When Gisele Bündchen shared her mocktail recipe with the world, she probably expected her aperitif-alternative to take center stage. But how could we focus on the drink in hand when her kitchen color palette, seen in the backdrop, offers so much to note?
We've already penned a love letter to Bündchen's use of wood (arguably 2024's trendiest kitchen material), but designers also love how the supermodel complements these rich walnut tones with the most versatile paint color of all: white.
The supermodel paired the brown island and cabinet colors with bright white painted walls and marble kitchen countertops to create a contrasting palette that, they say, creates a contemporary, clean look that will impress for seasons ahead.
Tom Howley, the creative design director at his eponymous kitchen company, explains that shades of wood (much like those seen in Bündchen's kitchen) 'reflect nature and evoke tranquillity,' which is, in itself, always beautiful. However, pairing wooden cabinets with white only accentuates a space further.
'Pair these organic hues with glossy white marble-inspired countertops and burnished brass hardware for a fresh, elegant scheme,' he says. Alternatively, if your cabinets are white or cream, consider opting for a contrasting walnut finish for the racks and shelving within.'
Dawn Filkins, the head of Creative at Smile Kitchens, agrees. 'If you're working with white walls and want to bring in a sense of softness through brown hues, wooden elements are a great way to do this,' she says.
Following Bündchen's lead (with wooden cabinets and white marble countertops) is a natural way to tap into the look, but we can also flip this aesthetic and introduce the brown on our countertops and paint while keeping our cabinets white.
''ighter shades such as white work excellently against paler woods such as Ash or Beech, creating a fresh, clean, and modern look,' Filkins comments. 'Equally, if you want to incorporate wood finishes in a more subtle way, without changing the overall design, you can use elements like wooden shelving, stools, other seating, or even art pieces.'
Plus, while Bündchen is unlikely to be navigating a small kitchen, Filkins explains that this calming color pairing has benefits in the most compact of spaces. 'Darker brown tones can make a room feel smaller, but pairing with lighter colors such as cool greys, whites, beiges, and neutrals all help to create a more open feeling,' she explains.
We can get the look (without a whole room renovation) by combining our favorite brown and white kitchen accessories below.
Made from reclaimed cedar stumps, this natural beauty holds nature's bounty (i.e. fruit).
For a subtle yet beautiful injection of marble, this French trivet is the perfect starting point.
From $2,299.00 at Crate & Barrel
This show-stopping dining table's honey finish and bold geometric shapes make it a gorgeous home piece.
