Cabinets are first and foremost practical, but in Cameron Diaz's home, they become a statement piece.
The actress' glass cabinet is a reminder that you don't have to sacrifice beauty (or personality) when choosing functional storage items. Diaz installed glass-fronted cabinets (with black-painted frames and illuminated shelves) in her Montecito home, turning plates, plates and cocktail glasses into decorative objects.
From dining rooms to kitchen storage, glass cabinets like Diaz have long influenced our designs, and experts say their appeal remains strong. Diaz's home is certainly not compact. However, this glass has size-enhancing properties, making it a welcome addition to spaces both large and small.
“Glass is the perfect finish for a kitchen. Glass-fronted cabinets not only break the monotony of repetitive, drab front doors, especially in large spaces, but also maximize the flow of light into dark corners.” comments kitchen designer Tom Howley.
“Using glass-front cabinets in the right places, such as corners or areas with lots of closed cabinets, can make your kitchen look even bigger.” Aside from the benefits of increasing size, designers also recommend that you I love glass cabinets because they can be treated with style.
Open shelving, a favorite in Cameron Diaz's kitchen, is one way to show off your personality while storing everyday essentials, and glass cabinets take this even further.
“When displaying valuable pieces, glass-fronted doors are just as good as open shelving. They're also great for accessing everyday essentials, so you can see what you have and where you've put it. ” says Tom. “If you have beautiful crystals, or are proud of your tableware, why keep it hidden in the dark?”
A glass cabinet like the one in Diaz's house.
(Image credit: Harvey Jones/Darren Chung)
As mentioned earlier, Diaz draws even more attention to the cabinets (and their contents) by illuminating the shelves with small lights. This gives her work an even more luxurious aesthetic, but it's surprisingly easy to recreate.
Add integrated mood lighting and your best creations will never be forgotten. It can also be used as an alternative ambient light source when enjoying a romantic dinner or cocktails with friends,” comments Tom. Adding ambient lighting also highlights the belongings we keep on our shelves. After all, this look is a celebration of our individuality.
Tom Howley founded the British luxury kitchen brand in 2004. With showrooms across the country, he specializes in designing beautiful bespoke kitchens made using the finest materials.
