Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles She has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with. and Off the mat! After marrying fellow athlete Jonathan Owens in 2023, the newlyweds decided it was time to create their own space for their first chapter as a couple. And they found that space in Texas — well, Texas.
Rather than purchasing an existing home and adding her personal touches, Biles opted to build her own custom home from the ground up. The gymnast gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the construction process, documenting the joys and sorrows of construction on social media, particularly her Instagram Stories. Once the framework was complete, Biles got to work on the home's interior, imbuing her new space with striking design choices and expert-approved details.
While the couple's entire apartment is dreamy, their incredibly sleek new kitchen is a real show-stopper. Read on for more design digs, and inspiration for how you can recreate the same modern-meets-functional elements in your own space. (See photos of the space under construction here!)
Use a consistent color palette.
Before revealing the kitchen, Biles shared progress photos of renovations in other parts of the house, each of which followed a black and white color palette with splashes of light wood. Viewers got a glimpse of the black cabinetry in the bathroom, the abstract black and white tiled walls in what appears to be the laundry room, and the stunning black and white marble in the kitchen. Sticking to the same color scheme throughout the house and mixing and matching patterns creates a stylish cohesive look that's easy to recreate in any home.
Let's start with black and white marble.
Black and white marble is an ever-changing decor trend that periodically resurfaces every few years, eventually becoming a new staple, and I love that Byles incorporated marble throughout the room, from her stunning black-and-white stone countertops to her kitchen island and backsplash.
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Ellen Marie Bennett, founder of Hedley & Bennett and presenter of the new kitchen design TV show Tastemade Kitchen brillianceI agree that marble is an excellent choice. “Marble always requires a lot of care to keep it in perfect condition, but in this case, the black and white marble texture helps hide scratches and stains, making it a great choice when choosing the perfect stone for your countertops.”
Add a kitchen island.
The striking marble extends from the countertop to the kitchen island, adding a stylish touch to both parts of the room. and Functionality. “If you have the space for a kitchen island, go for it! They're a great addition to any kitchen, acting as additional workspace when you're prepping meals or need a place to put your laptop,” says Bennett.
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While many homeowners are giving up on the tried-and-true kitchen island, this is one trend we can get behind. The piece makes it much easier to cook and eat alone, but it also has a social element. “If you're hosting a get-together, friends always want to gather around the island, so it's a great place to sit and have snacks,” says Bennett.
Try out some unique cabinets.
Byles' cabinets bridge the gap between classic and modern. She opted for a neutral white shade, but we love the open-frame design, with a mix of traditional and glass doors that create a peekaboo effect (similar to Oprah's cabinet!). We can't wait to see what she'll decorate on the other side.
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Consider waterfall countertops.
Love them or hate them, waterfall countertops seem to be everywhere these days, and for good reason: Their vertical sides add a dramatic touch to any counter or island silhouette, and I'm totally a waterfall fan.
Bennett agrees, saying, “I love waterfall countertops because they give a timeless and beautiful design to a kitchen and are the first thing someone notices when they enter the room. The clean edges create a bold look and bring life to a kitchen. The great thing about waterfall countertops is that they give you a luxurious feel without actually spending a lot of money.”
What's your favorite part of Simone Biles' kitchen? Let me know in the comments below!
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