If you've ever traveled to Europe or seen historic footage of the continent on a documentary, you'll be aware of how their century-old drugstores are designed. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, classic European apothecaries (early pharmacies), particularly those in Switzerland and Gemrany looked more like libraries than the open, modern pharmacies we see today. Their small, cubby-style cupboards were central to this aesthetic. You can imagine how pleasantly surprised I was to see similar-style cupboards in Reese Witherspoon's kitchen. Reese's Shaker-Style kitchen cabinets have the same quaint feeling as those century-old spaces, with a modern twist. Their cubby-style nature and small gold handles are reminiscent of a bygone era, while the muted gray brings her kitchen back into the 21st century. Before industrial pills, apothecaries were troves of raw ingredients: dried herbs, resins, roots, minerals, spices, animal products, and metals, all carefully stored to avoid contamination. Cabinets with hundreds of small drawers kept each component separate and labeled, turning the shop into a space from which we can take lessons on modern kitchen organization. Just ask Reese, who has already set the blueprint.
What I love the most about Reese's look is how it blends history and function. The tiny drawers in century-old European apothecaries were not just charming but clever storage solutions, keeping hundreds of ingredients separate, labeled, and easily accessible, as demonstrated in the archive image below.
Translating that idea into a modern kitchen, like Reese’s Shaker-style cabinets, proves that thoughtful organization from the past can feel both elegant and practical today. It is a design that honors tradition while making everyday life simpler and more beautiful. However, it's not the only way to get the feeling of a European pharmacy in your kitchen. To help, I've listed some essentials below.
Shop the Reese Witherspoon X Apothecary Edit
While this isn't a kitchen cabinet, its cubby-style nature is not dissimilar to that of Reeses (nor is it unlike the drawers seen in the European apothecaries). I love how it has an optional back panel (to create the perfect look for your kitchen), while the large storage space helps you personalize your decor with your favorite pieces.
This striking vintage teak display cabinet features glass-paneled doors and a timeless, clean-lined silhouette. Crafted from solid teak with a warm, natural finish, it offers both generous storage and elegant display space, inspired by a traditonal apothecary cabinet.
You don't need a cabinet to get an apothecary look in your kitchen. These glasses are a beautiful alternative. Created from thick, lead-free glass, these storage jars are BPA-free for peace of mind and designed with a clever stackable design that makes it easy to store pasta and sugar (or leave it empty!)
This Reese-inspired storage cabinet brings warmth and character to the kitchen with its plaid-patterned doors and natural wood top. Crafted from durable MDF with pine wood and Manchurian ash, it offers both strength and style, while solid wood legs add extra support.
Simple yet effortlessly charming, this glass canister elevates everyday storage. While it serves the same purpose as plastic alternatives, its ribbed base adds subtle texture, and its wooden lid brings a warm, decorative touch. It makes a chic addition to open shelving or kitchen countertops.
With its antique-inspired charm, this glass canister looks like a vintage treasure you might uncover while browsing a thrift store. The decorative etched glass and matching lid give it a timeless feel, making it perfect for storing pantry staples or displaying treats on the shelves.
Reese’s kitchen reminds us that good design is timeless. By blending the charm of historic apothecaries with modern Shaker-style practicality, she shows how European history can inspire function and how a few thoughtful drawers can hold both style and purpose.
