Uma Thurman's simple kitchen storage solution is a masterclass in elegant design – a must-have for 2024

The 'Pulp Fiction' actress's storage technique is both stylish and functional. Interior designers explain why this type of design will never date, and offer tips to recreate the look

uma thurman in a white shirt on a white background
(Image credit: David Livingston via Getty Images)

Beauty is easy. Function is easy. But a design that brings together both? Now, that can be a rare achievement; but it is a rare achievement that Uma Thurman nails in her simple but effective space.

The actress's kitchen ideas feature a simple white color scheme with subway tiles, a stainless steel cooktop, and wooden shelving. Above the stove, large hooks serve as easy storage for Thurman's collection of copper pots. The vintage-inspired pots allow for both drop-of-a-hat cooking and provide chic decoration in the space.

Pro-designers love Thurman's practical and stylish kitchen storage idea. 'In interior design, certain combinations effortlessly capture timeless elegance and contemporary charm. The pairing of copper pots as decor with a backdrop of white subway tiles for the backsplash is a striking example of this harmonious fusion,' says Nina Lichtenstein, Westchester-based interior designer.

She continues, 'Copper, having been prominently displayed in our grandparents' kitchens, has remained a standout go-to choice for injecting personality while beautifully blending feelings of antiquity and modernity.'

Nina Lichtenstein
Nina Lichtenstein

Nina Lichtenstein is the founder and principal home designer at her eponymous design studio, based in Westchester, NY. Nina believes that home design should capture a family’s unique spirit by how it serves the family's daily needs while nourishing the soul. She has been celebrated for designing, renovating, and building elegant living spaces. 

Crucially, this style works because it's an example of transitional design, meaning that it brings together two periods of interior design. Lichtenstein states: 'This pairing blends classic and modern elements, resulting in a timeless aesthetic that transcends trends. The simplicity of white subway tiles serves as an ideal backdrop, allowing the warm tones of copper to shine and infuse the kitchen with character.'

Because of the mixing of periods, the look will never go out of style. She continues, 'This combination embodies both sophistication and understated luxury, which resonates with the growing interest in creating inviting and functional kitchen spaces. As more individuals embrace the concept of blending classic elements with contemporary design, we anticipate seeing an increase in the use of copper pots and white subway tiles across kitchen renovations and interior projects'

Rustic white kitchen with wooden island and hanging copper pots

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors)

Furthermore, Thurman's hanging pot storage ideas against her kitchen backsplash are a masterclass in blending textures to draw the eye. Lichtenstein tells Homes & Gardens: 'The reflective surfaces of copper pots against the matte finish of subway tiles create an intriguing play of textures and depths. This contrast adds visual interest to the kitchen, making it a focal point that is both inviting and aesthetically pleasing.'

Shop the look

Inject your home with the Uma Thurman touch by pairing copper pots with white kitchen accessories.


Decorating is never easy but, with an eye towards the combination of beauty and function, it can be simple. Uma Thurman's kitchen is the perfect example.

Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.