When Martha Stewart set out to decorate her Westport studio kitchen, she encountered two familiar design challenges that anyone planning a kitchen wall display might recognize. One was how to fill an awkward, empty wall that faced the full heat of her stove; the other, how to showcase her growing collection of antique rolling pins – a thoughtful Christmas gift from a friend – without cluttering the space.
In quintessential Martha fashion, she dreamed up an elegant, architectural solution that solved both problems beautifully. The result was a striking rolling pin display that turned practical kitchen storage into art. Decades later, it remains a masterclass in personal, functional kitchen wall decor – proving that thoughtful design never goes out of style.
Martha’s rolling pin collection case is arguably the most unconventional – yet wonderfully practical – wall covering in celebrity homes. While this rustic wall decor idea feels entirely unique to her, the underlying principle of transforming utility into art is universally applicable in every contemporary kitchen. The look has impressed through decades and, given the current demand for bespoke craftsmanship and authentic charm, we can expect its influence to endure well into the future.
Martha explains the complex challenges she faced in her own words: ‘While we were working on this kitchen, there was a dilemma – maybe several dilemmas. One was to figure out what to put on this wall above our Aga cooker. It’s a hard wall because there is a hot stove underneath, so what could we put on the wall that wouldn’t get too dusty, would be appealing and attractive, and not be ruined by the heat? That’s one dilemma.’
The solution arrived through a Christmas gift and a specialist consultation: ‘Another dilemma is that Pat and Richard, my friends at Consignment in Westport, one of my favourite confinement shops, gave me for Christmas a large collection of wooden rolling pins, but I didn’t know what to do with such a large collection, so I called up Terry Zeidel who specializes in kitchen collectibles. She gave me her expert opinion on each antique pin and its use. Then we worked with Tom in our style department, and he actually constructed this wonderful framed box.’
Martha details the craftsmanship of the custom shadow box, built from three-quarter-inch pine with beadboard backing, painted ‘Twine,’ the same color as the kitchen walls, for a seamless, built-in cabinet look. Small notched dowels were fixed to display the pins. For one particularly fragile item, extra precautions were taken: ‘We inserted tiny support pieces so it won’t roll off these dowels. The whole thing was painted Twine, which is the colour of the kitchen walls.’
Beyond the construction, the display is meticulously organized, blending utility with curatorial passion: ‘Each one is catalogued, and I have a card for each piece in the collection. We took a picture of all the different rolling pins, and we played with different configurations until we decided on this particular one, ranging from smallest to largest, all the way down. Each pin was numbered according to its placement. This is very fun for everyone who likes to organize.’
Martha concludes with satisfaction: ‘I hope you agree that both my dilemmas have been nicely solved. The rolling pin collection has found a new home, and the wall above my Aga stove has been nicely dressed. I just love how it looks; I’m really pleased with my rolling pin collection display case.’
While the true charm of Martha Stewart’s display comes from her cherished antique collection, the look can be effortlessly recreated using contemporary or carefully curated vintage rolling pins sourced online or from local antique shops. The Embossed Rolling Pin from Amazon offers a delightful way to infuse festive character into your arrangement, and paired with this elegant Rolling Pin Holder, you can display them in a style reminiscent of Martha’s timeless kitchen decor.
Furthermore, the idea scales beautifully for smaller spaces. In my small kitchen, I'm considering bringing three rolling pins to the wall near my sink. It will bring the Martha-inspired charm my urban kitchen needs and create a timeless talking point like no other.
Shop the Look
Elevate your baking space with this elegant Marble Rolling Pin. Crafted from smooth, naturally non-stick marble, it exudes timeless beauty while keeping dough cool as you roll. The polished wooden handles and included base add a touch of sophistication, making it a statement piece for your kitchen. Its weight and smooth finish make every rolling motion effortless, combining style and function in one exquisite design.
Elevate your baking – and wall display – with the 17.28" Adjustable Wood Rolling Pin from Figmint™. Elegant and versatile, this rolling pin combines timeless craftsmanship with practical sophistication, making it a beautiful addition to any kitchen.
Bring a touch of Martha Stewart–inspired charm to your kitchen with this Butterfly Rolling Pin Holder Set. Featuring five decorative holders in a whimsical butterfly design, it combines style and practicality, keeping your rolling pins, towels, or other kitchen essentials beautifully organized. Crafted from high-quality iron with a lacquered, rust-resistant finish, each holder is sturdy enough to support items up to 20 pounds.
