Gwyneth Paltrow's open shelves, kitchens' trendiest look, is easy to recreate with these expert designer tips

Coined as one of 2024's biggest kitchen trends, open shelves elevate your look and offer surplus storage

Gwyneth Paltrow in a black fancy outfit next to pictures of shelves on a blue gradient
(Image credit: Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

When it comes to open shelves, kitchens' favorite trend, Gwyneth Paltrow could easily teach a class on perfecting the look.

The Goop founder took to Instagram to announce her new business venture, Moments of Space, and was pictured in her kitchen. We couldn't help but notice her cookware collection and pristine storage system in the process.

One of the coolest small kitchen ideas is also the most functional, so why not replicate Gwen's look? We'll help you make your open shelves come to life with tips from our expert designers.

Have a look at Gwyneth Paltrow's open shelves, kitchens' trendiest style

There are quite a few things the actor and wellness guru does well when it comes to small kitchen trends: neutral palettes, courtesy of her cookware, open shelves, plus stackable pots and pans. Although there's a fear of coming across as too bland with an-off white style, nothing in the star's space appears to be lacking. 

"The key to achieving Gwyneth Paltrow's kitchen style lies in embracing minimalism with purpose," says designer Nina Lichtenstein. "Opt for sleek, streamlined shelving units that provide a clean canvas for your culinary treasures. Keep clutter at bay by displaying only essential items, such as artisanal cookware, elegant glassware, and carefully selected cookbooks."

We're all for styling and decluttering a small kitchen simultaneously with this method. But when attempting this look, it's not only important to think of functionality, but colors as well (we asked experts for their thoughts on the best colors for small kitchens, if you're curious).

"You may not be able to repurchase all of your serve ware into one color scheme like Gwyneth, but you can get the look in your own home by grouping similar colors together to create mini-collections along your shelves," says designer Nicole Cullum. "By grouping like to like, it will trick the eye, creating a curated, cohesive feel and avoid looking cluttered and chaotic."

A picture of Nina Lichtenstein, a woman wearing a green jumpsuit
Nina Lichtenstein

When Nina Lichtenstein designs a home, it is more than just a house. It is a haven. One tailored to a family's distinctive tastes, daily rituals, special gatherings, and long-term dreams. It is a nest from which to launch lives and make memories for generations to come. Her use of diverse textures and elegant blends of stone, wood, and other natural materials are part of her signature style.

Nicole Cullum
Nicole Cullum

Nicole Cullum is an interior designer in Taos, New Mexico, and the founder of Color Caravan, a charming hand-painted line of wallpaper, textiles, bedding, and home decor. No matter what she's styling, she gladly offers her clients a wide range of variety.

What to shop

Now that you're toying around with the minimalist small kitchen idea, you'll need a shelf or two in order to get the look up and running. 


It's spring cleaning season! We asked experts how to deep clean a small kitchen efficiently and effectively so that you can get your place to shine (and quickly).

Danielle Valente
Content Editor

Pleasure to meet you! I'm Danielle, a content editor at Real Homes who loves scoping out interior trends. I've specialized in lifestyle writing and editing for 10 years with a focus on events, food, and books, among other areas. When I'm not working, I'm usually cooking, reading, or searching for a new project for my apartment.