April 2024
Presented by Café
Ashley
Dante Crisafulli
park
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Pre-reno, Park’s space was finished with the typical stainless steel. In other words, her pristine cabinetry was broken up with “uninviting” slabs of metal. Now, it’s fresh and smooth in layers of modern white. “I really wanted a space that felt very approachable and relaxed, so when I saw these appliances, this Matte White finish, I realized that’s how I can tie the whole kitchen together.”
A tour of actress Ashley Park’s Los Angeles kitchen reveals that style is something she lives and breathes, no surprises there. “If I had to give a theme to my kitchen, it would probably be ‘stylish serenity,’” muses Park as we chat about some of her favorite bells and whistles in her newly updated kitchen—artfully outfitted with a suite of customized CAFÉ appliances. Beloved for her portrayal of Mindy Chen on Netflix’s Emily in Paris, Park makes her character’s wit, tenacity, friendship and aspirational clothing come alive. Her fans gush over everything from her accolades to her relationship. She’s loveable. And she loves her people back. Hence the importance of having a welcoming space in her home that feels right. “For me, the kitchen is emblematic of the social space in the house. I’m excited to invite people into this aesthetic and this feel, because I designed it and I got to express myself through it. I feel like I have real ownership over this space that feels very special in this house.”
By: Cristina Polchinski
design Formula
CAFÉ Brushed Brass Hardware
Shop the Look
Oak Wood Details
Polished Ceramic Tile
CAFÉ Matte White Appliances
Ashley Park’s Design Formula
“The other thing I’m really excited about is the small appliances, like this espresso machine,” says Park. “It makes me feel like I’m a barista and the fact that I can have an entire café at my disposal feels awesome.” Park’s home is an ideal retreat from the spotlight and her kitchen, especially, is a representation of what unwinding means for her. Peaceful and approachable, she’s designed it into an area ripe for gatherings, but calm enough to recuperate for the next big thing on her booked-and-busy roster. And if we’ve learned anything from our tour of Park’s stunning kitchen, it’s that the doppio is in the details.
Actor, traveler, fashion icon, self-proclaimed condiment queen: Park is nothing if not versatile. “I’m that person who, when I go to a hotel or a restaurant and they have a cute little jar and a condiment, I hoard them all. I am obsessed with the customizable drawer of this refrigerator…[the condiments] are all in there,” she says. In fact, it’s the thoughtful detail in every nook and cranny that really makes Park’s kitchen refresh sing. Take the hidden hero below her countertop: The CAFÉ CustomFit Dishwasher. “[It] provides a place for everything,” she says. “I love that it’s easy to put wine glasses in, water tumblers, huge pots, little pots. It feels like a safe place for my dishes.” A silverware caddy that doubles as a spot to put your wine glasses and a top rack that can be configured however you want—even to fit your 40-ounce tumbler—is what we call a life-changing way to do the dishes.
“I’ve been drawn to a neutral palette with bold and striking accents, so I was excited to choose the Brushed Brass hardware—there’s something about it that felt really sophisticated. I also love that if I wanted to change my mind tomorrow, I could.” That’s thanks to the interchangeable hardware on her appliances, one of the CAFÉ suite’s many design benefits that allow you to reflect your personality in your kitchen.
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Finally, storage for our Stanley tumblers.
10 Organizing Hacks We Learned from TikTok
maskot/getty images
The next evolution? Meet Modern Mediterranean
Your Tuscan Kitchen Needs a Makeover
Getty Images / contrastaddict
Wrap-around islands are the new breakfast nooks
Designers Have Spoken: These Are 2024’s Top Trends
CLÉ TILE/SARAH SHERMAN SAMUEL/STOFFER PHOTOGRAPHY
(cheesy—and becomes one more thing to dust!)
Artificial Plants & Fake Fruit
(appliance garages can create a more streamlined look)
Exposed Outlets & Messy Cords (appliance garages can create a more streamlined look)
(they create visual clutter!)
