10 Simple Parisian Kitchen Ideas You Can Try At Home
Ever walked into a Parisian apartment and felt that magical blend of elegance and coziness in their kitchens?
French kitchens have mastered the art of being both practical and beautiful without trying too hard. The good news is you don’t need to book a flight to Paris to bring that special charm into your own home.
This content is for general informational and inspirational purposes only. Individual results may vary when recreating design ideas in your home.
1. Open Shelving With Everyday Items
Parisians love displaying their everyday dishes rather than hiding them away. Replace upper cabinets with simple wooden or metal shelves where you can arrange white plates, clear glasses, and copper pots.
This practical storage doubles as decor, creating that lived-in, collected-over-time feel that makes Parisian homes so inviting. Just remember to keep things you actually use on these shelves – Parisian style is about authenticity, not staging.
2. Mix Vintage With Modern
Found a gorgeous antique cutting board at the flea market? Place it next to your sleek coffee machine. Parisian kitchens excel at blending old and new pieces without looking chaotic.
Hunt for one or two vintage items with character – perhaps a weathered wooden stool, an old enamel pitcher, or a retro clock. The contrast between contemporary appliances and items with history creates that effortlessly curated Parisian vibe that can’t be bought in a set.
3. Bistro-Style Seating
Nothing says Paris like those iconic café chairs. Add a small round table with one or two metal bistro chairs to create an authentic breakfast nook, even in the tiniest kitchen corner.
Look for chairs in classic black or go bold with a pop of color like French blue or red. The woven seats add texture while the metal frames keep things airy and light. This simple addition transforms morning coffee into a daily petit déjeuner experience.
4. Marble Countertops (Real Or Faux)
Marble surfaces reign supreme in Parisian kitchens, offering that perfect balance of elegance and practicality. Can’t afford real Carrara? No problem! Today’s marble-look quartz or even quality laminate can give you the same visual effect.
But without the maintenance headaches. Focus on whites and grays with subtle veining rather than dramatic patterns. Keep the edges simple and classic – Parisian design favors understatement over showiness.
5. Herbs Growing In Terra Cotta
Fresh herbs are essential to French cooking, and Parisians often grow them right in their kitchens. Arrange a few simple terra cotta pots with basil, thyme, and rosemary on your windowsill or countertop.
The earthy pots provide a warm contrast to white walls and marble surfaces. Beyond being practical for cooking, these living elements add color and fragrance to your kitchen. For extra Parisian points, skip matching pots and choose slightly different sizes.
6. Art In Unexpected Places
Parisians don’t reserve art just for living rooms. A small framed painting propped against the backsplash or a vintage poster adds personality to cooking spaces. Choose something that speaks to you.
Perhaps a still life with fruit, a black and white photograph of Paris streets, or a colorful food illustration. The key is keeping it casual, as if you simply placed it there temporarily and liked how it looked.
7. Classic Blue-And-White Porcelain
Blue-and-white striped bowls or delicate floral-patterned plates instantly add French flair to any kitchen. Unlike matching sets from big box stores, Parisian kitchens often feature collected pieces that complement each.
Start with just a few pieces displayed on open shelving or used daily. The timeless color combination works with virtually any kitchen color scheme. Even a single blue-and-white pitcher filled with wooden spoons can capture that quintessential French feeling.
8. Copper Cookware As Decor
Those gleaming copper pots hanging in French kitchens aren’t just for show – they’re workhorses that happen to be beautiful. Even a single copper piece can add warmth and character to your kitchen.
Hang a pot where it catches the light or display a copper kettle on your stove. The rich, rosy metal develops a gorgeous patina over time. French cooks appreciate how copper conducts heat perfectly, making it as functional as it is decorative.
9. Simple Linen Textiles
Swap out polyester dish towels for natural linen ones in neutral tones or with subtle stripes. French kitchens embrace the beautiful imperfection of linen – its slightly rumpled texture and ability to become softer with each wash.
A simple linen apron hanging on a hook or folded tea towels in a basket add texture without fuss. Unlike pristine American kitchens, Parisian spaces welcome materials that show signs of use and age gracefully.
10. Minimal Upper Cabinets
Many Parisian apartments feature kitchens with fewer upper cabinets than American homes, creating an airier, more open feel. Consider removing some upper cabinets and replacing them with a single open shelf or nothing at all.
This approach makes small kitchens feel larger and more connected to the rest of the home. Store less-attractive necessities in lower cabinets or a freestanding armoire. The visual breathing room this creates is worth reorganizing your storage strategy.
