66 Years Later, Bette Davis' Country Kitchen is Still a Show-Stopping Example of How Vertical Storage Timelessly Transforms Any Stove
Copper pots, antique brick, and clever hanging make the actress's New Hampshire kitchen an ageless masterclass in designers' favorite organization technique
There's nothing like copper pots hanging on a brick wall. It feels instantly rustic, elegant, and inviting, signaling to the brain that you are about to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal in a beautifully designed environment. It's always been this way – and archival photographs of Bette Davis' kitchen from the '60s show it will always be this way.
Although the picture was taken 66 years ago, a glimpse into the actress's country kitchen feels just as homey in 2026. Her brick-lined New Hampshire stove is surrounded by antique copper cookware, mounted carefully to the walls. Wooden accents bring in even more rustic charm. It's a masterclass in how this form of vertical storage doubles as an art form, creating a low-key luxe, European charm in any space.
Luckily, Bette Davis's copper cookware look is much easier to recreate than you might think. With clever pot racks, hooks, and a varied collection of copper pots, her style is well within reach. Below, Homes & Gardens dives into the specifics of why and how to emulate the style. We've also curated an edit to make it easy for you to shop the look.
Bette Davis in her New Hampshire kitchen, 1960
Recreate Bette Davis's Look at Home
IKEA's FINMAT pots are constructed with stainless steel and coated with a layer of copper on the exterior. A genius way to get the French look without the fuss (or the price tag).
Hang your pots in style with these bright S-shaped hooks. I think they would look fabulous hung over a modern industrial rail, or used with nails on a brick wall, as we see in Bette's kitchen.
If you want the real deal, I can't blame you. Mauviel was founded in 1830 and continues to make French copper cookware in Normandy. The pieces are beautifully constructed and sure to last for generations.
McGee & Co. is one of my favorite places to buy decor, and their kitchen accessories really are some of the best. Decorating with gold is having a well-deserved moment in the spotlight, and I expect it to stick around for the long haul.
Perfect for hosting, the Crites metal trays are charmingly rustic. Available in a set of three, you'll want to hang these hammered trays at the heart of a cookware wall or at the center of a pot rail.
These clever kitchen racks double as wall decor while keeping utensils and supplies within easy reach, marrying style with everyday practicality. They're ideal for testing out the hanging look at an approachable price point.
Even if you live in a modern house, incorporating a mix of vintage and antique pieces, like the copper pots in Bette Davis's kitchen, can help you achieve a storied look with minimal effort. Interior designer Rebecca Hughes, explains: 'Blending antique pieces from different periods is a wonderful way to achieve a charming country aesthetic – one that feels as though it has naturally evolved over time.'
You can achieve this aesthetic by layering antique and new copper pots on your vertical storage for a stylishly mixed look.
The terracotta of Bette Davis's kitchen is also part of what makes the finished look so alluring. Bespoke kitchen expert Tom Howley advises: 'Choose natural materials such as timber and stone, and soften the space with warm, earthy tones. Open shelving with neatly arranged crockery and woven baskets adds instant country charm, while brass or antique-style fittings lend timeless character.'
To create your own copper pot wall, start with a hanging rack like the one above. It makes it easy to hang your copper pots in an organized fashion, while making them easy to reach for cooking. It's a great beginner method that can be replaced by a more chaotic look later down the line.
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