I was always told that black and brown shouldn't be paired. The adage goes that these colors are too similar so that they will create a dull, muddy look with little contrast. Never one to concern herself with the rules, Sabrina Carpenter's new kitchen idea proves the exact opposite.
The singer recently purchased a tranquil Hollywood Hills estate for $4.4 million, with interiors fully renovated by House of Rolison, and the kitchen island is a masterclass in pairing black and brown. Sabrina's warm wood cabinets paired with black marble countertops embody the iconic design duo's storytelling approach to interiors. It feels rich and cocooning, yet still playful and welcoming. Details like a stone backsplash behind the oven and brass hardware on the lighting help to uplift the space for an unforgettable impact.
To explore the way Sabrina effectively decorates with black and brown, let's step into her kitchen (Slide 2 on the Instagram post below). I've also curated an edit of products to get the look in any kitchen with well-placed accessories. Finally, Homes & Gardens gathered commentary from several design experts on why the once 'color-don't' is becoming one of the hottest trends of 2026.
Recreate Sabrina's Look at Home
Though a full remodel is nice, textured accents can be just as effective for incorporating a bold new look into your kitchen. Here are our editors' top picks for mirroring Sabrina's design without breaking the bank.
Dark cabinets require brighter lighting for a stylish yet laid-back look. These pretty domes are similar to those in Sabrina's kitchen.
When introducing a new texture or material to the kitchen, I always begin with the essentials. Slate and pepper mills offer a simple, budget-friendly way to add an extra wood tone. I’m especially drawn to the distinctive design of this set from Wayfair, which blends practicality with subtle style.
No need to give your kitchen an overhaul; this black marble rectangular tray is perfect for elevating your countertops. Fill it with a pot and utensils for a stylish yet practical arrangement.
The best kitchen accessories are as beautiful as they are functional. This acacia wood piece, with its rich grain and smooth, sculptural form, works equally well for everyday use, entertaining, or as a striking display on open shelves.
Burl wood is having such a moment right now, and the size of these shelves would be ideal for a smaller kitchen. Available in a dark wood for more of a statement look or a paler shade for a rustic, Scandi feel.
This set of cabinet handles balances durability and style, crafted from high-precision stainless steel with a brushed brass finish that feels perfectly on trend. Metallics are gorgeous with dark wood, and these pulls are the perfect pair for your kitchen island.
Shelly Cochrane, Design Expert at Furniture Village explains that the popularity of wooden kitchens has increased in line with another color trend: chocolate brown. She states: 'The trend for minimal interiors is very much here to stay, but color trends of late have seen a warmer and softer take on the look come to the forefront. Sand and stone shades are great neutral base tones, but incorporating brown into the scheme will help to bring depth and warmth to the space, creating the perfect minimal, yet soulful colour palette. Brown’s earthy connotations instantly add a grounding and organic influence to your space, helping to cultivate a relaxing atmosphere.' Adding black to this continues the shift towards richer palettes, as we see in Sabrina's space.
The key to making these disparate colors gel is texture. Megan Slack, Head of Celebrity Style at Homes & Gardens explains: 'As in Sabrina's home, a brown and black color pairing works best when there is a striking textural contrast incorporated. In this case it is wood and marble, but you could do the same with stone and paint, or any variety of combinations. I also love how she adds pops of brightness to keep the dark tones from looking overwhelming. Bringing in brass accents is a great place to start.'
Sabrina Carpenter's kitchen is a reminder that many design rules are made to be broken. Rather than blindly following the platitudes about what works, the most important element of good design is building in contrast and balance. With these elements in mind, you can't go wrong.
