A well-designed kitchen island is a powerful element for elevating your kitchen's style and functionality. It can introduce fresh materials and improve the flow of your layout. This is perfectly exemplified in Amanda Seyfried's home, where a thoughtfully crafted kitchen island achieves both.
The Seven Veils actress's kitchen centers on an organic-luxe aesthetic, dominated by a palette of crisp white and the soft, light brown of natural wood.
This combination creates a strikingly bright and modern space that feels genuinely warm – a welcome antidote to the chill as the days get shorter. Open shelving above the stovetop prevents the area from feeling heavy, while a minimalist light fixture adds a contemporary touch, ideal for those cosy evenings spent indoors.
Shop the wood kitchen edit
Every kitchen benefits from a wooden board in some form – practical yet decorative. Whether displayed on a shelf or leaned against the countertop, it brings warmth and personality to your space. This round board is accented with a slim gold handle, adding a subtle touch of elegance.
For a touch of surprise, this plate and spice rack make a delightful addition to any kitchen. The timeless combination of wood and brass adds classic charm, while offering stylish, functional storage. A matching wood and brass shelf is also available.
When adding a new texture or material to my kitchen, I always start with the essentials. Slate and pepper mills are an easy, budget-friendly way to introduce an extra wood tone – I especially love the distinctive design of this set from Wayfair.
Seyfried's beautiful island is crucial to this positive design impact. 'The combination of wood and marble in this kitchen island is equal parts subtle and statement-making,' observes Kathy Kuo, an acclaimed NYC-based interior designer.
She adds, 'I love that it's a seamless fusion of two organic materials, and the result is so simple, yet your eye goes to it immediately. The neutral colors of the island allow for any pop of color – like the gorgeous light purple floral arrangement shown here –to really take center stage.'
The materials on the island work flawlessly both with each other and the rest of the room. 'The juxtaposition of wood and white marble is a design choice that balances warmth and sophistication,' says Nina Lichtenstein, a Westchester-based interior designer.
She continues, 'In Seyfried’s white kitchen, the wooden island stands out against the pristine white backdrop, serving as an anchor that grounds the space. The natural wood adds an organic touch, introducing texture and warmth that contrasts beautifully with the cool, smooth surface of the white marble kitchen countertop. This combination is not only visually appealing but also functional, as marble offers a durable and easy-to-clean surface perfect for food preparation and entertaining,' which is especially useful during the upcoming holiday cooking season.
Lichtenstein also notes: 'The island's wood tones are echoed in the light wood floors and the slightly darker wood stools, which feature black metal legs for an industrial edge. This cohesive use of wood creates a harmonious flow, drawing the eye naturally around the room. The kitchen’s design ensures that the island remains the focal point, while the surrounding elements – sleek white cabinetry, open shelving, and carefully curated black, white, and wooden accessories – complement and enhance its presence.'
While the pairing of white marble and natural wood isn't new, the unique execution in Amanda Seyfried's space produces a brilliant, unexpected effect. This sophisticated, grounding look is simple enough to be adopted in any kitchen this fall or winter.
