As a relatively organized person, the concept of open kitchen storage strikes fear into my heart. I have a hard time believing that a space can both have plates, bowls, and utensils out where everyone can see them and also look neat. However, Julianne Moore's small kitchen shows that it's not only possible, but highly accessible.
After selling her storied West Village townhouse in 2021, Julianne Moore moved into a more modern property in lower Manhattan, and the home features a masterclass in small kitchen storage. The gray and cream space leaves Julianne's items for cooking and eating neatly in the open. Notably, a low, floating shelf in the corner is filled with plates and bowls for easy, well-organized dining. On the countertop, she has arranged jars of utensils and tapped into the kitchen lamp trend (this $30 fluted light from Target is my current obsession for recreating it).
It shows that a simple, unexpected bookshelf can make all the difference in a jewel box space. Let's take a look.
So, why does Julianne's original take on floating shelves work so well? First, she has selected a furnishing that is exactly the right size for her space. By choosing a bookshelf that sits directly under the window, it lets the light flood her space. By placing the piece around the height of her countertops, it creates the feeling that Julianne has a smaller, second kitchen island.
Recreate Julianne's Look at Home
This gray, rustic style bookshelf has a similar style to the one in Julianne Moore's kitchen. It would be the perfect complement to an organic modern room.
The best kitchen accessories are as beautiful as they are functional. This acacia wood piece, with its rich grain and smooth, sculptural form, works equally well for everyday use, entertaining, or as a striking display on open shelves, or on the countertop as Julianne Moore has positioned it.
Julianne makes sure her open storage still appears striking with irregularly shaped bowls, and these from Amazon are gorgeous. Their brown and cream design fits into any space.
Furthermore, the actor's kitchen storage idea is balanced. Rather than serving as the sole point of visible dishes in the space, she complements the shelves with countertop jars and a lamp. This way, it feels like there is equal emphasis on storage across different parts of the room.
Ultimately, there are no hard and fast rules for visually appealing storage; it comes down to your needs and what works in your space. For those with small spaces, a low floating shelf like Julianne Moore's just might be the perfect fit.
