Ever since I saw Emma Roberts' charming LA cottage iconic house tour series last year, I have been swooning over her impeccable taste. Described by the actress as her very own 'grown-up dollhouse', the home is a delightful mix of warm color, bold pattern, and cozy texture – and the kitchen is no exception.
Warm beige cabinetry, marble countertops, and a brown-and-white checkerboard floor all converge to create a characterful, cottage-style kitchen. At its heart stands a wooden kitchen island. Much like the rest of Emma's quaint home, it's modest in scale, yet speaks volumes about her decorating style.
With a sleek frame, open shelving on one side, and bar seating on the other, the design strikes a thoughtful balance between style and function. True to her maximalist sensibility, it proves Emma is not afraid to put everyday items on display, transforming what others might hide away into part of her home's visual story.
During her interview with Architectural Digest, Emma revealed that she initially thought her kitchen was too compact for an island. Enlisting the help of the interior designers at Pierce & Ward, she was eventually persuaded, settling for an off-the-shelf model from none other than Urban Outfitters.
Sleek, streamlined, and understated, the Grayson kitchen island at UO grounds Emma's kitchen beautifully. It proves that even in A-listers' homes, simple natural decor is often the best course of action.
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Although no longer available in its natural colorway, this is the exact kitchen island that Emma has chosen for her LA home. It's sleek, sturdy, and ideal for smaller spaces. At less than $1,000, it's probably the most affordable celeb-approved island out there.
Emma isn't afraid to introduce color to her kitchen through her kitchenware. From mis-matched jugs to vintage vases, her collection of objet tells a unique story. For us, it's the large mixing bowl on the island that really draws the eye.
If you'll looking to inject some of Emma's cozy character into your own kitchen, try a wooden stool like this one. It adds instant rustic charm while still doubling up as a functional addition, whether used as your breakfast station or as a step to reach high shelves.
If you have a small kitchen like Emma's, interior designers recommend a similar design. 'Emma Roberts’ kitchen beautifully demonstrates that a kitchen island doesn't need to be a solid block of cabinet boxes topped with a stone slab,' says Elana Mendelson, founder of Elana Designs.
'By choosing a free-standing, open-frame furniture piece rather than built-in cabinetry, she keeps the visual weight light, allowing the eye to travel through the piece.'
Besides its simple charm, Elana is quick to note that this functional island offers all the utility of a prep station and breakfast bar without dominating the floor plan. 'The warm, natural wood tones ground the space, bridging the gap between a utilitarian workspace and a welcoming dining area,' she explains.
The real secret to such a characterful space, however, lies in the way Emma uses everyday kitchenware as decor. Items like mixing bowls and pans, traditionally relegated to drawers or cabinets, are on full display, creating a personal vignette. 'The open lower shelf shows off her "utilitarian decor", stacking heavy earthenware bowls and substantial cookware for all to see,' says Elana. 'These items add layers of color, interest, and geometry that sterile cabinet doors would hide.'
Warm, cozy, and inviting, Emma's kitchen is the embodiment of the 'lived-in' aesthetic.
'There is a comfort in seeing the tools of domestic life on display,' says Elana. 'These items, when curated with intention and displayed as functional clutter, signal that the home is for living, not just for looking.'
