Anne Hathaway’s New York City kitchen is a space I find myself returning to again and again. At first glance, it feels modern and ultra-minimalist – captivating in its own right. Yet beyond the tall cabinetry and sleek, contemporary lines, it’s her thoughtful use of texture that truly sets the space apart and makes it so memorable.
Anne Hathaway's kitchen is a stunning masterclass in layering textures – all of which ensure her neutral space feels anything but clinical. Let's start with the brass ladder (much like this ladder from the Home Depot).
It's a clever design touch that marries function with style, while its metallic tones complement the stone and ceramic vases' harsher tones. This contrast between rustic textures and metallic tones, against the quiet luxury of Anne's marble kitchen countertops, encourages us to rethink how we combine eclectic, contrasting materials in one space. Naturally, she does this beautifully.
Personalizing your kitchen with a thoughtfully curated mix of soft, neutral-toned bowls, plates, and decorative objects is the best way to capture the essence of Anne’s space while maintaining your own design sensibilities. It's easy to get her look. To make it simpler, I've listed some pieces directly inspired by her space below.
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Elevate your kitchen access with these sleek, heavy-duty ladders, designed to combine style and function. Hand-welded solid-steel rungs offer a clean, modern look while providing secure footing in high or hard-to-reach cabinets.
"I love this vessel for its understated neutral tone and elegant accent handles. Its refined design makes it effortlessly versatile, perfect for a sleek kitchen countertop or a curated dining display, just like Anne's.
These legs and frames are crafted from solid eucalyptus and kiln-dried for added durability. The bevelled edge is sleek and refined, beautifully highlighting the rich walnut veneer of the tabletop.
A classic design that works beautifully on a kitchen island or open shelving. It’s perfect for holding tall, sculptural branches or even fresh herbs, and don’t be afraid to go big, this vase makes a striking statement in any culinary space
This striking wooden ladder is a stylish way to elevate your blanket storage. It’s ideal for showcasing quilts, or, if placed in the kitchen, beautifully displaying tea towels.
With its elegant neck and organic finish, this tall ceramic vase will give any shelf an enduring sophistication. Pair it with some rustic tableware for the ultimate contemporary-inspired display.
In keeping with the Mid-century aesthetic, Anne has paired her table with a set of chic vintage dining chairs. Collectible pieces can be costly, but you’ll be pleased to know I’ve found a very similar style from Wayfair at a fraction of the price.
The Thessaly Vase stands out with its distinctive sculptural form. Crafted from stoneware and finished in a crisp white glaze, it adds a neutral yet striking element to any display.
Canisters are a kitchen essential, but if counter space is limited, consider displaying them on open shelving, just like Anne's. This approach is both decorative and practical, adding style while keeping your essentials within reach.
Distinctive in both shape and material, this handcrafted marble vase exudes effortless elegance. For a sophisticated, transitional display, pair it with an antique blue-and-white pot.
Adorned with subtly textured lines, this small earthenware vase is an understated yet refined ceramic piece. It pairs beautifully with more traditional styles, creating a chic contrast.
With its footed base and subtle glaze, the Turmont bowl will make all the difference to your kitchen. Fill it with fruit and position it on your dining table for a dose of luxury.
Plus, I am not alone in my observations. Bespoke kitchen designer Tom Howley underscores that layering textures, as Anne has done, is one of the most powerful ways to elevate your neutral space. When layering in interior design, Tom recommends using items that are personal to you and pairing contrasting textures to create a stunning sense of depth and interest.
'When designing a pale, neutral kitchen, it’s all about layering tones, textures, and lighting to create warmth and depth. Whites can be incredibly versatile, but without contrast and variation, the space risks feeling flat,' he says.
'Mixing matte and gloss finishes, incorporating natural materials like wood and stone, and using strategic lighting ensures the kitchen feels warm, spacious, and full of character – rather than cold or clinical.'
He adds that, over the past few years, there’s been a shift in how we want our homes to look, feel, and function – 'an inevitable change driven by the increased time we’ve spent in them, especially as many of us transitioned from office commutes to a work-from-home lifestyle,' he says. This makes layered, personal accessories like this more on-trend than at any other point in history. If there's a time to follow Anne's lead, it's now.