Magnets, Photos, Bills & Notes
On her Counters
On the Walls
On her Fridge
3 Things an Interior Designer Would Never Have in Her Kitchen
And what hues to consider instead
The One Kitchen Color That Decreases Your Home’s Value
Getty Images / Stockbyte
Finally, the recipe for your perfect space
CAFÉ Appliances Are Changing What It Means to Have a Customizable Kitchen
Café Appliances
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Don't throw money down the garbage disposal
8 Surprising Expenses That Always Come Up When Renovating
getty images / Johner Images
Still, while English country kitchens have been around for centuries, this year’s rendition takes a more contemporary approach to age-old European design. Think traditional details like ornate ceiling moldings and herringbone hardwood floors with upgraded materials like copper and zellige. Basically, it keeps the silhouettes clean-lined and classic and updates everything with finishes that make it feel current. It has the same classic-yet-cozy draw as farmhouse, but the design toes the line between royal Bridgerton and posh Victoria Beckham townhouse.
House of Hackney/ deVOL Kitchens
Around that time, we were introduced to the cottagecore trend: A cross between shabby chic and your favorite childhood fairy tale. It was an English cottage aesthetic that boasted everything from embroidered linens to antique frogs and floral teapots—all of which offered us an escape into pastoral-perfect living as we withered away in quarantine. In 2022, however, cottagecore’s kitsch seemed to lose its charm. What felt sentimental and nostalgic during lockdown became juvenile and tacky in the real world. So then, with the emergence of quiet luxury in 2023, the English cottage got a high-end makeover, paving the way for a more sophisticated take: English country kitchens. Instead of quaint ruffled valences and cluttered farmhouse tables, the look was elevated with timeless floral wallpaper, sprawling butcher block islands and glittering crystal chandeliers.
Naturally, Joanna Gaines’ farmhouse style mushroomed kitchen design for a reason. It not only mixed rustic wood with new materials—think quartzite and ceramic subway tile—but it felt inconspicuous enough to endure over time. However, as the HGTV star became a household name, so did the style she helped coin, becoming so ubiquitous that it started to feel stale.
English Country
After years of universally pleasing, Instagram-generic kitchens, the pendulum has started to swing in the other direction. Suddenly, the folksy neutrals the modern farmhouse trend popularized feel dreary and sterile. No longer are we interested in a space that looks like it’s been plucked from a new-build brochure. Instead, we want color, pattern—personality—in our homes to remind us we’re alive. And thankfully, that’s what these three new kitchen trends are all about.
By: Sydney Meister
Copper cookware
Zellige tile
Whimsical florals
Classic green hues
Dark wood finishes
English country Design Formula
Still, it wouldn’t be Mediterranean-style if there weren’t a few coastal undertones. This is probably the main difference between Tuscan; modern Med features brass undertones instead of terracotta, camel instead of burnt orange and taupe or ecru instead of ocher. What’s more, if there’s one architectural detail that ties everything together here, it’s light oak wood. From beams to cabinets to arched doorways, a light wooden hue instantly gives this kitchen a warm and lived-in feel. It’s modern meets traditional without being too sleek—we predict it’ll be the new boho kitchen by 2025.
Designer: Lindye Galloway / Photographer: Mike Van Tassell
A classically Tuscan kitchen has three elements that bring the look together: 1) brick, 2) dark wood and 3) granite. The color palette involves lots of brown and terracotta tones with honeyed/copper accents—mostly to replicate the sunshine and soil in Tuscan wineries. So now, we’re seeing a coastal version of Tuscan with an emphasis on the lighter, more airy Mediterranean Sea (as opposed to the deep and vibrant colors of the rolling hills). Instead of brick backsplashes and granite countertops, modern Med uses limestone on the walls and classic Calcutta marble or travertine on the surfaces. This makes it feel current without sacrificing rustic charm, perfectly in line with the updated farmhouse theme we’re seeing in interiors right now
A more recent trend that you’ve no doubt seen all over TikTok is mob wife. The Sopranos-inspired aesthetic has mainly been covered in fashion, but as with all things in design, it’s also making its way into the kitchen. Specifically, in bringing back the early 2000s Tuscan style—which was huge with boomers of a certain suburban ilk—and giving it a modern Mediterranean makeover.
Modern Mediterranean
Moroccan lighting
Coastal blue and camel
Light oak wood
Limestone backsplashes
Modern Mediterranean Design Formula
Designer: Urbanology Designs / Photographer: Matti Gresham Photography
From deeply veined marbles to whimsical florals and Mediterranean blues, one thing’s clear: There’s nothing bland about these spaces. They’re not only designed to enrich and inspire you, but they’re also there to make prepping a three-course meal exciting. At the end of the day, they bring the most important design factor to the table: you.
