We’re In Love With The Parisian Bistro Kitchen Trend

If Meghan Markle’s farmhouse kitchen isn’t quite the look you’re after, you might just fall head over heels for the Parisian bistro kitchen trend. Here’s everything you need to know.

Parisian Kitchen Ideas

Joseph Giles

Cow print decor and quirky retro interiors may be making waves in the world of interior design, but a more understated look has caught our attention: the Parisian bistro-style kitchen. Take all the most inviting kitchen trends (think coffee nooks, café curtains and banquette seating) and add a touch of French flair to create a truly charming space – and one that’s more than worthy of a pain au chocolat and a cup of espresso in the morning.

Forget sleek minimalism; rustic charm is key here. Just like any beloved Parisian bistro, the emphasis is on warmth and uniqueness rather than perfection. While you might want to incorporate sleek worktops and parquet flooring for some classic Parisian elegance, a bistro-style kitchen is all about the personal touches like antique dining chairs, mismatched crockery and plenty of framed photos on the walls. 

Sound dreamy? Here’s how to get the look.

Elegant Flooring

Any bistro-style design begins with one crucial consideration: the flooring. Parquet, of course, is the traditional French option – and it’s particularly popular right now. 

‘We’re seeing growing demand for parquet styles, a look that traces back to 16th-century France,’ says Christoph Wellekoetter, head of product management at Parador. ‘The chevron and herringbone patterns add movement and texture to an interior while remaining timelessly neutral.’

If you’d prefer a tiled floor, a simple honeycomb pattern is the way to go; crisp white with a black border will give you that classic café look.

Tom Howley

Café-Style Appliances

No bistro is complete without a few key appliances – especially when it comes to coffee. Whether you keep your machine tucked away in a pantry or proudly display your favourite mugs, a coffee corner is the perfect addition to your kitchen.

‘Integrating a coffee station within a bi-fold pantry creates a seamless and elegant solution,’ advises Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen brand. ‘A dedicated space for a barista-style machine, neatly organised storage for beans and teaware, and even a boiling water tap ensures everything is within easy reach – without disrupting the overall aesthetic. When entertaining, you can simply close the doors to maintain a clutter-free space.’

White Worktops

Sleek white worktops are a must in any Parisian space, and they’re also a good idea if your kitchen is on the smaller side. Mor Krisher, head of product design at Caesarstone, recommends worktops with ‘a translucent and luminous quality’ since ‘these surfaces attract light and reflect it with elegance, adding character and depth.’

@vincent_the_house / Caesarstone

Gold Accents

While you’ll likely be working with a soft, neutral colour palette in a Parisian-inspired space, a few pops of colour and some subtle gold finishes are sure to tie everything together. Pastel accents and countertop appliances will bring in some retro charm, while gold taps and cabinet handles maintain a sense of elegance.