Emma Roberts' Unexpected Kitchen Cabinets Are a Study in the 'Statement Minimalism' Trend
Minimalism isn't dead; it's just evolving – the actress's stylish cabinets show exactly how to capture 2026's most popular look easily
While the early 2010s were all about minimalism, 2026 prioritizes intention. Though clean, calming spaces with neutral colors are still popular, homeowners are now exploring how they can elevate these simple rooms with carefully chosen details. Often referred to as 'statement minimalism,' this trend embodies a shift from purely sparse rooms to rooms that incorporate clutter with thoughtfulness. Emma Roberts is an expert.
The actress's neutral kitchen is a masterclass in simplicity – smooth beige shaker walls, a wooden island, and tan curtains are oh-so soothing. However, Emma's design team at Pierce and Ward didn't stop there. Her charming Los Angeles home, which she refers to as her 'grown-up dollhouse', weaves in doses of color and character with a mix of glass and solid cabinets.
The closed kitchen cabinets provide minimalist storage, while the glass cabinet creates a window into Emma's colorful ceramics collection. It's the perfect marriage of simplicity and intention.
To dive more deeply into this new form of minimalism and how Emma Roberts taps into it, we have curated an edit of personality-led pieces inspired by those in her cabinets and on her countertops. You will find ceramics, artwork, and storage containers hand-picked by our editors. Then, we spoke with Laura Townsend, Design Manager at Magnet, to better understand how 'statement minimalism' is shaping our kitchens. Let's dive in.
Recreate Emma's Look at Home
A gorgeously framed work of art on the countertop is a beautiful option for upgrading the minimalism of your home. This gorgeous piece adds a splash of color and some gilded glamour.
These Anthropologie mugs are a favorite among the design crowd for their gorgeous personalized stoneware look. Their aesthetic would be perfect in a glass cabinet.
There is nothing more classic than a beautiful Gluggle jug, like the one seen in Emma Roberts' cabinets. It makes a deliciously bubbling noise as you pour liquid into your glasses.
Try this marble butter crock to add a luxurious, old money look to your kitchen. It would be the perfect complement to light colored countertops as an easy way of adding some boldness.
I love blue on a tablescape, and this mosaic-style vase is the perfect way to add it to your home. The darling shape would be adorable on an accent or bedside table.
There's something so effortlessly chic about a tiered fruit bowl. This design is perfect for placing on a shelf or in the center of an island or dining table.
According to Laura, homeowners are embracing the statement minimalism trend by designing their kitchens around the way they live. This means keeping it simple, but adding personality through little rituals. For instance, in Emma's kitchen, the glass cabinets give us insight into her large collection of coffee mugs, highlighting her love of colorful ceramics and shedding light on a likely everyday coffee-drinking practice. In many homes, this prompts an investment in unique details.
'Driven by an interest in the smaller moments, slow living and romanticising everyday rituals, we're seeing more homeowners ask us to create bespoke spaces that allow them to unleash their inner barista or sommelier,' says Laura. Whether it's entertaining guests or carving out a moment of self-care, people are transforming their kitchens into more experiential spaces, with dedicated zones designed around the things they love.'
This might include an at home coffee bar, a display case for pottery, or a visible wine glass collection.
As we see in Emma Roberts kitchen, glass cabinets provide the perfect medium for showing off these personality-led elements.
Laura explains: 'One trend we are seeing is a demand for glass pantry cabinets, reflecting a shift towards more open, design-led kitchens. For those who have beautifully curated ceramics and glassware to show off, glass cabinets add that extra dash of personality to the space.'
Incorporating a mix of closed cabinets, as Emma has done, helps to keep the look understated. Laura advises: 'If you prefer a calmer, more streamlined aesthetic, concealed storage remains timeless, keeping surfaces clutter-free while allowing the overall design of the kitchen to take centre stage.'
Our homes should reflect our personalities, and agree with our everyday lives. Statement minimalism is an approach that encapsulates both of these needs within neutral, calming interiors.
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