55 Years Later, Martha Stewart's '70s Country Kitchen Is Still The Most Special Space We've Ever Seen
Welcoming farmhouse details and cozy vintage furnishings shine in archival images of Martha Stewart's Turkey Hill home in Westport, Connecticut
The kitchen is the heart of the home, thus, the best kitchens are full of heart. If anyone knows this, it's Martha Stewart, who has created spaces that are both characterful and picture-perfect for decades.
In a recent Instagram post, the multi-hyphenate homemaker shared a glimpse into the kitchen at her 'Turkey Hill' home in Westport, Connecticut, in the mid-'70s. Martha owned the farmhouse domicile from 1971 to 2007, and every inch was lavished with love. Her country kitchen from the early years best embodies this sense of personality.
Homes & Gardens spoke with interior design experts to find out why. Part of the timeless appeal of Martha's space is the use of lustrous dark woods throughout the room.
Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport, explains: 'Increasingly, homeowners are seeking materials with soul. Lighter timbers once felt synonymous with modern minimalism, but there is now a growing desire for something more grounded and enduring. Darker woods like walnut or truffle oak bring a natural richness that softens contemporary design and gives a kitchen greater longevity.'
Stainless steel is effortlessly chic and sturdy, so it seems only fitting to add this cookware rack to your ceiling and pay homage to Martha's copper cookware display.
Why have one when you can have four? This basket set offers a beautiful way to display items and decorations around the kitchen – whether you use one for fruit and another for napkins or you simply stack them on your refrigerator.
If you don't have hanging space, this beautiful tray is the perfect way to bring a hint of rattan to your countertops. Perfect for holding candles or spices, it looks like something Martha herself would have in her home.
IKEA's FINMAT pots are constructed with stainless steel and coated with a layer of copper on the exterior. A genius way to get the French look without the fuss (or the price tag).
If you want the real deal, I can't blame you. Mauviel was founded in 1830 and continues to make French copper cookware in Normandy. This tiny two-quart pot is a cheaper piece from the range, but it's still nearly $300.
If you want the authentic feel of antique crockery, these 19th century copper pots are perfect. Proof that this look can last absolutely forever.
As we see in Martha's space, dark wood has power beyond the cabinets. It can be used on the furniture or accessories to add warmth to create a classic country kitchen.
Richard explains: 'These finishes also respond beautifully to natural light, subtly changing tone throughout the day and adding a sense of movement to the space. We are seeing more clients drawn to the way darker timber connects a home to nature while still feeling sophisticated and timeless.'
To recreate Martha's look in your own home, Richard advises: 'Used across full cabinetry runs or contrasted against painted doors, it introduces warmth and depth that lighter finishes simply cannot replicate.'
The beauty of Martha Stewart's characterful home also comes through because of her choice to decorate with antiques. From the French copper cookware to the 19th-century woven baskets, the space is full of details from another time. These storied details give the room texture, warmth, and a welcoming atmosphere.
What makes a room special isn't just the furniture - it's the story. Martha Stewart's country kitchen from the '70s is a great example, but you can recreate this feeling in any space if you are committed to planning and slow decorating.
