Until recently, I always saw white kitchens as a little boring. Kitchens feel clinical enough, but paired with white walls or cabinetry, I was convinced they'd feel even more stark. My stance on this changed, however, when I laid eyes on Anne Hathaway's modern cooking space that entirely reinvents the meaning of the once-boring white.
I have to admit, I'd never seen anything quite like the modern kitchen in Anne's New York City townhouse. It feels so serene and airy, from the floating shelves to the open skylight, the kitchen is light-filled and surprisingly inviting for an all-white space.
Anne's kitchen proves that white doesn't have to be bland; it can be just as inviting as warmer colors, provided it's balanced with the right pieces.
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Anne's kitchen shelves are filled with beautiful handmade ceramics, and I've found some similar picks that feel equally as delicate and contemporary.
With its elegant neck and organic finish, this tall ceramic vase will give any shelf an enduring sophistication. Pair it with some rustic tableware for the ultimate contemporary-inspired display.
Anne stacks rustic stone plates on her kitchen shelves, much like the Selene style from CB2. Organic in shape, they're a modern kitchen essential.
With its footed base and subtle glaze, the Turmont bowl will make all the difference to your kitchen. Fill it with fruit and position it on your dining table for a dose of luxury.
Designed by Gramercy Design, it's clear that the studio considered all the ways to ensure a white kitchen isn't boring. From the contemporary ceramics to the bespoke brass ladder that adds to the kitchen's luxurious feel, these small but mighty details transform the space into a work of art.
It's not just the decorative touches that give the space depth; the parquet wooden floor and the marble kitchen countertops create just the right amount of warmth to balance out the all-white kitchen. I was once sceptical about using white paint in a cooking space, but in cases like Anne's, it's just what the room needs to match the contemporary, soothing vibe.
Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore, explains, 'Transcendent and timeless, white’s versatility is unrivalled and is one of the many reasons it continues to be a popular choice in kitchens for people seeking a minimalistic and uncluttered look. Whites with red or yellow undertones, such as White Dove OC-17, will avoid the clinical feel of a pure brilliant white, while still creating a clean look. For a similar warmth, an off-white such as Hazy Skies OC-48 will ooze comfort in a classy and effortless way.'
Helen adds, 'When working with smaller kitchens, opting for a shade of white is a safe and easy option as lighter colours tend to make a space feel bigger.'
I've completely changed my stance on white kitchens now I've seen Anne's breathtakingly soothing cooking space. It's sophisticated, tranquil, and exciting, and proves that white doesn't have to feel mundane.
