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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Eleanor Richardson

Gwyneth Paltrow Shows How a Simple Ladder Can Add Instant Charm to an Already Iconic Kitchen – It Proves the Power of Thoughtful Details

Gwyneth Paltrow.

I'm no stranger to Gwyneth Paltrow's white kitchen. In fact, I know her cooking space rather well. From the blue and white tiles (much like these Portuguese tiles from Etsy) to the chic plate wall, Gwyneth's kitchen is a lesson in fusing the practical with the stylish.

Gwyneth's space is the epitome of quiet luxury. While the arched doorways, intricate molding, and white color scheme add to its effortless grandeur, it's the small details that make the space feel luxurious.

Whenever Gwyneth shares her latest culinary masterpiece, my eyes are always transfixed on her chic background. This time, what drew me in wasn't the rather impressive built-in cabinetry, but the elegant ladder that's perfect for getting to those hard-to-reach places. A small but mighty addition that only adds to the room's accomplished feel, I'm now convinced I need one for my own space.

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Gwyneth's farmhouse kitchen is the perfect balance of homely and sophisticated. While the more permanent pieces, such as the cabinetry and island, set the tone of the space, the rustic ladder adds a layer of elevated charm.

Gwyneth's ladder makes reaching the highest of kitchen cabinets feel rather easy. Fitted to a chic gold rail, the ladder can be easily moved from left to right, depending on where it's required. Whether you're gathering cooking equipment to make a meal or reaching for your tableware, it's the ultimate kitchen staple that fuses function with style.

But Gwyneth's kitchen ladder is more than handy. It's effortlessly stylish. Against the white cabinetry, it acts as the perfect contrast both tonally and materially. It offsets the pale color scheme and provides a rustic edge and sense of coziness that's so important in a kitchen.

Jennifer Homeyer, CEO at The Design House, says, 'The ladder is a beautiful, custom touch, delivering a high-quality, bespoke piece that gives a classic library/old-world kitchen pantry vibe. The natural, reclaimed-wood finish is nicely juxtaposed with the high-polished brass hardware, which immediately elevates the look. Attention to these material details, like the brass plumbing fixtures contrasting with the reclaimed blue-and-white tile backsplash, contributes to the space’s sense of luxury and curation. A 10 out of 10!'

While fitting a rail and ladder on your kitchen shelving might not be possible (or necessary if your shelves don't reach quite as high as Gwyneth's), you can recreate the look at home with a rustic stool or step ladder. They'll not only help you reach high cupboards, but they'll give your space a considered, accomplished feel just like Gwyneth's.

Gwyneth's kitchen is undeniably stylish. While the architecture is impressive (the arched doorways and panelling are enviably high-end), the rather simple (but effective) wooden ladder gives the space its welcoming feel.

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