How to Decorate With an Italian Cafe Theme

Leaning Tower of Pisa

An Italian cafe theme takes the coziness and the intrigue of an Italian cafe and brings a plain kitchen or dining area to life. This look is reminiscent of a cafe found on a bustling street in the heart of Italy. The transformation involves incorporating Italian colors, prints and decorative accents to recreate the look. The goal is to allow guests and family to feel as though they are enjoying an espresso at a cafe in Venice or Florence.

Things You'll Need

• Gallon or more of satin paint in either burgundy or hunter green shade
• Gallon of white satin trim
• Chalkboard or chalkboard paint (for chalkboard, hammer and nails will be needed) (for painted surfaces, painted crown molding trim can be used to outline the painted area)
• Café or bistro styled table and chairs
• Wooden shelves painted black
• White table cloth
• Wines of the world metal and tiled tray
• Three Pinot Grigo glass plates and plate holders
• Four Italian cafe themed napkins
• Four place settings with matching coffee cups
• Assorted Italian themed prints such as the Leaning tower of Pisa, Gondolas and Chiesea de San Marco
• One life-size Italian Chef Chalkboard
• Commercial antique espresso machine
• Copper planters and accents
• Small 8 oz red glass votive holder and votive
• Faux greenery or plants
• Lighted ficus tree

Instructions

1. Strip the entire room bare of all current wall accents or home decor.

2. Prepare the walls for painting by wiping down with damp cloth and removing nails or foreign objects from the walls. Fill holes or indents with drywall or plaster compound if needed and let dry. Apply a basic primer to the walls if desired. Apply paint and let dry completely.

3. Apply chalkboard paint to one wall or one portion of the wall--trim the area out with crown molding if necessary. A chalkboard can be nailed to the wall as a substitution. Write Italian menu choices, personal notes or favorite Italian quotes on the board with chalk.

4. Attach the plate racks and plates to the walls for decorative flair.

5. Secure the shelves to the walls. Add copperware and fill with greenery and floral accents. Use small accents like ceramic Leaning Tower of Pisas, wine bottles and metal Italian landmarks to decorate the shelves between the greenery. Fill in blank wall areas with Italian prints.

6. Place the Italian chef near the doorway to welcome guests with his chalkboard.

7. Set up the antique Italian espresso machine in a noticeable, but functional place. Accent the machine by surrounding it with flavored Italian coffee liqueurs.

8. Set the table in a corner of the room--preferably near a window or French doors. Lay the tablecloth on the table. Decorate the table with white desert plates, silverware, white napkins and Italian coffee cups or espresso cups. Light the votive candle in the center of the table.

9. Keep the wines of the world metal and tiled tray close by for authentic Italian serving. Light the ficus tree and place in the corner for subtle room lighting.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a basket full of fresh croissants and biscottis if desired. Place wrapped Italian chocolate candies on the saucers or near plates. Look for Italian inspired items at antique shops or thrift stores to save money. Substitute faux plants with real flowers and greenery if at all possible. Turn a small room or breakfast nook into an Italian cafe themed room. Crisp white sheets or lace curtains can be substituted and used for tablecloths.

• Use proper ventilation when painting indoors--especially in a small room. Use caution when using candles in this room. Never leave a burning flame unattended.

Resources

• Italian decor
• Crate and Barrel for tableware
• Soure for Italian Chef decoration