When Gisele Bündchen shared her mocktail recipe with the world, you probably expected the aperitif-alternative to take center stage, but how could we focus on the drink in hand when the color palette of her kitchen in the background is nothing short of remarkable?
We've already written love letters to Bündchen's use of wood (arguably 2024's trendiest kitchen material), but designers also love how the supermodel complements these rich walnut hues with that most versatile of paint colors: white.
The supermodel says she paired the brown island and cabinet colors with bright white painted walls and marble kitchen countertops to create a contrasting palette, creating a contemporary, clean look that's sure to impress in the coming seasons.
Tom Howley, creative design director at his eponymous kitchen company, explains that wood tones (like those seen in Bündchen's kitchen) “reflect nature and evoke tranquility” and are always beautiful on their own, but pairing wooden cabinets with white really accentuates the space.
“Combining these organic hues with glossy white marble-look countertops and polished brass hardware creates a fresh, elegant design,” he says. Or, if your cabinets are white or cream, consider choosing a contrasting walnut finish for your racks and shelves.”
Tom Howley founded his premium British kitchen brand in 2004. With showrooms across the country, Tom Howley specialises in the installation of beautiful bespoke kitchen designs made from the finest materials.
Dawn Filkins, head of creative at Smile Kitchens, agrees: “If you have white walls and want to soften with shades of brown, wooden elements are a great choice,” she says.
Following Bündchen's example (wooden cabinets and white marble countertops) is a natural way to embrace this style, but you can also reverse the aesthetic and keep your cabinets white but incorporate browns into your countertops and paint.
“Lighter shades like white work well with lighter woods like ash and beech, creating a fresh, clean, modern look,” Filkins says. “Similarly, if you want to incorporate more subtle wood finishes without changing the overall design, you can use elements like wooden shelves, stools, other seating, and even artwork.”
(Image courtesy of Neptune)
Plus, while it's unlikely Bündchen will ever spend time in a tiny kitchen, Filkins explains that this muted color combo can be beneficial in even the most compact spaces: “Dark browns can make a room feel smaller, but when paired with lighter colors like cool grays, whites, beiges, and neutrals, they can create a more open feel,” she explains.
You can achieve this look (without redecorating the entire room) by combining our favorite brown and white kitchen accessories below.
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Made from reclaimed cedar stumps, this natural beauty stores nature's bounty (that is, fruit).
French Kitchen Marble/Graphite Trivet
Natural wood dining table
