By Radonna Fiorini
Journal and Courier
Whether it evokes the urban charm of a Paris bistro or the Old World feel of a quaint Italian trattoria, the European cafe look remains popular in today’s kitchens and breakfast nooks.
Mention the bistro or cafe style and you’re likely to get differing opinions of what that means, but there are several decorative elements that convey the concept of a friendly, comfortable place to spend time with family and friends.
Perhaps the most recognizable element is the seating. Most major furniture manufacturers now carry a line of bistro dining sets, says Nancy Burns, co-owner of Design Nook Interiors in downtown Lafayette.
Bistro tables typically are taller than a standard table, 42 inches as compared to 30 inches high, and the chairs are more like bar stools. The extra height also makes them popular outdoors, allowing diners to see over a deck railing. These sets come in a variety of materials, including polished wood, wrought metal, marble, glass or a combination of those elements, Burns said.
Other standard height tables convey the feel by looking comfortable in the breakfast nook as well as outdoors. One set available at Design Nook is crafted of olive green wood and metal and folds for easy storage or transport, she said.
Painted finishes are popular for the cafe look, said Karyl Traeger, owner of The Green Door in downtown Lafayette.
Traeger received shipment of two bistro sets this week and sold one the first day it was on the floor. The set featured a tall wooden table and four stools with a matte black finish. The stool seats and tabletop were hand-painted in a stylized rooster pattern in bright reds and oranges with gold accents.
Matching trays, decorative wall plates and benches also are available in the line. The second set also has a black finish but features hand-painted fruit, another popular cafe theme, in designs that resemble vintage can labels.
“The look is still popular,” said Traeger. “These were very hot items at the January market, and I think these colors are always good for summer.”
Black seems to be the foundation for many decorative elements in this style. Tables and chairs, wrought-iron architectural pieces, wire baskets, plant stands and wine racks, picture frames and clocks are available in basic black. It’s the accent colors that seem to define whether the look is more French or Italian.
The French bistro look calls for
clean lines without a lot of clutter, said Stephanie Stephan, owner of Stephan Design Studio, in downtown Lafayette.
Strong, solid colors and more graphic artwork rather than fussy florals help define this decor, along with heavy hotel registry type silverware and big, chunky glassware.
A white tablecloth layered over a brightly colored cloth works well, and silk topiary bushes that resemble olive trees, grape vines or potted herbs add warmth. Don’t forget the chalkboard with the day’s menu spelled out.
“Bistro is a little more contemporary,” said Stephan. “It’s crisper and cleaner than country French.”
In addition to bright accent pieces, black and white pictures of European cafes or villas might work well in this setting. Kohl’s department store in Tippecanoe Mall carries several prints and photographs with this feel, all framed in black or deep brown with gold accents.
Canvas transfer paintings of European street scenes are popular at Design Nook because they look like original oil paintings and have depth, texture and an Old World feel, said Burns.
When it comes to accessories, Kohl’s also carries dessert plates, mugs and other dishes that feature bright cafe scenes, roosters, wine bottle still life scenes and the ubiquitous French chef with his pencil thin mustache and jaunty toque or beret.
Another option would be to add ceramic dishes, canisters and serving pieces in solid colors. A nice choice is a line by Square Nest with pieces in a pale avocado shade with black wire accents, said Joni Hipsher, lighting consultant at Lafayette’s Edison Lighting.
Edison Lighting carries home decorating accessories as well as light fixtures and clocks, and Square Nest offers several pieces with an Old World feel, Hipsher said.
Wine-themed accents remain popular and the store has a number of wine racks and black wrought metal pieces such as plate racks, chandleiers for use inside or out and regular lighting fixtures. Flower vases that look like vintage glass jars are perfect for holding a bouquet of fresh wildflowers.
And big, round clocks with Roman numerals and worn-looking faces also fit the bill. Several choices are available at Edison Lighting and Kohl’s, and a double-faced clock that resembles one found in an old train station can be found at Design Nook.
While many of these elements can work in the French bistro or Italian trattoria style, the Italians warm things up a bit. Pottery pieces in deep earth tones and rougher textures, lidded urns and topiary trees fit the bill here, said Design Nook’s Burns.
Italian pottery often features rich, deep reds, oranges, olive greens and blues as well as vivid, almost folk art prints. Some hand painted pieces have roosters or vegetables. Others, such as the patterns at Kohl’s with names like Italiano and Villa Bellagio, feature stylized flowers with rope accents.
Tapestries are also a good choice for the Italian look and wallpaper murals of street scenes and cafes are fun in either decor. Some of these murals are eight feet high and can go from floor to ceiling, others are designed to go above a chair rail.
Another option is a wallpaper window to add interest to a large wall. Shelves, window boxes and other three dimensional objects can be added, said Burns.
Such styles have a fun, young mindset and, if tall tables and stools are chosen, may not be particularly friendly to children or the elderly, said Stephan and Burns.
These European themes are being used primarily as accent pieces in local homes and the look can be streamlined for more contemporary decor or warmed up for traditional interiors, the designers said.
