Brooke Shields proves that neutral kitchens are anything but boring with her timeless white and wood palette – it's a stunning feat of natural minimalism

The actress's white and wood kitchen is layered in texture and materials, showing us that this winning combination will never be out of style

brooke shields on a charcoal colored background
(Image credit: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for MoMA)

If you are in the camp that considers neutral interior design schemes boring, let us make the case for a minimalist aesthetic with Brooke Shields' stunning kitchen.

The actor recently shared a clip of her modern, light-filled space to her Instagram page, and it has reminded us just how impactful a simple white and wood design scheme can be (not to mention a consistently fantastic neutral kitchen idea).

Her sleek, white counters, white wall paint, and wood accents, from the framed painting to the light island stools, make for a calming and timeless look that designers agree is here to stay.

Shop the white and wood kitchen edit

According to design experts, although maximalist and colorful trends have permeated interior design over the last while, neutral palettes remain relevant thanks to their mood-boosting and room-expanding benefits.

'Over the past few years, there’s been a shift in how we want our homes to look, feel, and function – an inevitable change driven by the increased time we’ve spent in them, especially as many of us transitioned from office commutes to a work-from-home lifestyle,' Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen brand explains. 'With this added time at home, the desire for spaces that feel more open, airy, and light has only grown stronger. White and pale, neutral kitchens meet this need beautifully. They bring a clean, timeless aesthetic that enhances any space, creating the illusion of a larger, brighter room (no matter its actual size).'

However, Tom mentions that it is important to be mindful of maintaining visual interest in a neutral kitchen. Too many similar materials or textures can make a space feel flat, so mixing and matching is key.

'When designing a pale, neutral kitchen, it’s all about layering tones, textures, and lighting to create warmth and depth,' Tom continues. 'Whites can be incredibly versatile, but without contrast and variation, the space risks feeling flat. Mixing matte and gloss finishes, incorporating natural materials like wood and stone, and using strategic lighting ensures the kitchen feels warm, spacious, and full of character—rather than cold or clinical.'

Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.

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