Over recent years, I've seen dozens of celebrities experiment with the luxe 'slab backsplash' trend, but no space has stopped me in my tracks like Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott's Manhattan kitchen.
As the name suggests, a slab backsplash comprises a single continuous piece of material, such as natural (or engineered) stone or porcelain, that's used to cover the wall behind a countertop, creating a smooth, seamless appearance. Often, this material takes up a sizeable part of the wall, but Zooey and Jonathan's slab is the most impressive – both in size and design – that I've seen to date.
The incredibly luxe gold marble makes the ultimate statement, but despite feeling bold, it's not loud enough to feel overly audacious. It exhibits one of the hardest colors to decorate with, but Zooey's kitchen makes it feel (almost) as versatile as a neutral. Designed by Young Huh, it's a lesson in decorating with gold in a way that's never felt as tasteful.
Shop the look
Backsplash aside (sadly), I'm buying my way into Zooey and Jonathan's kitchen with these handpicked pieces below.
Inspired by the tiny tree on the shelves in Zooey’s kitchen, this piece brings lifelike leaves and detailed fruits into your space. With a weighted base and pretty white stones, it stays perfectly put while looking effortlessly charming.
The matte white ceramic utensil holder, paired with its matching base and a classic wooden spoon, adds both charm and functionality to your kitchen counters, whether you have a slab backsplash or not.
A good Dutch oven endures; a Great Jones Dutch oven is a lifelong companion, as Zooey champions (it's an exact match after all). The 6.75-quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutchess flows seamlessly from stove to oven to table, combining utility with elegance.
Zooey's backsplash comes with Young Huh's approval, but she's not alone in her love for this feature.
'At MHD, we love the impact of a slab backsplash. It pulls the pattern and texture up, making the countertop more visible and streamlined,' comments Michelle Barone of Madison Hudson Design. However, if you're thinking of following Zooey's example, Michelle encourages us to consider the best type of stone for your kitchen thoroughly.
'Our clients appreciate that a slab backsplash can give their kitchen a clean, modern look that is low maintenance and easy to clean. Just make sure you use a stone that works with the mechanics of your kitchen – for instance, you don't want to use quartz behind a gas range that vents from the back.'
I can't stop thinking about this powerful gold statement. Are you as impressed as I am? Let me know in the comments below.