Despite its inflated title, loud luxury has nothing to do with boorish color or pattern. It favors materials in similar, understated tones with contrasting textures that add depth and drama. This is mainly showing up with dramatic marble veining and dark wood finishes. The sophistication comes from the foundation of the kitchen itself, where islands, cabinets and appliances act as statement pieces on their own (though many have some gorgeous lighting overhead that can double as artwork). As for fabrics, there are a few tried-and-true textures that make an impact without sacrificing a curated feel: linen, leather, tweed, velvet and shearling. While linen and leather offer more of an organic modern vibe, tonal tweed and rich velvet can skew midcentury modern. Not to mention that adding a pop of shearling to a dark leather chair is a one-way ticket to nailing an Aspen ski chalet aesthetic. When talking about loud luxury, it’s also worth mentioning fluted details, which are so subtle, that you could almost miss them, but manifest as a ribbed, accordion-like texture that’s achieved through rows of vertical grooves—and we’ve seen them popping up everywhere from cabinets to islands to backsplashes. Not only is it a perfect example of how loud luxury draws the eye without overpowering a space, but it also speaks to the custom, bespoke feel that makes the trend unique and personal.
Finally, quiet luxury was around long before TikTok—and it’ll still be around after the app is replaced by something techier. Yet, while luxury is always something you want from a contemporary kitchen, ‘quiet’ seems to be taking a backseat. Instead of sleek range hoods and boring white marble—aka staples of minimalist kitchens we’ve seen all over Instagram—this year’s designers seem to be playing around with high-end materials.
Loud Luxury
DESIGNER: URBANOLOGY DESIGNS / PHOTOGRAPHER: MATTI GRESHAM PHOTOGRAPHY
Sherpa and leather textiles
Geometric lighting
Fluted details
Dramatic marble veining
Loud Luxury Design Formula
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Pro tip: Measure out your cabinets and install pull-out drawers, so your blender and toaster are off the counter—but always ready to go.
Docking Drawer Blade Duo In-Drawer Outlet
You’ll feel like a barista as you make and sip your perfect espresso drink from this stylish and impressive machine.
CAFÉ Bellissimo Semi Automatic Espresso Machine
Nothing cuts like a set of Wüsthof blades, and this modern block contains every one you'd need for just about any cooking project.
Wüsthof Classic Color Knife Block
Subway tiles will never go out of style, and this affordable pick has a sophisticated, artisanal feel.
Bedrosians Cloe Subway Tile
Vegan leather wipes clean easily, proving that a gorgeous, mid-century modern-inspired set of bar stools can be kid-friendly, too.
Nathan James Faux Leather Counter/Bar Stools
Get this: Garbage bags feed through the back of the can, making it easy to replace the liner as you take out the trash.
Simplehuman Dual-Compartment Step Can
We get tons of compliments for this simple beauty, which holds six bottles of vino (and glasses) without encroaching on our cabinet space.
Crate & Barrel Wine Stem Rack
A drawer with temp control for storing anything from meat to wine to condiments, plus customizable hardware and smart home connectivity… What doesn’t this fridge do?
CAFÉ 4-Door French-Door Refrigerator
Bless the inventors of touchless faucets, especially ones that include a pull-down sprayer and come in a chic, brushed gold finish.
Moen Align Touchless Faucet
A rug pulls a room together—kitchen included. Opt for the cushioned flatweave: It's durable, machine washable and comfy underfoot.
Ruggable Valencia Natural Rug
The completely customizable top rack, basket and lid caddy mean your entire collection of 40-ounce tumblers are as good as hand-washed—no, better.
CAFÉ CustomFit Dishwasher
A dish rack that doesn't take up counter space and isn't an eyesore? And it doubles as a trivet?! Say less.
Five Two Over-the-Sink Dish Drying Rack
Everybody’s idea of what constitutes a dream kitchen varies, but there are some things we all want: a gorgeous, clutter-free, functional space that makes us actually look forward to dicing an onion or doing the dishes. With that in mind, we scoured the market, looked at the top design trends and tested products firsthand to bring you items that will get you closer to the space of your Pinterest fantasies—even if you don’t have a spare $100K lying around for a full-scale reno.
The 2024 Dream Kitchen Awards
Our editors regularly speak to designers, contractors and real estate agents, as well as keep an eye on major trade shows—such as the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and Maison&Objet—to stay ahead of the latest home trends. When vetting products for our awards, we looked at the buzziest items hitting the market, as well as products editors have tested (and swear by in their own homes) while working on our PureWow100 review series. Any product chosen had to combine form with function, earning the label of being worthy of a dream kitchen in terms of its quality, value, aesthetics and how it streamlines our time (and elevates our experience being) in the heart of the home.
