While stark minimalist kitchens were once all the rage, they've gone out of fashion in favor of inviting spaces with lots of character. Anne Hathaway's cozy kitchen embodies this shift with its dark, soapstone countertops.
The actress's kitchen was designed by Pamela Shamshiri as an inviting celebration of warmth and light. Anne Hathaway's quiet luxury kitchen has wooden walls, wooden floors, and a white tile backplash. Her cabinets are a stylish turquoise shade with brass hardware throughout. Most striking are her black countertops, which differ from the stained wood of her kitchen island.
The countertop style is part of a growing interior design trend. Mor Krisher, Head of Design at Caesarstone, states: 'Gone are the days of uniform, clinical white kitchens. Dramatic and dark-hued designs have risen in popularity. Whilst this might seem like an intimidating choice, there are many ways to create a balanced kitchen scheme.'
It's not only the color, but the material of Hathway's kitchen countertops that make such a bold statement. 'Soapstone is a natural stone composed mainly of talc, chlorite, and magnesite. That gives it a smooth, matte finish that evolves over time,' says Don Benton, Head of Design at countertop company Granite and Marble Solutions. 'Its unique patina develops character with use, making it a classic choice for designs that embrace a traditional or rustic aesthetic. Regarding the benefits, soapstone is prized for its durability and low maintenance. It’s naturally non-porous, so it doesn’t require sealing. It can also handle heat well and is resistant to bacterial growth, which is ideal for a kitchen setting.'
Further, Hathaway's black kitchen countertops are the perfect pairing with natural wood. Krisher says, 'I’m a big fan of dark worktops paired with natural woods like oak or walnut, and metallic accents like brass, copper or steel taps and handles. Pairing a dark surface with wooden cabinetry and pale flooring will help to keep your space feeling open and neutral. This is especially beneficial if you want to create a cozy atmosphere, but your kitchen isn’t vast in size.'
The style is also a wonderful complement to brass kitchen cabinet hardware. Benton tells Homes & Gardens: 'the dark tones of the stone add contrast while also pulling subtle green undertones that complement natural materials. While predominantly black, soapstone often has slight tones of green, grey, and brown, which allows it to pair well with the other elements. This combination of wood and metal with soapstone creates a cohesive, earthy feel that adds warmth and depth to the space.'
Shamshiri grounds and lightens the harshness of the stone by using wood on the kitchen island as an alternative countertop material. 'The rich wooden countertop on the island contrasts with the dark soapstone surfaces and adds warmth,' says Benton. 'It creates a visual focal point, drawing attention to the island as a central feature in the space. The mix of materials helps break up the uniformity. It keeps the space from feeling too uniform and gives it a more welcoming, lived-in feel.'
Shop the Dark Kitchen Edit
If you aren't ready to replace your countertops but love the inviting look of Anne Hathaway's space, you can get a similar effect my introducing black accessories with white accents with kitchen styling.
Crafted in Portugal, this piece combines iconic style with long-lasting versatility.
Have coffee in style with this hand-washable, black marbled sugar jar.
We love these sophisticated salt and pepper shakers in a cool, matte marble.
The beauty of Anne Hathaway's farmhouse kitchen comes through in the contrasts. To create a similar effect in your own home, focus on integrating a variety of materials in close proximity to one another. You might consider bringing in natural wood, marble, soap stone, and smooth glossy surfaces all in the same space. Contrasting hardware in brass or chrome can be a stunning finishing touch.
Gone are the days when the stark white kitchen was everyone's greatest aspiration. 2025 is all about warmth, character, and coziness.
