Ludacris's Surprisingly Oversized Kitchen Island is Functional, Beautiful, and On-Trend - It Embodies the 'quieter sense of refinement' Defining Our Homes in 2026

Natural materials and warm neutrals unite in Ludacris's quiet luxury kitchen – interior designers say it's the blueprint for homes in 2026

ludacris in a neutral chair
(Image credit:  Chris Haston/WBTV via Getty Images)

Is it just us, or have kitchen islands been getting bigger? From the homes of Kourtney Kardashian to Cardi B to Meg Ryan, we've noticed an increase in the number of oversized pieces in the kitchen. A recent Instagram post reveals that Ludacris is tapping in.

In an adorable video of his daughters and a friend dancing in his Atlanta kitchen, we spotted a massive marble kitchen island. It is white with light brown veining, creating the perfect complement to the wooden cabinets. Though Luda has owned the 22-acre Georgia mansion since 2003, the kitchen exudes pure modern elegance.

Richard Davonport, Managing Director at bespke kitchen company, Davonport, explains: 'Kitchen design in 2026 will be defined by a shift away from obvious trend statements and towards intelligent detail, material depth and a quieter sense of refinement.'

Marble kitchens like Ludacris's, perfectly harness this shift. They are equal parts refined and understated.

Replicate the Natural Marble Look at Home

Richard adds: 'The most influential schemes are moving beyond minimalism yet avoiding ornament for ornament’s sake. Instead, we are seeing a return to crafted cabinetry, expressive natural materials, and architectural form that feels tailored and measured.' Ludacris's combination of large island with wooden cabinets is the perfect example.

As homeowners embrace this interior design trend, they are opting for light neutral color schemes, as we see in Ludacris's Atlanta home.

Richard tells Homes & Gardens: 'Instead of stark white or cool grey, designers are embracing tones of putty, flint, mushroom, stone, oatmeal, warm taupe and even off-white. These shades provide a timeless foundation that complements oak, walnut, stainless steel, travertine and porcelain equally well. Their understated warmth ensures longevity, reducing the risk of a scheme feeling dated as tastes evolve. Neutrals work across every architectural style. They offer calm continuity through the home and allow materials and craftsmanship to speak for themselves.'


Oversized islands are rapidly appearing in celebrity kitchens, and soon will filter out into more of our homes. The key to this look is its functionality alongside beauty.

Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.

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