The kitchen is the heart of the home, so its storage has a huge impact. If you are looking for inspiration, Michelle Pfeiffer's Pacific Palisades kitchen is the perfect place to start.
We spotted the actress's kitchen storage idea in the background of a video in which she is cooking a Thanksgiving feast. Behind her, in addition to her wooden cabinets, Pfeiffer has arranged her mugs on a shelf above her coffee machine. On top of the stove, a stone ledge houses her olive oil and a drinking glass.
Though the choice of storage with floating shelves is simple, it impacts every part of the aesthetic and use of your kitchen. We interviewed design experts to unpack how this kind of storage changes Pfeiffer's space, and where it might be a good option in our own homes.
So, why is open shelving in a kitchen a great idea? Bo Hellberg, CMO at Scandinavian design icon String Furniture, explains: 'Open shelving is a practical and stylish option when it comes to kitchen layout, and it is also practical for cooking. When you cook a lot, you want lots of open shelves, so everything is easily within reach.'
Recreate Michelle's Look at Home
Whether it's a rustic wooden shelf from Wayfair, or an ultra-modern piece from Soho Home, floating shelves will elevate your home. These are our top picks for recreating Michelle's look.
For a more rustic take on Michelle Pfeiffer's kitchen shelving, thick wooden floating shelves will add warmth and texture. These shelves would be ideal if you have a cool-toned kitchen to balance out the color with something warmer.
To add the depth that Pfeiffer's shelves have created in her space, opt for dark wood floating shelves. If your kitchen cabinets are in a paler hue, like white or cream, this shelf will create the perfect amount of contrast.
Burl wood is having such a moment right now, and the size of these shelves would be ideal for a smaller kitchen. Available in a dark wood for more of a statement look or a paler shade for a rustic, Scandi feel.
If you're considering applying the look to your own home, the best approach is a dual-pronged style. Bo advises: 'If you are limited on space, combine open shelving with cabinetry throughout your kitchen. This way, you can style your open shelves to add character to your kitchen, whilst not solely relying on this if you wish to hide the less attractive kitchen appliances.'
He concludes: 'Ensuring your kitchen is organized and clutter-free will help not to make the space feel too overwhelming, which is important if you don’t have ample space.'
Open shelving is a testament to that we're moving towards more characterful, cozy kitchens over more smooth and sterile spaces. It's especially gorgeous in a wooden kitchen, as we see in Michelle Pfeiffer's home. As you consider storage options for your home, it's a great place to start.
