It can be easy to get caught up in colorful tiles and patterned tea towels when decorating a kitchen, but sometimes, simplicity is ideal. Exhibit A: Selena Gomez's kitchen.
Decked out with all the appliances an aspiring chef could dream of, the actor-turned-cook proved that a neutral color palette could add just the right amount of personality to a culinary space (it also helped that none other than the animated Gordon Ramsay was joining her in the kitchen).
Selena's space is the latest, unexpected reminder that beige kitchens are anything but boring, despite dividing experts' opinions in recent years. It's hard to argue with the singer's influence – and, perhaps unsurprisingly, top designers agree.
Versatility is beige's superpower – the color fits in seamlessly with a variety of styles, textures, and accents, making it an excellent base for the kitchen.
'Beige is equally at home in a coastal beach motif as it is in a French country or modern farmhouse one,' says Kuo Home founder & CEO Kathy Kuo. 'Beige can read as either warm and cozy or upscale and sophisticated depending on the accent colors and furnishings paired with it.'
Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and international guru within the home and lifestyle space. She has 20+ years of experience in the design industry.
It's no wonder that the space looks great on camera – Selena's kitchen is historically camera-ready after her stint on the cooking show Selena + Chef – but the beige walls mixed with cream counters and white appliances are reminiscent of a noteworthy filmmaker's take on the space.
'My mind immediately goes to the neutrally decorated homes in Nancy
Meyers' films,' says designer Emma Montgomery. 'Beige is a great color to build a palette upon; it's warm and inviting.'
Emma advises keeping neutrals at the heart of the kitchen but encourages experimenting with subtle touches of color and texture. 'I like to pair it with white, cream, and camel. It feels dynamic when there is a bit of contrast with black accents, deep wood tones, and greenery,' she says.
Emma Montgomery's love of interiors began in Surrey, England, where she lived before moving to New York to start her design career at Pratt Institute's Interior Design program. In England, she witnessed the beautiful amalgamation of historic architecture, rustic landscapes, and contemporary design, all of which inform her design voice today.
Before starting her own studio, Emma worked at well-regarded design firms in New York City, including AD100 firm Gachot Studios and Megan Grehl Design. She believes that an empathetic approach to every client’s vision is key to delivering an excellent design service.
Below, we've rounded up some neutral but warm kitchenware that pairs perfectly with a beige base.
This Acacia wood cutting board protects our knife's edges from getting dull due to its soft material and naturally antibacterial elements.
Sleek and stylish, this banana holder is a great counter addition and keeps fruit ripe.
The matte white of this ceramic utensil holder is perfectly balanced by its white base and trusty wooden spoon.
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