbs, as daylight is too intense for this theme. When thinking about the color of your lamp fixtures themselves, try black, brass, and gold coloring that matches your chairs so you're bringing through the color palette for a more cohesive finish.

Lastly, artwork is a must for this layout. Whenever you go to an authentic bistro, you will find framed vintage prints that allude to the French aesthetic. Prints not only help introduce the theme, but also bring in color, depth, and a focal point that really pulls the whole bistro layout together in an easy, subtle way. A lot of these advertising prints are for food and drink, so they are perfect for a kitchen. These artworks can be hung around your kitchen wherever you have empty wall space, including above shelves. 

These can come from antique shops or second hand stores, or you can even order prints online and get them framed at a local craft store. Look for works by the famous French art nouveau artists, like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and try to find gold or black frames that speak to the art deco style, but don't add anything too heavy if you are working with a smaller space. Thin frames can still pop, just make sure to find one that works with both the print and your color scheme too, avoiding colors that clash or designs that don't fit the theme. While you might not be fully converting your house into a restaurant or bistro, these little additions can transform it into the chic French-inspired kitchen of your dreams, or at least a close version of it!