If you want to add color to your kitchen, you could paint your cabinets, integrate bright hardware, or apply wallpaper; however, many of us are seeking more temporary options that work for renters and people in small homes. That's where open shelving comes in.
Sarah Jessica Parker's maroon kitchen shelves lined with colorful china and silver demonstrate how the technique brings instant, flexible color into the home. A recent Instagram video shows off the actor's range of ceramics.
From traditional china (like these beautiful Morris & Co. plates from Amazon and my favorite Ginori espresso cups from Net-a-Porter) to antique silver to modern geometric pieces, each item adds a unique pop of color to her home. It's interior personality, the easy way.
Though the built-in plate rack was once associated with rustic charm, Sarah Jessica Parker's kitchen shows that it can be an incredibly sophisticated way to bring character into the home.
New York-based interior designer Nina Lichtenstein explains: 'Plate racks in the kitchen have become a coveted feature, combining practicality with a timeless, decorative touch. These storage solutions, whether part of built-in cabinetry or freestanding units, offer more than just a place to store your dishes; they add character and a sense of curated elegance to your kitchen design.'
Shop The Colorful China Edit
Emulating Sarah Jessica Parker's look requires building open shelves around your personal taste. Here are our editors' picks for well-balanced, stylish, and serenely colorful kitchen storage.
A beautiful maroon shelf is the perfect home for your most beautiful china pieces. From the most colorful to the more muted, it will add an additional dose of personality.
Le Creuset 2.5-Qt Covered Square Casserole
Designed to go straight from oven to table, this mini covered casserole dish is the perfect size to showcase and serve everything from homemade pasta to your favorite desserts. Plus, the lilac color will look absolutely stunning on your open shelves.
This stunning cake stand comes in Ginori 1735's iconic carnation pattern. It's perfect for serving dessert while functioning as a gorgeous piece of decor on its own.
Avondale Melamine Dinner Plates, Set of 4
Blending vintage charm with everyday practicality, these plates add a refined touch to your shelves and table dining. The soft botanical detailing offers subtle elegance, despite being built to last.
Sarah Jessica Parker breaks up her colorful shelf with metallic pieces like silver steins and cups. This sugar bowl offers the same look, in an even more intricate design.
This gorgeous print celebrates a variety of shades of blue with a vibrant floral pattern. It looks similar to vintage transferware, but with a playful, modern sensibility.
As Sarah Jessica Parker's display demonstrates, this technique is incredible for adding understated color to the home. Nina advises: 'The visual charm of plate racks lies in their ability to turn everyday essentials into a display of craftsmanship and beauty. Unlike cabinets that hide plates behind closed doors, plate racks allow you to showcase your favorite dishware. Whether you have a collection of vintage china, colorful ceramics, or minimalist stoneware, the open display adds texture and personality to your kitchen.'
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So, what's the best way to recreate Sarah Jessica Parker's china display? The first important aspect is ensuring you have strong shelves. Nina explains; 'Whether built-in or freestanding, your plate rack should be sturdy enough to support the weight of your plates. For heavier materials like stoneware or porcelain, consider racks with stronger, thicker bars.'
Next, consider how you want to arrange your plates and mugs for maximum impact. 'Ensure there is enough space between plates to avoid clinking when removed or placed back,' recommends Nina. 'Racks with slightly angled slots or rubberized dividers help keep plates stable.'
As Sarah Jessica Parker demonstrates, a colorful china cabinet is the perfect option for bringing character into your kitchen. Luckily, her technique is easy to recreate.
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