Drew Barrymore's 'anti-trend' kitchen replaces cabinets with a bold alternative

Drew Barrymore has starred in countless iconic films over the decades, including Charlie's Angels, Scream, and 50 First Dates. These days, she is more well-known as a lifestyle guru, including hosting her own talk show and running Drew magazine.

This chapter has shown the world Drew's propensity for stylish interior design. Most recently, when Drew's kitchen was posted by interior photographer Winnie Au, experts were blown away by her unique kitchen decorating ideas.

Drew's open-plan kitchen is completely unique and tailored to her individual personality. It includes a mix of modern and antique design styles with pops of color in the form of pink floral curtains, a red dining table, and green tiles. In place of cabinets, Drew Barrymore hangs her pots on a rail and stores her bowls and cups on open shelves. The space under the sink is hidden by a short pink and white curtain.

Design experts love that the space feels personal and resists the temptation to fall into the latest fad. 'Drew Barrymore has defied convention and embraced her individuality by personalizing her kitchen to reflect her values, and I must applaud her for it,' says interior designer Charmaine Wynter. 

Charmaine Wynter

Charmaine Wynter is an award-winning interior designer at Charmaine Wynter Interiors and applies her design experience to life, sharing her advice with her followers through her Instagram live 'Host-Chatting with Charmaine Live'. Charmaine has been a featured designer on TV shows across North America. 

'Vintage tile backsplash is selectively placed in the cooking area and the exposed ceiling boldly declares, "I'm living life on my own terms, regardless of trends,"' adds Charmaine.

'Avoiding kitchen trends in favor of longer-lasting design solutions is something we're seeing across the interiors space,' states Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens. 'By going for personal preference over fad, Drew Barrymore has created a space that is truly timeless.'

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Deputy Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens online. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

Interior designers also love the unconventional use of space and the unique storage in Drew's kitchen. 'What catches my eye initially is how the kitchen space doesn't immediately appear as such. The absence of typical upper cabinetry, replaced instead by aged patina walls with a Euro texture, adds a unique touch,' Charmaine says.

'The open-concept kitchen storage idea allows Drew to proudly display her beautiful pans and her hand-painted dishes,' says Jennifer. 'This type of storage is perfect for those with a collection of special items they are keen to show off.'

Charmaine adds, 'Additionally, the seating area is subtly integrated, allowing the focus to be on the captivating "art" pieces adorning the walls. The wood countertops and floors, along with the practicality of a "stained carpet" under the eating area, further enhance the overall aesthetic.'

To create a kitchen that never dates, our list of timeless kitchen design essentials is the perfect place to start. In the meantime, shop Drew Barrymore's furniture below.