Bring the Bistro to Your Kitchen

Do you hear that? It's the sound of an old Parisian record playing in my head. If you're not hearing it yet, take a look at these ideas for giving your kitchen or patio a bistro-like atmosphere. I'm guessing you'll be humming a similar tune in no time.

No matter what time of day it is, this kitchen–living area is ready to receive customers — er, houseguests. Because the kitchen and living room share quarters intimately, project designer Ili Nilsson says, "the dining area has to also work as library and lounging space, just like an actual bistro does."

The custom table is set with weathered oak stools from Ballard Designs. The interiors of the glass kitchen cabinets were stained and lime washed to closely match the stools as well as show off the homeowner's white china. A chandelier from Pottery Barn gives the dining area more prominence. The room is painted in Shoji White.


The team at Design Vidal created a spot tucked just off this kitchen that has a Moroccan-café vibe, with an archway and walls painted in Moroccan Spice. A sheer curtain provides a romantic backdrop to a table and stool set from Sweet Smiling Home, while a Sputnik Edison chandelier found on Etsy offers a charged elegance.


These homeowners take their relaxation and coffee enjoyment seriously. Why step outside to fight for a spot in an actual bistro when you've got this to look forward to every day?

French flea market chairs were reupholstered in Cabine Rouge fabric and matched with a salvaged bistro table. The bottom of the table was spray painted matte charcoal gray and topped with pine that was stained and varnished with a clear gloss. An antique Bukhara rug gives the space a warm atmosphere that beckons one to stay all day.

The art deco mirror above the side table was an eBay find painted silver and distressed. Contemporary bar stools add a pop of modernity to the mirror's vintage vibe.


A 16th-floor apartment in London overlooking the River Thames is a good place for a European-bistro-like atmosphere. Planter boxes found at an antique auction frame the view. Solid cast iron chairs from eBay were made comfortable with the help of thick cream-colored cushions. The table base, from a French antiques fair, is topped with a piece of marble that's covered in a tablecloth that can be changed to fit the mood, season and time of day.


This Canadian home features a bistro scene framed behind an archway that leads guests from the living room into the kitchen. An industrial-style bistro table invites them to pull up a bar stool from Moe's Home Collection.

A nearby window and silver Acquatinta suspension lamp hanging from a ceiling medallion make sure there's plenty of lighting, whether for morning espressos or evening aperitifs.


Even if your idea of bistro heaven doesn't involve cigarettes, there's no denying their association with the bona fide experience, as this painting depicts.

The artwork and its accompanying butter yellow walls serve as a background to a contemporary bistro set.


Marco Polo Imports made over this cozy wine and coffee corner to include the company's Felix chair, which is made from reclaimed wood and iron. It's matched with a Nelson adjustable table, the top of which spins to raise or lower its height. It, too, is made with an iron base and a reclaimed wood top.

The Varanasi screen adds visual interest (and has the ability to block any unwanted views). Its wood planks, reclaimed from old merchant ships and buildings, might have guests believing they're sipping beverages at a café in some European fishing town.


This corner table is reserved for romance, with its burgundy faux leather fabric adorned with nickel nailheads. "It's sexy," says project designer Steven Miller, "but practical. The couple has kids."

Ah, yes, kids need culture too. And whether they're sipping an Italian soda waxing about Impressionist art or making their own, they can do so in European glamour at this custom table. A 24-inch Carrara marble top sits upon a cast iron pedestal base that Miller found at a San Francisco vintage shop. A wall sconce from Policelli Lighting completes the look.


If you're looking for a café look that's a little more Scandinavian-meets-American-midcentury-modern, pull up an Eames molded chair to this three-legged table from West Elm for inspiration.


This porch bistro offers hints of French Creole, New Orleans style, thanks to the swing and delicate table covering. An iron table and chair set sits atop a large jute rug, creating a cozy indoor-outdoor space.

See more of this 19th-century farmhouse


Should you not have any extra room for a bistro corner or patio setup, you can still bring the European atmosphere home by simply adding your favorite bistro-style chairs to a breakfast bar, as everyday dining chairs or as accent chairs used in an entry or on either side of a buffet. Ooh la la!

Your turn: Please show us your bistro-like kitchen or dining area in the Comments section!

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