Emma Chamberlain’s grown-up Los Angeles kitchen is a lesson on mid-century modern design

Famed for her original video content and authentic, down-to-earth personality that has garnered her a cult following on social media channels, it was essential that the mid-century modern design of Emma Chamberlain's home echoed her personality and captured her unique design tastes.

Turning to Los Angeles-based interior designers Proem Studio to realize her vision, the home, originally built in 1955, was reconfigured to become a comfortable and inspiring space for Chamberlain, who spends much of her time working from home. Ashley Drost and Marie Trohman of Proem Studio worked closely with Chamberlain to create a fresh space while crucially respecting the building’s originality and cabin-like features.

The kitchen, pictured above, sees a soft sage green taking center stage to create a cocoon-like feel with variations of the color mirrored across storage cupboards and wall tiles alike. The marble surfaces add an element of playfulness to the space, nodding to Chamberlain's relaxed approach of not taking design choices too seriously. 

'I brought in references from many decades and design eras, and I tried to meld them into something that feels not only cohesive but new. It wasn’t about following the rules or sticking to one aesthetic. I tried to approach it all with a lightheartedness and an open mind,' Emma Chamberlain told Architectural Digest.

Evident not only in the kitchen but throughout the rest of the home, the design has been carefully considered to maximize natural light. Minimally-framed windows are an original design feature to mid-century buildings, but opting also for a skylight enables a space to feel instantly uplifted with ample sunlight, something which was very important to Chamberlain. 

Stainless steel is a popular kitchen design trend this season: its robust and nonporous qualities position it as a practical yet design-led material to withstand the test of time. Proem Studio’s use of stainless steel ensures the kitchen maintains its modern edge, offset against the rest of the kitchen’s softer color palette which could otherwise lose its sense of uniqueness. 

'The trend for industrial stainless steel countertops and sinks remains popular, particularly amid those seeking a professional chef’s kitchen, as chosen for this Proem Studio-design space,' says Homes & Gardens deputy editor, Jennifer Ebert. 'Naturally, these surfaces have antimicrobial properties, which make them a good option for a gourmet kitchen.'

Shop Emma's look

Whether your own home follows a mid-century style, or you’re inspired by Proem Studio’s fresh-take on modern statement design, shop the pieces we’ve pulled together below to recreate the look.