While Taylor Swift may be busy taking the world by storm with her record-breaking “Eras” tour, her home kitchen is the perfect blend of classic and cozy. When she's in New York, the pop star tucks away in a TriBeCa apartment whose interiors are just as timeless and elegant as its owner.
We got a rare glimpse, as close friend and fellow musician Gracie Abrams shared a (slightly chaotic) video of the two conspiring in Taylor's kitchen. To promote her new song “Us” (featuring Miss Swift), Gracie shared a video on Instagram of Taylor putting out a candle with a fire extinguisher. But naturally, our eyes were drawn to her kitchen backdrop.
Amid the chaos, we noticed a somewhat controversial design choice in Taylor's apartment kitchen. It may be controversial, but designers say it brings just the right amount of warmth and color to the space, complementing Taylor's classic white Shaker cabinets and marble countertops. And since Taylor is stylish no matter what she does, we're inclined to agree.
Like Taylor's fashion sense, her kitchen designs embody quiet luxury. From the sleek glass-fronted upper cabinets to the whimsical framed prints and photos that line the walls, every detail suggests Taylor has a major hand in New York kitchen design. But what really caught our eye in the video Gracie shared was the idea for the kitchen floor.
A Persian runner adds a subtle pop of color to the generally neutral space. A patterned rug between the spacious marble island and Taylor's range oven beautifully accentuates the small space, framing the hallway and adding a visual focal point below. As Gracie pans (and is greeted by Taylor's anxious cat, Benjamin), a similar design is seen in the hallway leading to the kitchen.
(Image courtesy of Nate Sheets. Design by Kobel + Co)
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While Taylor's space is undoubtedly beautiful, the kitchen rug has been a contentious choice. For a high-traffic, clutter-prone area like a kitchen, the rug needs to be durable and preferably washable. (Taylor's rug is traditionally handwoven and therefore unwashable, but her kitchen likely isn't used as often as ours.) So while many of us would opt for plain hard floors instead, designers strongly support Taylor's decision to include a rug in this case.
“The rich red runner adds warmth and coziness to the clean-looking space,” says interior designer Nina Lichtenstein. “This thoughtful addition not only pops the color palette, but also adds comfort underfoot. The runner's vibrant hue subtly contrasts with the kitchen's muted tones, imbuing the space with a homey, inviting feel.”
(Image courtesy of Stacey Zarin Goldberg. Design: Storie Collective, Unique Kitchens and Baths, Tanya Smith Shiflett)
Emma Brislin, interiors editor at Livingetc, says rugs are the perfect way to bring soft furnishings into the kitchen, which can sometimes feel too cold or uninviting. “I look at every surface in the home as potential, but too many people forget about the floor when it comes to the kitchen,” she says. “A rug or runner (depending on the size of your space) is perfect for bringing warmth and texture to an all-white space, which can sometimes feel cold and inorganic.”
That's exactly what the crimson runner does well in Taylor's space. “In her kitchen, an assortment of Persian rugs bring in beautiful pops of color to complement the white marble counters and cabinets, adding plenty of contrast, texture, and warmth,” says Emma. Without the rug, the space would feel less relaxed and intimate.
Not only does Taylor's rug add a splash of color and texture, but the traditional traditional pattern ties into her timeless aesthetic of “quiet luxury.” “From the glass cabinets to the cozy red runner and practical open shelving, all of the design choices contribute to a space that's as beautiful as it is practical,” says Nina. “Adding personal touches like artwork and fresh flowers makes the kitchen a welcoming centerpiece of the home, rather than just a place to cook.”