Beloved for her portrayal of Mindy Chen on Netflix’s Emily in Paris, Park makes her character’s wit, tenacity, friendship and aspirational clothing come alive. Her fans gush over everything from her accolades to her relationship. She’s loveable. And she loves her people back. Hence the importance of having a welcoming space in her home that feels right. “For me, the kitchen is emblematic of the social space in the house. I’m excited to invite people into this aesthetic and this feel, because I designed it and I got to express myself through it. I feel like I have real ownership over this space that feels very special in this house.”
A tour of actress Ashley Park’s Los Angeles kitchen reveals that style is something she lives and breathes, no surprises there. “If I had to give a theme to my kitchen, it would probably be ‘stylish serenity,’” muses Park as we chat about some of her favorite bells and whistles in her newly updated kitchen—artfully outfitted with a suite of customized CAFÉ appliances.
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Take a look around and you’ll also see open shelving that holds cookbooks, cascading potted plants and dishes in a mix of materials that all come together in an organic-feeling display. A glossy pearlescent backsplash in a white shade that complements her cabinets and appliances adds a glamorous texture. An impressive black marble statement island is practically begging to be used as a surface for making homemade pasta. It’s clear that easy elegance reigns supreme in Park’s home.
page 5
A more recent trend that you’ve no doubt seen all over TikTok is mob wife. The Sopranos-inspired aesthetic has mainly been covered in fashion, but as with all things in design, it’s also making its way into the kitchen. Specifically, in bringing back the early 2000s Tuscan style—which was huge with boomers of a certain suburban ilk—and giving it a modern Mediterranean makeover. A classically Tuscan kitchen has three elements that bring the look together: 1) brick, 2) dark wood and 3) granite. The color palette involves lots of brown and terracotta tones with honeyed/copper accents—mostly to replicate the sunshine and soil in Tuscan wineries. So now, we’re seeing a coastal version of Tuscan with an emphasis on the lighter, more airy Mediterranean Sea (as opposed to the deep and vibrant colors of the rolling hills). Instead of brick backsplashes and granite countertops, modern Med uses limestone on the walls and classic Calcutta marble or travertine on the surfaces. This makes it feel current without sacrificing rustic charm, perfectly in line with the updated farmhouse theme we’re seeing in interiors right now.
Naturally, Joanna Gaines’ farmhouse style mushroomed kitchen design for a reason. It not only mixed rustic wood with new materials—think quartzite and ceramic subway tile—but it felt inconspicuous enough to endure over time. However, as the HGTV star became a household name, so did the style she helped coin, becoming so ubiquitous that it started to feel stale. Around that time, we were introduced to the cottagecore trend: A cross between shabby chic and your favorite childhood fairy tale. It was an English cottage aesthetic that boasted everything from embroidered linens to antique frogs and floral teapots—all of which offered us an escape into pastoral-perfect living as we withered away in quarantine. In 2022, however, cottagecore’s kitsch seemed to lose its charm. What felt sentimental and nostalgic during lockdown became juvenile and tacky in the real world. So then, with the emergence of quiet luxury in 2023, the English cottage got a high-end makeover, paving the way for a more sophisticated take: English country kitchens. Instead of quaint ruffled valences and cluttered farmhouse tables, the look was elevated with timeless floral wallpaper, sprawling butcher block islands and glittering crystal chandeliers.
page 7
A classically Tuscan kitchen has three elements that bring the look together: 1) brick, 2) dark wood and 3) granite. The color palette involves lots of brown and terracotta tones with honeyed/copper accents—mostly to replicate the sunshine and soil in Tuscan wineries. So now, we’re seeing a coastal version of Tuscan with an emphasis on the lighter, more airy Mediterranean Sea (as opposed to the deep and vibrant colors of the rolling hills). Instead of brick backsplashes and granite countertops, modern Med uses limestone on the walls and classic Calcutta marble or travertine on the surfaces. This makes it feel current without sacrificing rustic charm, perfectly in line with the updated farmhouse theme we’re seeing in interiors right now.
Six gas burners and an electric Caterer’s Oven mean you can cook for a crowd with maximum efficiency and one built-in secret ingredient: style.
Café Dual-Fuel Commercial-Style Range
