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Designer Nate Berkus never shies away from a fancy kitchen. He’s a fan of marble, doesn’t skimp on detailed cabinet profiles, and loves statement lighting. So we were a little surprised to learn that he gave a big thumbs up to Downton Abbey-style kitchens in a recent Instagram reel.
The aesthetic is all work. Picture: copper pots dangling from the ceiling, armoires standing in for built-in cabinets, and tons of open shelves. “I don’t think it’s fair to call it a trend, but I love what I think of as a disassembled kitchen,” Berkus shared on Instagram. “I love a plate rack; I love a huge table as an island.” And it’s not just a fad he’s seeing pop up on the Internet. “We’re doing this in our farm in Portugal right now,” he admits. “Jeremiah has this vision of a little lamp shaped like a bird plugged in, and I bought mustard pots and little silver things to put condiments in.”
Looking to work some of this English-inspired magic into your own kitchen? We’ve got some inspiration for you.
Don’t Be a Perfectionist
This U.K. basement kitchen might just be the dream space Berkus was describing. Rough stone floors anchor a massive farmhouse table that doubles as an island, distressed doors shut the room off from the rest of the house, and a collection of oil paintings and pottery hang out over the farmhouse sink.
Add Lots of Window Ledges
Shelves, shelves, and more shelves is an easy way to inject a touch of countryside charm into your space. Loeffler Randall founder Jessie Randall’s Hamptons home is a good lead to follow—we love the pots of herbs and plates on display around her space.
Store Food the Old-School Way
One L.A. couple made a vintage larder cabinet the focal point in their sage-green kitchen. Not only is it fully functional, they use it as a prep station for cutting bread in the warmer months, and a spot for keeping eggs and butter during the winter when it’s cooler inside.