Brie Larson, known for Captain Marvel, may have a reputation associated with otherworldly pursuits – but a look inside her kitchen suggests her reality is almost as mystical as her life on the silver screen.
The actress, who lives in an Italian-style property in California, debuted an ancient alternative to contemporary backsplashes – featuring an engraving of (what appears to be) The Birth of Venus on a cast-iron fireback.
Cast-iron firebacks have been included in home since the 15th century – when they were used to reflect light and heat from the fire into a room. To this day, they are still considered an effective way of protecting a hearth's back wall from decay – while acting as a way to radiate heat after the fire burns out. Or it also makes for a kitchen backsplash with a twist.
The piece is seen behind the actress as she makes a vegan taco alongside chef Joshua Weissman, and you can buy one just like it on 1stDibs and at Chairish.
Over the centuries, designers often decorated cast-iron firebacks with mythological or religious motifs, as is the case in the one seen in Brie's kitchen. Their ornate nature means they are often purchased for their aesthetic qualities (instead of for practical reasons); however, they can perform the same role as a tile backsplash – while making a distinct style statement in the process.
We admit that we never expected to see a depiction of a Roman goddess at the forefront of the actress' kitchen – but its presence has provoked us to look for other backsplash alternatives that break away from modern conventions. We're beginning with these similar firebacks below.
This 18th century French Louis XV fireback depicts Venus with her mirror and torch of Hestia. Goddess of love, beauty and fertility, Hestia's was goddess of fire and the domestic hearth.
This cast iron fireback is a French antique dating from around the mid-19th century. As you would expect, it has an aged appearance consistent with use over two centuries.
This beautifully detailed cast iron fireback shows Venus the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. It's in great condition and perfect for use as a fireback or backsplash.
Brie Larson's backsplash demands all the attention in her Mediterranean kitchen – an instant focal point in the footage above. It is often easy to overlook the power of this feature – but the actress has reminded us that it is one way to start a conversation. And designer Emma Britton agrees.
'A backsplash for a kitchen is one of the finishing touches but should never be an afterthought,’ she says. ‘Whether the choice is a statement piece or a beautiful tonal design, the backsplash can be the focal point of the room or sit in harmony with the overall feel and look of the finished kitchen.’
In Brie Larson's case, this is entirely confirmed.
