The French basically invented the concept of romanticizing your life. They approach everyday tasks, from grocery shopping to applying makeup, slowly and with intention, and meals are treated like a full-on ritual. You’re unlikely to see a French person scarfing down fast food on the go; they’re more apt to spend a couple of hours savoring their meal with a glass of wine or two, even in the middle of the workday. This whole concept might seem foreign to most Americans, but that’s a key part of the appeal. And while it may be a while before the U.S. catches up in the work-life balance department, capturing the feeling of a luxurious meal in a French bistro is now within reach, thanks to the latest kitchen trend.
Decor and tableware inspired by French bistros are popping up across home retailers, and the internet is fully obsessed. After H&M dropped a collection of polished steel serving pieces and French-coded porcelain dishware, TikTok has been flooded with unboxing videos and green screen clips of users gushing over the pieces. Anthropologie also recently expanded their Bistro Tile line, which is inspired by the mosaic tile floors often found in Parisian restaurants, and launched a colorful new collection reminiscent of French sidewalk cafés.
“Thinking about French bistros conjures up images of café curtains blowing in the breeze, flaky croissants served on blue-banded porcelain plates, and the steam rising from a freshly brewed café au lait in a generously sized mug,” said Tom Magill, senior home stylist at Anthropologie Home. It’s a cozy, romantic scene that people are eager to recreate in their own homes. And with a few key pieces, it’s not too difficult to achieve.
How to channel the French bistro kitchen trend at home
The French bistro aesthetic is all about relaxed elegance. To help romanticize your everyday, choose dishware and serving pieces that feel simple yet refined. Stick to a mostly black-and-white color palette, with a few pops of classic colors like red or blue for a touch of personality. Materials like marble, brass, and polished silver will also help channel the upscale feel of a French bistro. But according to Magill, you don’t need to be too fussy about it.
“Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and patterns to achieve that effortless, vintage bistro vibe,” he advised. “Your table linens don’t need to match, your plates can be a mix of vintage and new, and the glassware can be a variety of colors and heights.”
French bistro-inspired kitchen decor
When a trip to Paris isn’t on the calendar this year, this chic kitchen trend brings the brasserie to you. From tiny espresso cups to elegant everyday dishware, here’s everything you need to recreate the French bistro look at home.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
