Guest Post and Giveaway!: Tina @ The Enchanted Home

While we're busy unpacking and settling into our new home, I have some fabulous guest posts lined up for you this week.  Today's blogger is Tina from The Enchanted Home talking about all things kitchen. Be sure to check out her super-generous giveaway below!

Hi there, first let me say I am super happy to be here. I love Sarah, what a sweetheart! I am so happy for them to be moving into their new house......congrats! Thrilled to be helping her out and pitching in while she is away unpacking, organizing and making her house a home. Sarah, make sure you take plenty of coffee breaks (wine breaks after 5pm, OK I will be a sport....3pm)! When you think of a bistro what comes to mind? Something like the picture above? This look and its influence has become popular in kitchens all around the globe. No wonder, the iconic Parisian bistro is a timeless classic and if I were ever lucky enough to have my own little cafe/bookstore/bakery, I would want it modeled after this look. 

Its no surprise this look has also made its way into many a kitchen. When I think of a kitchen with a bistro edge, I think of rich warm woods, maybe black and white floors, white marble somewhere, anywhere! Fun and whimsical but not corny accessories, just a few not to be an overkill. Maybe something like a fun chef chalkboard or statue holding a wipeable menu, fun bistro towels, that kind of thing. Above all, a bistro kitchen is warm, inviting, open and ready for action. So lets take a look at what a bistro influenced kitchen might look like............... And to celebrate a bistro influenced kitchen, I am offering a small Bavarian bread board giveaway to get you started in creating your own little bistro. I own these in a few sizes and they make amazing platters  for crudites, cheese displays, crostinis....the sky is the limit! To be eligible, all you have to do is leave a comment here. The winner will be announced on my blog on Friday!

And here's how I display mine on a daily basis.....

Now moving onto the world of bistro kitchens.......

Love the lighting, the fun bistro bar stools, the pop of black on the island...the warm rich floors pull it together beautifully, Trad Home

The fun globe lighting and beautiful two toned bistro chairs make an elegant statement

Loving this idea of an actual chalk board panel in place of a cabinet, how fun! Pinterest

The black and white checkerboard floor and black and red accents lend a bistro vibe to this inviting kitchen

Steven Schubel nailed it with this very chic and sophisticated bistro influenced kitchen, this feel so old world and timeless

This gorgeous kitchen has a very sophisticated bistro feel....Beverly Ellsey

The lighter cabinets are another pretty option, and get the definite bistro vibe with the black and white checkerboard floors and open shelving, Traditional Home

Great energy in this cheerful bistro influenced kitchen, love the color and of course a touch of black does the trick every time! Squidoo

I would consider this "glam bistro", once again the black gives great impact, the brass accents add richness, the open shelving lend itself to the bistro feel, fabulous! Mick De Guilio

Now lets talk about the elements that might make up a bistro kitchen for the home. ......

Fun towels...with a touch of black make a perfect accessory (Etsy)

These pretty towels have a definite bistro theme but don't feel "themey"

I could see this sign above a doorway or above a range.....anything in French automatically sets the tone!

A fun sign can be a great way to pull together the look, keep it simple

A fun little guy like this is a whimsical conversation piece to have at the ready announcing that days fare!

Bread boards are not only beautiful looking but super functional for serving and cutting!

Bistro chairs....YES!

Gotta have an authentic bistro chair.....available in a rainbow of colors, these are just classics all the way! (HK designs)

If opting for bistro influenced china, make it something simple and elegant, like this one found at Sur La Table, this could easily be found at a chic Parisian brasserie

Yes, black and white checkerboard floors are the poster child for a bistro feel but aren't a must do, its a great look in both tile and marble...but warm wood floors or a warm colored ceramic/stone can give the same effect

There are so many lighting choices that could work effectively, a few that come to mind are this one, the Circa Yoke pendant

If you want to go bold....these stunning copper lights would make quite a statement!

As in Tommy Smythes gorgeous kitchen, an oversized lantern, the beautiful Belgian bluestone herringbone floors and black cabinets give this a beautiful bistro vibe.

I do love the idea of converting a cabinet or door to a chalkboard wall, brings in a little fun and whimsy and makes for a really inviting space

So....what do you think? Love it? Like it? I think it can be a great idea for a classic kitchen  as long as the "themey" things are kept to a minimum, I think one or two fun accents is just about right. Best part, there are no rules, you make them as you go along, these are merely ideas and guidelines. Think its a look that's here to stay and the next best thing to hopping on a plane and going to a real Parisian bistro....is making one of your very own to be enjoyed every day! Thank you Sarah for allowing me to be your guest today and to everyone for stopping in. Enjoy your day!