Melissa McCarthy's kitchen countertops feature an idiosyncratic accessory that taps into an emerging '70s trend – and brings unexpected warmth to her space

If you love to cook, chances are, you listen to music while doing it. It's a trope so ubiquitous that films are full of couples dancing around the kitchen to jazz, heroines depression-baking to sad songs, or meal prepping to aggressive drum beats. Music is part of the way we turn cooking into a pleasant, sensory experience. Melissa McCarthy takes it to the never level in her kitchen with a countertop vinyl record player.

We spotted her method of decorating kitchen countertops in the background of a jokey Instagram reel. The record player sits to the left of her stovetop, just far enough away to avoid oil splatters, but close enough to fill her ears with music while cooking at the stove. She stores her collection of Vinyl records on the left of the player, creating a pop of color against her white backsplash.

The record player makes the space feel instantly warm and inviting; it's practically a masterclass in how to make a kitchen feel cozy. This is because it transforms the kitchen into an experience. Upon seeing the record player, it's easy to imagine Melissa and her family listening to music while cooking. Date nights, family pasta nights, and evenings drinking wine with friends immediately feel more romantic and textured. Plus, the records on the countertop bring a simple piece of art directly to the kitchen countertops.

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Beyond its obvious aesthetic appeal, positioning a record player in the kitchen taps into retro interior design trends for 2025. Nina Lichtenstein, New York-based interior designer, explains: 'In recent years, nostalgia-driven design has surged, with elements of retro aesthetics—vinyl records, analog touches, and artisanal, hand-crafted decor—finding their way back into our homes. The ‘70s vibe aligns perfectly with this nostalgia, offering both visual interest and a sense of escape. The ’70s style embodies the warmth, authenticity, and tactile richness that today’s homeowners crave, responding to a cultural desire for homes that feel truly personal and lived-in. Beyond just a nod to the past, ‘70s design is reimagined in 2025, as it merges with contemporary tastes to deliver a look that feels fresh and modern, not simply retro.'

No matter the room, integrating a record player is an easy way to recreate the '70s trend. Nina states: 'Nothing says ‘70s like spinning a vinyl record, so why not make a record player part of your decor? Place it on a vintage console table or in an accent nook with a few favorite records on display for instant ‘70s character.'

Your home is about more than its design, it's also about how that design makes you feel. By integrating accessories that create the perfect ambiance, no matter how strangely placed they may seem, the house becomes something more.