Cher's Global-Inspired Cabinets Invert a Key Styling Rule

Cher / room with wooden cabinet with urn vases on top and a wooden chair — (Image credit: Getty Images (Photo by John NacionWWD via Getty Images) / Future)

When we are designing a space, our instinct may be to keep the cabinetry and storage neutral to allow other decorative elements of the room to sing, but in Cher's LA apartment, she's bravely switched this on its head, making the deep brown lattice-work cabinets the statement feature.

Cher's interiors, designed by Martyn Bullard, bring in a fusion feel, thanks to a mix of global elements anchored by her intricate cabinets, which prove that storage ideas don't need to be boring.

Robert Aumann, luxury real estate advisor, interior design expert, and founding partner of LUXURYSOCALREALTY, says: 'The use of global-inspired wooden cabinetry is a great way to make a statement in a room, as it brings craftsmanship, texture, and history to the space. The trick to not making it feel dark and heavy is balance. If the cabinetry is dark wood or has heavy carvings, balance it out with lighter elements in the space, such as neutral walls, natural stone, or warm plaster finishes.'

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Global Buys Inspired by Cher's Eclectic LA Home

vintage look

Rattan Sideboard Cabinet

The rattan front panels on the doors of this sideboard give the same feel as Cher's ornately carved cabinets, while the dark wood creates a beautiful contrast within and otherwise neutral scheme.

Bold piece

Matte Black Footed Bowl

A statement footed bowl like this can look really dramatic against dark wood cabinets, particularly if filled with bright citrus fruits for a striking contrast, as demonstrated by Cher in her LA apartment.

Wealth-bringing

Brass Maa Lakshmi

Figurines of deities, like this one of the Hindu god, Lakshmi, are believed to bring wealth, courage and happiness into the home. Aesthetically it brings a collected, and well-travelled feel to a space.

Subtle pattern

Jolyn Paisley Embroidered Pillow

Mixing dark wood furniture or cabinets, like Cher's with neutrals and textural pieces like this embroidered throw pillow, is the ideal way to keep the scheme grounded and not overwhelming.

Indoor and outdoor

Candle Holder Lantern

While Cher's ornate wire candle lanterns likely originate from India or China, this modern version achieves a similar look and can be moved from indoors to out once the weather improves.

Rustic look

Reclaimed Wood Serving Tray

Repurposing a serving tray to display decorative pieces on a sideboard is the perfect way to create an intentional focal point. This beautiful tray in reclaimed wood reflects the dark wood of the cabinets to hang the look together.

Another way to balance out heavier or darker furniture like this is by layering softer textures in lighter hues. Robert adds: 'Layering is key. Using materials such as linen, woven textures, brushed metals, and natural fibers will help to mitigate the heaviness of the wood.'

And when it comes to which colors to pair dark wood cabinetry with, decorating with neutrals will work best. 'Keeping the overall color scheme consistent, such as warm whites, sandy neutrals, and muted earth tones, will help the cabinetry feel like a deliberate design choice rather than a heavy visual element,' says Robert.

Cher's space works particularly well due to the additions of decorative pieces that lean into the global look, which make the cabinets feel intentional rather than out-of-place.

'Adding decorative elements to further the global look, such as handmade ceramics, sculptural lighting, or vintage textiles, will help to add depth and interest to the space through texture and history, while also keeping the cabinetry the central focus of the room rather than competing with it,' Robert adds.

Adding statement cabinetry in a dark color is a great idea for making a feaure of your storage, rather than allowing it to sink into the background. Just be sure to balance the look with plenty of soft textures and a neutral palette to off-set the heaviness.

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Katrina is Head of Living at Homes & Gardens, covering hosting and entertaining, seasonal styling ideas, sleep and wellbeing, along with a highly experienced team of writers and reviewers. With more than 15 years' experience in lifestyle content, Katrina was previously an editor at luxury lifestyle platform, Muddy Stilettos, has been a features writer at Sainsbury's magazine and has also written for a wealth of other food and lifestyle titles including Ideal Home, Waitrose Food, John Lewis' Edition and The Home Page. Katrina is passionate about heritage style and lives in a 100-year old cottage in rural Hertfordshire, where she enjoys finding creative ways to live and host stylishly.