If you're a fan of high-low styling, pay attention: Julianne Moore just revealed that she uses the industrial-style IKEA KOLBJÖRN shelf in her Manhattan kitchen.
'This I'm really proud of because this is IKEA,' explains Julianne, pointing to the gray shelf in the corner of her gorgeous white kitchen.
'I needed a piece where I could have my dishes [accessible], because we don't have a lot of storage in here. I was thinking about having something built, and I found this, and then I put it together, and I was like, "Oh my gosh, the color is perfect." I like the industrial quality it has, and it ended up kind of going with everything.'
It goes to show that the chicest people aren't the ones who only buy the most expensive furnishings; they are the people who know how to mix in affordable pieces and make them look designer.
Going against the adage to 'invest in your staples, thrift your fun,' Julianne demonstrates that affordable staples work, as long as you style them right. In her space, a simple piece of storage becomes an artwork.
The creamy mushroom color of this industrial-style shelf is oh-so-chic, perfect for visible storage in a small space. We love how Julianne has styled it with cream and charcoal dishes.
So, what is Julianne's technique for making high-low styling work in her neutral kitchen? For one, she starts with asking about what colors and styles will work in her home. Rather than introducing a pop with an inexpensive piece, she selected a shelf that fit seamlessly into the industrial aesthetic of the space.
Furthermore, though the IKEA shelf is prominent in Julianne Moore's kitchen, the eye is drawn to the sculptural dishes on the shelf, rather than the shelf itself. In other words, she splurged on the beautiful pieces, and decided to save on the functional. This is a clever way to think about your storage accents.
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Finally, the mix of textures in her kitchen helps the high-low styling to feel effortless. Julianne mixes wood, glass, metal, and ceramic in the space, so a less expensive metal furnishing doesn't stand out as less elegant than the rest of the room. Ultimately, her technique has to do with bringing in an affordable piece that feels native to her space.
Shop The Rest of Julianne's Kitchen
Turn your eggs into an everyday sculpture with this beautiful artpiece as seen in Julianne Moore's kitchen. It checks all our boxes for countertop styling in a smaller kitchen, in that it's functional but also gorgeous.
This beautiful drip coffee maker is the exact same as the one Julianne Moore and Gwyneth Paltrow use in their kitchens. It's quiet, versatile, and stylish with gold certifications from both the Specialty Coffee Association and the European Coffee Brewing Center. Plus it gets top marks from our reviewers.
Julianne bought these chairs in 1995 in Paris, and they've travelled with her across every move. Their mid-century style has a whisper of Frank Lloyd Wright, perfect for grounding more industrial elements.
John Boos Rectangular Maple Cutting Board
Julianne uses a wooden cutting board on her countertops to add a touch of natural character to her space. It would be ideal among more neutral colors to warm up the space.
Juno Small Recycled Stoneware Canister
The Juno collection brings an elevated approach to kitchen storage, combining thoughtful craftsmanship with sustainable design. Hand-molded by skilled ceramicists using 95% recycled clay, this small canister features a softly curved silhouette and an airtight lid, finished in a creamy, lightly speckled reactive glaze.
The soft neutral glaze of this vase is a beautiful choice for spring, and the shape will create a wonderful balance when filled with a voluptuous bouquet of tulips –perfect, no matter what color kitchen you have.
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