Functional Parisian-Inspired Kitchens for Urban Homes

Parisian homes are admired the world over for their understated sophistication and unparalleled elegance. Many homes in Paris are incredibly compact yet supremely functional, which means this style of design can be easily transferred and replicated within urban homes anywhere in the world.

What are the Qualities of Parisian Kitchens?

Blending vintage chic with contemporary home comforts, Parisian kitchens typically feature plenty of high quality natural materials such as wooden cabinets and marble countertops, which will effortlessly withstand regular use. Functionality is key when working with particularly small spaces, so appliances tend to be compact and storage is maximised with clever cabinetry and open shelving.

If this style appeals to you and you're looking to infuse your kitchen space with a sense of Parisian sophistication, here are some design tips, tricks and ideas to consider.

Achieve an Old Meets New Aesthetic

Parisian interiors are often so successful because they achieve the ideal old meets new aesthetic, with timeless features incorporated in such a way that they never feel old fashioned. Finding the right kitchen cabinet doors is essential, and we recommend looking at Shaker style doors, which achieve the right balance between contemporary and characterful.

Our Bella Rowen doors feature clean lines, a flat central panel and a raised frame, which has a classic look that can be incorporated into any kitchen with ease. As well as a simple antique white finish, our Bella Rowen doors are available in a selection of neutral tones that align with Parisian style, including matt dove grey, matt cashmere, and supermatt taupe grey.

Your choice of hardware can also influence the overall look and feel of your kitchen cabinetry. While sleek bar style handles with a shiny chrome finish can be used to achieve a more contemporary look, a classic shell style cup handle in a satin brass finish will instead effortlessly amplify the traditional features of Shaker style doors.

Design the Ideal Seating Area

If you have enough space for a seating area, a bistro style table and matching chairs have a classic look that offers both practicality and the right rustic style. Alternatively, you may want to give your kitchen a slightly more contemporary look with the addition of a kitchen island and bar style seating.

Ultimately, the space needs to work with your lifestyle, so don't be tempted to choose pieces solely for their look if you know they aren't going to allow you to interact with your kitchen in the ways you would prefer.

Choose a Classic Colour Scheme

Parisian style is purposefully understated, and in spaces where superfluous details are often frowned upon, choosing a classic colour scheme will give your kitchen solid foundations. When space is at a premium, light and airy colours tend to work best; however, avoiding crisp whites is key to preventing your room from looking too cold and unwelcoming.

Antique whites and other light tones, such as cream, macadamia and cashmere, are ideal, and can be used throughout your kitchen with great effect. Keeping your walls and kitchen cabinets the same colour can give the illusion of more space; however, you can also experiment with different shades of the same colour to introduce more depth into your design.

Pro Tip: Choosing a matte finish for your cabinetry can help to give your kitchen the vintage look that Parisian homes achieve so effortlessly. However, if you want to go for a more contemporary look, opting for replacement kitchen doors with a light-reflecting gloss finish instead may turn out to be a better choice for your home.

Further Elevate Your Design with Chic Accessories

From an intricate chandelier to vintage herringbone flooring and a statement splashback, there are so many ways to accessorise a Parisian style kitchen. However, the key to creating a space that looks and feels balanced is to make sure that you're not over-accessorising.

Open shelving can offer much-needed additional storage in a compact kitchen; however, over-filling the shelves is a common mistake that can end up making the room feel cluttered and overbearing. So, when styling your shelves, try to leave some breathing room and allow the eye to easily admire each item you've chosen to display.

Pro Tip: Don't forget that you can also decorate your space with appliances, as a stylish coffee machine or beautiful stand mixer can be both highly practical and visually appealing.

Opt for Integrated Appliances and Smart Storage Solutions

Smaller appliances are often chosen for Parisian kitchens, as space is at such a premium. However, whether you need to opt for slimline options or have the space for larger models, choosing to integrate them into your kitchen will ensure that they don't disrupt the overall flow of your design.

As well as concealing a dishwasher and/or refrigerator behind the same cabinet doors used throughout the rest of your kitchen, we also recommend looking into smart storage solutions, such as pull-out pantries to optimise the functionality of your cabinets.

Pro Tip: It's essential to ensure that every cupboard, shelf and appliance you choose to incorporate has well and truly earned its place in a small kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What style of replacement kitchen doors should I choose for a modern Parisian inspired kitchen?

Ultimately, the cabinet doors you choose for your space should spark joy, and the good news is that both sleek and more intricate styles can easily be incorporated into a Parisian style kitchen. If your style is sleek and sophisticated, our soft-touch Ora slab doors in a supermatt cashmere finish can sit seamlessly against a luxurious marble worktop and characterful ceramic tiles beautifully.

What style of replacement kitchen doors is best for a more traditional Parisian inspired kitchen?

If you're looking for cabinets with a little more detail, our Waterford Slimline Shaker doors in a supermatt light grey or woodgrain cashmere can offer a classic look with a streamlined and decidedly modern twist.