If You’re Going to Have a Black and White Kitchen, Make Sure You Experiment with This Cabinet Style – Richard Gere’s Anti-Trend Space Is the Blueprint
Richard elevates a classic kitchen color pairing with strategic cabinets that are personal and timelessly aesthetic – and designers love the results
There's something about a black-and-white kitchen that screams anti-trend in the very best way. While some experimental aesthetics can feel bold and playful, they can sometimes feel fleeting, making an anti-trend neutral pairing an endlessly timeless choice.
This isn't lost on Richard Gere and his wife, Alejandra Silva, who have designed an eternally on-trend space featuring black countertops and white-painted cabinets. What makes these cabinets truly special, however, is their glass front, which showcases their patterned crockery (such as these dishes from Wayfair) and glassware, adding just the right amount of color to their monochromatic space.
If you're going to enjoy the timelessness of a black-and-white kitchen, you could do far worse than follow Richard's example. The glass-fronted kitchen cabinets make the space feel less clinical, while showcasing some of the actor's treasured crockery – and their 'old money' style is just as timeless as the neutral color pairing. They'll look just as beautiful in a decade from now.
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These porcelain bowls combine clean design with everyday functionality. Finished with durable underglaze patterns. Just as appealing on display behind glass-fronted cabinets as they are in use, they’re also dishwasher- and microwave-safe for effortless everyday living.
Designed in classic blue-and-white, each of these bowls features a bold dual-tone graphic pattern and a smooth glazed finish. Made from premium porcelain, they're ideal for serving everything from soups and salads to desserts.
Simple and stylish, this stoneware bowl set adds effortless cool to any shelf or glass-fronted cabinet, just like Richard's. Mix with colorful accents to create a balanced, modern display in any neutral kitchen.
Crafted in Portugal, this piece combines iconic style with long-lasting versatility. It's the simplest way to tap into the style Richard's black-and-white kitchen, without the need for a huge renovation.
The eagle-eyed among us may have spotted cerise salt and pepper mills, much like these from Le Creuset on Richard's counters. These heirloom pieces are built for longevity and moisture resistance, so you can season every dish to perfection.
Nothing elevates our morning coffee routine quite like this bold twist on the classic color palette. Much like the plate, it offers the opportunity to experiment with this color pairing at a low cost.
Incorporating glass-fronted cabinets is one way to add interest to your black-and-white kitchen, but it's not the only option. Jessica Feury, an interior designer at Olive & Barr, explains that there are bold ways to experiment with the hues (such as with a statement black floor) in ways that will always feel classic.
'A monochrome kitchen can provide a sophisticated space for the whole family to enjoy. Its simple yet classic color scheme creates a timeless and sleek look that fits perfectly into both modern and period properties. There are plenty of ways to introduce the two colors, from light cabinetry to dark black marble countertops, a dark kitchen island against brighter cabinetry, or even a black floor to create a striking base to build your scheme upon,' Jessica comments.
'White cabinets work great at making a kitchen feel open and airy, whilst black elements help to ground the space. With careful planning, this color combination can create a look that transcends trends and becomes easily adaptable as your tastes change.'
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Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.