Who says kitchen accessories need to be wholly practical? Selena Gomez certainly doesn't. While many of us may save our countertop, island, and wall space for everyday essentials (because that coffee maker has to go somewhere), the singer reminded us that the most stylish spaces are also the most personal. I've always stood by this ideology, but her white kitchen is one of my favorite (and accessible) examples to date.
As a celebrity style editor, catching glimpses inside some of the world's most impressive homes comes as part of my everyday. Inevitably, much of what I see is almost impossible to replicate in my tiny London apartment, but in the case of Gomez's kitchen, it's refreshingly easy to follow her example. The singer has perfected the nostalgic kitchen look with vintage china plates (seen on her tiled back wall) and a planter seen on the wall by the sink and window.
In all its functionality, I often forget that the kitchen has as much decorating potential as every other room in my home. There is, after all, no reason it can't feel personal. Decorating with antiques, like Gomez, is one of the most beautiful ways to make our kitchen decor feel instantly more unique – and, as designers remind me, the results are right on trend.
'[Thrifted finds] will continue to be at the heart of interior design. And this includes vintage pieces and second-hand items to create a curated style that’s 100% unique,' comments Anne Haimes, an interior designer and founder of Anne Haimes Interiors.
In recent seasons, 'Hipstoric interior design' (a term penned by Pinterest that involves blending old and new styles) has increased in search. Meanwhile, interest in 'modern and antique furniture' saw a 530 percent boost, according to the designer. I, too, have observed combinations of such eclectic design aesthetics in homes beyond Gomez's. Sofia Vergara demonstrates a similar style in her contemporary living room, which is filled with antiques, while Anne Hathaway does the same in her breakfast room.
'Buying antiques doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find hidden treasures at your local second-hand shop for a fraction of the cost. Or, if you have something specific in mind, keep an eye on online reselling sites such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay to snap up a deal,' Haimes adds.
Adorning our kitchens with antiques may be among this year's biggest trends, but their ability to transcend design fads is yet another reason why it's wise to follow Gomez's lead. Every antique piece, whether it's a china plate, like the one we see in her kitchen, or something even bigger, is an example of a piece that has already withstood the test of time. Many antiques are over a century old, proving they'll continue to impress.
To get the look, I'm picking up these china plates from Wayfair – they're almost too beautiful to dine on.
This collection features a finely detailed 18th-century Imari Oriental border encompassing a scene inspired by the Italian countryside.
This 2-piece indoor wall planter features a modern silhouette that's ideal for exhibiting your favorite plant on your kitchen wall.
Made from porcelain china, this plate displays three figures in a garden, with an intricate floral border detail.
Another personal lesson we can take from Gomez's kitchen? We don't need to hide our cookware away. The singer has opted for glass-fronted cabinets (an 'old money' kitchen trend I've increasingly observed since the rise in interest around the Nancy Meyers aesthetic). As Gomez has already made a case for individuality, it's unsurprising that her cabinet fronts are similarly revealing.
Instead of hiding her cups and plates away, the transparent front means her cookware is totally visible, but her space doesn't feel cluttered. Her cabinet and its contents only emphasize how her kitchen is both personal and practical – a combination that she has truly perfected.
