Friday, May 8, 2009

Characteristics Of A French Cafe

A French cafe provides a relaxing atmosphere.


Transforming a space within your house, or setting up a separate area to invoke a specific sense of style, is done by using characteristics associated with the design itself. A French cafe is a small pastry, coffee and gourmet shop which is designed and decorated to make customers feel at ease, comfortable and at home. You can use the basic characteristics associated with a traditional French cafe to bring a piece of European design into your own home. Does this Spark an idea?


Flooring


Changing the flooring in a kitchen, breakfast nook or small dining room is a first step towards transforming a space in to one inspired by a French cafe. Black and white tiled flooring or checkerboard linoleum is one way to impart a sense of French design in to the area. Using throw rugs to add dashes of color is another method of bringing the French cafe theme to life.


Furniture


Traditional French cafes utilize cafe tables and chairs to elevate guests up higher in comparison to traditional, low-rising table sets. Cafe stools with leather coverings are an option commonly found throughout cafes in Paris. Tall cafe tables, with wrought iron legs and dark wooden or tiled mosaic tops, add an extra element of French design to the space. One characteristic of a French cafe is the preparation area, which can be replicated by using a freestanding kitchen island for housing appliances, cups, saucers and silverware.


Wall Decor and Decorations


Chalkboards, in traditional dark green with white chalk writing, offer a way to bring a French cafe scenario right into your home. Use French words to write out daily menus or simple phrases in French. Additional room decorating ideas to bring the French cafe concept together include floor trees, such as ficus, with white lights wrapped around the pot and branches for soft lighting as well as hanging pendant lights above tables. A few framed prints or pictures depicting Paris, the Eiffel Tower or the French countryside are another way to bring a sense of French cafe characteristics to the overall area. Add cafe-style, short-length curtains to windows as a way to bring the hominess quality associated with a French cafe to the space and hang an inward facing red and white striped fabric awning if space is available for such an added extra touch.


Appliances and Serving Ware


Traditional French cafes are characteristically known for serving an assortment of pastries and coffee-based beverages. Including a noticeable coffee, cappuccino and espresso machine in the space is a way to grab people's attention to showcase the French theme. Additionally, opt for French-inspired cups and saucers in shades of blue, white, red and yellow. Cover tables with coordinating tablecloths and have available linen napkins in the same color scheme to keep the upscale, yet low-key vibe going.







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