Barbra Streisand designed an on-trend farmhouse kitchen using these decorative features

Barbra Streisand may have received a Screen Actors Guild lifetime award for her prolific career and humanitarian work, but we can't help but also note her flair for design. 

In her California abode, the actress has (unintentionally) tapped into the rustic farmhouse kitchen aesthetic – a style that has already shaped how we decorate for many seasons prior. However, its appeal is not set to waver. Recent Google Trends data shows searches for this design style are currently up by 130% – meaning that, while farmhouse kitchens are timeless, they are simultaneously very much on trend. Naturally, though, Barbra Streisand is ahead of the curve. 

The actress shared a corner in (what appears to be) her kitchen, and it's a celebration of this nostalgic design movement. The corner features a large wooden dresser adorned with vintage china plates, both of which tap into to ultimate farmhouse look. 

'Farmhouse-style kitchens are designed with a focus on comfort, traditionalism, and tactility, making this design an appealing choice for those wanting to create an inviting sanctuary,' comments kitchen designer Tom Howley. He notes that the use of natural wood, like this cabinet dresser, is essential to achieving the farmhouse aesthetic, and it makes the perfect base for accessories (especially china, as in Barbra's case).

'Natural wood is an integral part of farmhouse kitchens, as it adds a sense of warmth and tactility,' he says. 'You can incorporate wood in the form of flooring, stand-alone furniture such as a farmhouse table, shelving, chopping boards, or integrated wooden trays to break up painted cabinetry.'

Barbra's cabinet dresser is a beautiful starting point, but Tom says we can emphasize the farmhouse kitchen aesthetic with traditional shaker-style cabinets. 'They're perfect for creating a welcoming, lived-in look,' he says. 'The shaker style has universal appeal with beautifully balanced proportions that focus on scale, symmetry, and simplicity.'

As hinted, Barbra accentuates the look with her accessories – most notably her china plates. Decorating with antiques, particularly delicate china, is both unique and personal. It's a nod to the patterns, colors, and designs that bring us the most joy, and they're timeless enough to stand as heirlooms for generations ahead. 

To add yet more personality, Barbara dressed her cabinet with flowers and vintage candle sticks that pay further homage to the ever-growing trend. We can tap into the look with similar buys below.