It's certainly not uncommon for us to discuss the cabinet colors that are set to impress for coming seasons, but some encourage us to take the topic one step further.
Enter – Drew Barrymore, who shared a look at the kitchen in her dressing room at her eponymous talk show, featuring cabinets entirely covered in pink floral wallpaper. These are, perhaps, the most maximalist kitchen cabinets we've ever seen, and they're certainly not for the faint of heart – but designers say it's worth the risk if we're brave enough.
'The choice of wallpaper cabinets elevates them from mere functional pieces to distinctive design statements,' comments New York-based designer Artem Kropovinsky.
'The floral pattern, while specific to this setting, introduces texture and depth to the space. Given the industry's move towards bespoke interiors, this unique touch might indeed pave the way for a new trend.'
As Artem explains, recoloring our cabinets is one way to transform our space, but patterned wallpaper, such as Drew's, is a fresh alternative to a painted finish.
'With a vast array of wallpaper designs ranging from subtle to bold, this technique could cater to a wide spectrum of design preferences,' he says. This consequently opens the doors to new personalization opportunities and is an eternal talking point for all who may pass through our kitchens.
The paper in question is a vintage-inspired print designed by the actress herself, so it's no surprise that she showcases it so abundantly.
This pattern, inspired by the natural world, gives any surface (beyond cabinets) a dimensional look with little effort. It's designed to bring the outside inside our homes, in the most maximalist, beautiful way possible.
In all its glory, however, we admit there's a fine balance between creating a statement and the space feeling overwhelmed. So, how can we find the sweet middle point?
'It's key to offset vibrant or intricate wallpaper designs with neutral or understated decor elements,' Artem says.
Similarly, the designer explains it's essential to ensure our chosen wallpaper complements the other features in our kitchen (especially our island and walls) to guarantee a cohesive look and feel.
'Also consider how different lighting conditions will interact with the wallpaper, and use this to enhance the room's ambiance,' he adds.
It's important we choose durable, easy-to-clean wallpaper finishes because when so much of our space is taken by this pattern, there's no room for error. Drew's paper is printed on a safe, high-quality substrate to ensure it looks good for longer, but if we look elsewhere, we need to keep quality in mind.
And this paper isn't the Drew-designed product on our wishlist. These are our favorite picks from her current collection.
