An 'old money' aesthetic is currently one of the most sought-after interior design trends, yet actress Anne Hathaway and her husband, jewelry designer Adam Shulman, embraced the quiet luxury style in their Californian cabin retreat long before it became widely celebrated.
This home's distinctive Alpine style, which wouldn’t feel out of place in a charming Swiss or German winter fairy tale, reflects the owners' desire to celebrate the chalet’s storybook atmosphere.
Their choice of interior designer, Pamela Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri, speaks to this creative vision– Pamela was a production designer for films before moving into interiors, and a strong sense of narrative is central to her work in Anne Hathaway's modern rustic kitchen.
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Taking a cue from Anne Hathaway doesn’t require a major renovation. Her kitchen’s warm, storybook charm can be echoed with simple touches, like a beautifully carved wooden bowl (like this one from Target) that adds texture and character to any countertop.
One piece that immediately catches the eye on Hathaway’s shelves is her stunning blue vase. This rustic find from Wayfair is one of the closest dupes I could find, and it looks just as perfect outside the kitchen.
This pendant light features a captivating scalloped edge that adds a touch of vintage charm, while its warm brass finish mirrors the elegant metallic accents seen in this kitchen, making it a perfect statement piece for any space.
Delicately carved, this acacia wood fruit bowl echoes the one on Anne Hathaway’s kitchen island, making it a perfect addition to any empty dining table. Fill it with vibrant lemons and oranges for an effortless, eye-catching centerpiece.
Inspired by the German concept of gemütlich, which suggests cheerful coziness, the kitchen has an authentically Tyrolean feel.
New pine cladding, open shelves, and charming dotty sheer curtains introduce a rustic, rural tone, while the large range cooker conjures a hearty, familial mood – perfect for autumn and winter gatherings.
In a conversation with Homes & Gardens contributing editor, Juliet Benning, Pamela shared her fondness for the kitchen, which is often described as a fairy-tale space. ‘Anne and Adam wanted a really sweet kitchen,’ says Pamela. ‘It’s one of my favorite parts of the house, and it has a beautiful view.’
Similar to Anne Hathaway's space, farmhouse kitchens are seen as the heart of the dwelling, so creating a cozy and inviting environment is essential, especially as the days get shorter. However, since this is where all the culinary magic happens– perhaps baking a delicious pumpkin spice treat– practicality and utility are equally paramount.
A mix of open and closed kitchen storage can transform the heart of your home into a multifunctional haven, but you'll need to keep everything well-organized. Displaying items isn't for everyone, as it requires dedication to keep shelves looking smart and uncluttered.
However, kitchen shelving is an excellent option if you have an impressive crockery collection or are a keen cook who appreciates having ingredients close at hand.
Another fundamental aspect of the kitchen is color. While the modern farmhouse look typically focuses on neutral tones of cream and white, along with plenty of wood, there is room for color.
Anne Hathaway's kitchen cabinet color is a subtle green that whispers rather than shouts. When considering kitchen color ideas or farmhouse wall decor, make sure your hues are inspired by a gentle, natural palette– think of the soft colors of a spring garden or a summer meadow. That’s why we love a pastel hue in a kitchen. Pick the right shade, and they can be timeless – soft, subtle, and in some cases barely there, these colors add just the right amount of character without the risk of dating quickly.
In this quiet luxury kitchen, Pamela used a delicate green hue– one that perfectly complements the home's surrounding green landscape– to add lightness and character.
