Warm neutral kitchens have been all the rage since early 2023. The cozy, stylish spaces come together in a calming mix of tans, creams, and browns, making you feel immediately relaxed upon entry. Venus Williams's kitchen is a masterclass in how to decorate with the trending shades.
We spotted the famed tennis player's kitchen color idea in a recent Instagram post revealing her morning smoothie and then dance routine. The space features lower wooden cabinets, and upper white cabinets. White countertops flow into a stainless steel refrigerator. Brassy hardware is the perfect contrast to the light wood tones throughout the space.
It's a stunning take on the most popular kitchen color trend of the year. 'Venus Williams’s kitchen is a stunning example of how to use warm neutrals to create a timeless, sophisticated space that feels both inviting and elevated. By blending wood and white cabinetry with warm-toned accents, Williams achieves a balance of modern and classic design that feels effortless yet intentional,' says Westchester-based interior designer Nina Lichtenstein.
What sets Williams's space apart? Principally, it is about way she has arranged the colors. 'The heart of the color palette revolves around warm neutrals, with a harmonious mix of wood and white elements,' says Lichtenstein. She continues, 'White kitchen cabinets, countertops, and a sleek white waterfall island provide a fresh, clean backdrop, setting the stage for the richness of the wood tones found in the lower cabinets and above the appliances. This interplay of wood and white is key to the kitchen’s timeless appeal—while the white keeps the space feeling light and airy, the warmth of the wood adds depth and texture, grounding the design.'
Williams's color scheme is the perfect choice for creating a timeless kitchen. Lichtenstein states: 'What makes this color scheme timeless is its versatility and natural aesthetic. White cabinetry is a design staple, beloved for its ability to brighten spaces and create a clean, uncluttered look. By pairing it with wood tones, Williams introduces a sense of warmth and authenticity that prevents the space from feeling sterile or overly modern. The light beige, almost off-white tiles used for the backsplash and above the door opening further soften the space, subtly connecting the color of the wood with the neutral walls. These gentle tonal shifts create visual interest without overwhelming the eye, proving that neutrals don’t have to be boring.'
The shades in Williams's home are among the colors that work best with stainless steel appliances. 'The stainless steel appliances add a sleek, contemporary touch, reflecting light and complementing the neutral palette without disrupting it,' says Lichtenstein. Meanwhile, the greige rectangular floor tiles anchor the room, offering a warm yet practical surface that enhances the natural tones of the wood and ties together the overall palette.
Kitchen cabinet hardware provides an elevated pop. Lichtenstein explains: 'The finishing touches are the brass accents found in the cabinet hardware and the pendant lights above the island. These subtle hints of metallic warmth add a layer of sophistication to the kitchen, catching the light and drawing the eye without competing with the other elements of the design. The brass hardware complements the natural wood tones and serves as a cohesive element, ensuring that every detail feels purposeful.'
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If you're in love with Williams's space, luckily her scheme is easy to replicate. Lichtenstein advises: 'To recreate this look in your own home, start by balancing white with wood tones in your cabinetry. Consider opting for white upper cabinets to brighten the room, while choosing wood for the lower cabinets and select upper cabinets to introduce warmth. A white or light-toned countertop, particularly with a waterfall edge, is a perfect way to maintain a clean, modern look. When selecting a backsplash, look for light, neutral tiles—something in the beige or off-white family—that will complement both the wood and the white.'
She continues, 'For kitchen flooring, greige tiles are an excellent choice, as they offer warmth without clashing with the coolness of stainless steel appliances. Brass or gold-toned hardware on cabinets and light fixtures will add an elegant, timeless touch that ties the entire palette together. The key is to keep the tones neutral and warm while layering textures and finishes to create depth and interest.'
These colors will never date, and neither will Venus Williams's kitchen.
