Tan France's kitchenette is the highlight of his newly renovated guest cottage, and we love the pastel perfection.
The space is warm and welcoming with soft mint cabinetry, marble countertops, and simple accents on the shelves, making it the ideal spot for many a Sunday morning brunch. We asked our panel of expert designers how to recreate the chic look without the celebrity budget or square footage.
If you're playing with small kitchen ideas for the new season, you'll be pleased to know that the Queer Eye star aces all of 2024's small space trends, and they're totally doable in your space.
Take a tour of Tan France's kitchenette (and newly remodeled guest cottage)
First things first, Tan certainly knows how to brighten a small kitchen with the use of pastels — one of the biggest small space color trends of the year and you can do it too.
"Engage in a delicate interplay of pastel hues like soft blush pinks, serene sky blues, and mint greens," interior designer Elizabeth Grace told Real Homes staff writer and resident trends expert Eve Smallman.
To find a simple yet statement-making minty green for your walls, test samples like Benjamin Moore's Italian Ice Green (2035-70) or Sherwin Williams' Green Trance in your own place. Then, you'll want to turn to one of the most beloved small kitchen trends of 2024 to get a similar look to the reality star's: open shelves.
"The open shelving concept in small kitchens offers a practical and visually appealing way to maximize storage and display items," designer Sofia Naranjo shared with Real Homes.
We recommend starting with something like the Ebern Designs Floating Shelves from Wayfair, which come in a variety of sizes and finishes.
One thing we couldn't help but notice, in addition to cookbooks, white dinnerware, and a vase of hydrangeas, is some copper home decor in Tan’s gorgeous guest cottage.
"Copper has always had that timeless, vintage vibe that adds a warm, metallic glimmer to your kitchen decor," interior designer Nicole Cullum, founder of Color Caravan, has previously told us. "Unlike your stainless steel appliances, pots, and pans, copper can be left out as a decorative element that adds rather than subtracts from your kitchen decor."
All of it is topped off with gorgeous marble countertops, which might not necessarily be something that you can install easily, cheaply and without hassle if you're a renter.
Fortunately, we've spoken to experts about DIY countertop projects using marble parchment paper from Wayfair to help you achieve a similar aesthetic to Tan's. Plus, at $4 per square foot, you cannot go wrong.
By implementing these style choices and elements, soon you'll be reaping the benefits of a colorful small kitchen like Tan's.
Meet the experts
Shop the look
Price: Was $30, now $24
Dimensions (in.): D11.2
Price: $46
Dimensions (in.): L14
Price: $60
Dimensions (in.): Various
One of the best ways to ensure your kitchen looks like Tan's is by keeping things neat and organized. We asked pro organization experts how to organize a small kitchen quickly and how to maximize space in a small kitchen for an extra boost in the decluttering department.
