Reese Witherspoon has an impressive real estate portfolio, but we may have just discovered the dreamiest kitchen among them all. On the latest episode of their Hollywood House Call series, The Home Edit team ventured into the Legally Blonde actress's LA home and, besides the impressive organization makeover, we were bowled over by her sophisticated kitchen.
Featuring a rich blue shade throughout, her stylish space fully embraces the biggest color trend of the year in a bold way. Not only does it swathe the modern navy blue kitchen cabinets, but the same hue is found on the windows, doors, and baseboards, totally enveloping the room. (And if that wasn't enough it's a color motif that runs through the rest of her home, too.)
The real pièce de résistance of this paint idea, however, is its pairing with Reese's exposed brickwork. 'Reese Witherspoon’s home is a stunning example of how dark blue and exposed brick can create a harmonious and stylish living space,' says interior designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'The combination of these elements results in a space that feels both grounded and sophisticated, making it a perfect reflection of contemporary design trends.'
Composed of color-drenched woodwork, brick walls, and brass accents, Reese's modern kitchen has a slight industrial touch. The bold, saturated blue is a zesty, convivial choice for a culinary space - and it's a color we've seen a lot of so far in 2024 - but it's toned down just enough by the earthy brickwork for a harmonious, livable feel.
'Reese’s space excels in balancing bold design choices with a sense of warmth and comfort,' explains Nina Lichtenstein. 'The integration of blue millwork on white walls and around floor-to-ceiling glass creates a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor areas, making the two spaces feel like one cohesive environment.'
After so many years with muted shades reigning supreme, Reese's kitchen represents the general populace when it comes to color trends in 2024 - embracing bold colors in brave new ways. And, according to Helen Shaw at Benjamin Moore, the kitchen is the ideal spot to experiment.
'Kitchens are the perfect place to introduce more saturated colors, particularly if the rest of your home’s palette leans more toward light neutrals,' she says. 'Opting for a bold color on cabinetry or trim is a great way to renew the whole room and make the space pop.'
The bold kitchen color idea might not be to everyone's taste, but both Nina and Helen agree that it's all in the application. 'The cool tones of the blue balance the earthy tones of the brick, creating a visually appealing and harmonious look,' says Nina. 'This contrast also highlights the unique characteristics of each material, allowing them to shine individually while contributing to a cohesive overall design.'
And if you're in the market for a fresh paint idea for your kitchen, Helen says blue is a brilliant choice. 'Decorating with blue is an all-time interior classic,' she says. 'Its familiarity means many of us are more than confident to use it in all its glory.'
Benjamin Moore even declared Blue Nova - a rich, mid-tone blue similar to that seen in Reese's kitchen - as its color of the year 2024, and it wasn't the only paint brand to choose a blue tone either. Sherwin-Williams, Valspar, and Minwax all chose blues to define the mood of the moment, and designers have embraced the color trend head-on.
If you're inspired by Reese's space, Helen and Nina have a few words of advice. 'When using blue in your home, a warmer mid-tone such as Blue Nova 825 will instantly evoke a sense of comfort and reassurance,' advises Helen. 'Blues that offer this depth of color work well in all rooms in the house. In south-facing spaces they work to balance the intensity of sunlight, and in north-facing rooms they will provide a warm and cozy feeling – particularly when in contrast with the rustic warmth of exposed bricks.'
'Combine different materials, such as gold metal open shelves and wood flooring, to add texture and depth,' adds Nina. 'Mixing materials keeps the space dynamic and visually interesting. You should also introduce warm accents like gold metal shelves, gold hardware on cabinetry, a gold paper towel holder, and gold silverware. These touches of warmth contrast beautifully with the cool blue tones, adding a layer of sophistication.' And with so many colors that go with blue, the opportunities for pairing are endless.
Why is blue paint so popular in 2024?
Blue is without a doubt the most popular color of 2024 so far, and darker, more saturated iterations - as opposed to light, breezy hues - are especially coming to the fore.
This is something Nina attributes to the versatility and timeless appeal of rich blues. 'They can evoke a sense of calm and serenity while also providing a bold statement that doesn’t overwhelm the space,' she says. 'It pairs well with a variety of materials and colors, offering a sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic that appeals to modern sensibilities.'
So, if you're looking for a stylish blue kitchen idea that will endure for years to come, let Reese's space be a springboard for your decorating plans.
