10 Design Ideas to Steal from Stanley Tucci’s Gorgeous Kitchen ASAP

published Jul 15, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Stanley Tucci attends the gala screening of Searchight's "See How They Run" at Picturehouse Central on September 06, 2022 in London, England.
Credit: Jeff Spicer / Stringer / Getty Images

Stanley Tucci knows a thing or two — about the kitchen, that is. Although his beloved show, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, was canceled prematurely (in my humble opinion), the 62-year-old seasoned actor and filmmaker moonlights as Instagram’s favorite part-time chef

The Academy award-winner frequently posts Instagram and TikTok videos with his wife, Felicity Blunt, providing a masterclass in everything from Tucci’s favorite “ginloma” recipe, to six-ingredient pasta (that’s so good he eats it for breakfast!). And behind it all is one stunning thing viewers can’t get enough of: his gorgeous, well-designed kitchen. His arsenal of cooking and barware essentials in combination with the sleek, decadent accents make for a dream kitchen for so many of us. I decided to do a deep-dive into the beauty (and function) of his kitchen so that you can replicate it in your own kitchen. Here are 10 design tips and ideas we’re stealing from Tucci ASAP.

1. Start with the right shade of gray.

Let’s start with his kitchen cabinets. While it’s common to gravitate towards a white or ivory shade — which can create a clean, crisp feeling — I can’t help but love that Tucci took the less expected route. Instead, he opted for a darker hue.

“Everyone keeps asking what color the kitchen is,” Tucci’s wife, Felicity Blunt, says in the video below where you can see the deep tone. “It’s Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe. Sounds rude, doesn’t it?” Tucci replies. And we’re absolutely obsessed.

It’s both timeless and trendy, and the dark lead gray has blue undertones that add complexity to the finish. Next to the white walls, these cabinets make a stylish statement and serve as the focal point. Want to recreate this for yourself? Here’s the exact paint to get the job done.

2. Accentuate cabinets with a touch of gold.

There’s just so much to love about Tucci’s cabinets! Specifically, he adds contrast to the color by mixing metals — adding gold hardware. I particularly love this because you won’t need to hire professionals to get the job done; it’s easy enough to do on your own.

Start with this 10-piece brushed brass set that instantly elevates your cabinet drawers and doors. You can place them horizontally or vertically, and each of the three-inch pieces will seamlessly screw into place. 

If long square brasses aren’t your flavor, these round cabinet knobs are another great selection. They’re designed in the same brushed brass color and feature 10 pieces. Simple and elegant, the 1/8-inch option will also screw into cabinets or doors with the help of a screwdriver. 

Last but not least, you could opt for these chic gold drawer pulls, which are a bit more subtle but still make an impression. When positioned properly on your cabinet drawers, they’ll let you grasp deeper to pull out even the heaviest of drawers. Simply use a screwdriver to tighten the pulls, and you’re good to go. 

3. Invest in proper cookware and shelving.

It’s no secret that there are plenty of incredible, affordable pots and pans on the market, but sometimes investing in the higher-priced versions pays off. Don’t believe me? Take Tucci’s lead. 

He has a custom-built shelf above his sink, and while I can’t exactly tell you all the details about it, it is home to many (many) Le Creuset dutch ovens, cocottes, and more — which means that shelf is definitely heavy-duty, holding at least 100 pounds. 

Go for an industrial shelf like this Amazon one for your next DIY project. It’s constructed of heavy-duty wrought iron pipe and chunky PB particle wood boards, built to last, and offers two different shelves for easy organizing. Great for any modern home, it also includes S-hooks for easy assembly.

In addition to shelves, he’s also the proud owner of not one Le Creuset pan, but many. And in multiple colors! He has cerise (red), Caribbean (blue), meringue (egg shell), and flame (orange) — just to name a few! — in different sizes. These pans are one of The Kitchn’s favorite tools for cooking everything from one-pot meals to countless other meals and snacks. It’s great for hosting small or large parties and tackling whatever the day (or meal) requires. While these pots and pans are on the pricier side, they’re so versatile and long-lasting, you won’t regret the splurge. 

4. Stock your cabinets with basics.

In addition to high-quality cookware, you should invest in an arsenal of basics, too. Stanley doesn’t just use stainless steel pans, but stainless steel kitchen utensils, too. While I don’t know what brand or model he uses specifically, that doesn’t mean you can’t go in a similar direction.

Whip up quick and easy dishes with this eight-inch pan by Cuisinart. This Amazon bestseller has a classic look and premium performance with an aluminum base that heats up quickly and evenly distributes flavors. With a side handle, you can toss and turn food, and thanks to the stainless steel, it even has a safe and solid grip.

If you’re looking for a higher-end pan, this All-Clad set has two stainless steel pans (or skillets) — a 9-inch and 11-inch model — that will sear and brown a range of foods. The five layers of responsive aluminum are made with heat-diffusing stainless steel, yielding superb results full of flavor and even searing. 

Savor every bite with this matte stainless steel cutlery set. Featuring 30 pieces, it will easily host up to six guests with salad forks, dinner forks, knives, spoons, and dessert spoons. 

5. Stick to wooden cutting boards. 

A not-so-revolutionary selection? A wooden cutting board — virtually everyone needs one in their kitchen, whether you’re Stanley Tucci or not.

If the time comes to update yours, there are a few worthwhile options. For a budget-friendly choice, you could reach for this bamboo version; the one-inch-thick butcher block is ideal for cutting dinner essentials or displaying cheeses and meats. It’s thick, resistant, and heavy-duty. Oh, and best of all? It’s under $25.

Not your style? You could spend a little more and opt for this thick slab end-of-grain butcher block. It features handy juice grooves that’ll keep your counter cleaner while you cook and slice. It’s dual-sided, which means you can use both the front and back of the heavy-duty, knife-resistant board that is also environmentally friendly.

6. Keep artwork simple.

Because the cabinets and hardware are the focal points, Stanley keeps his walls minimal—including his artwork. I noticed in a recent Instagram video that all of his artwork is black and white or other muted tones and hung in sleek black frames. I am smitten over this because it can be easily replicated and won’t break the bank.

Create a gallery wall with the help of these frames. Available in sets of four to 12, you can keep things cohesive with the same size or mix and match for something a bit funkier. Each option includes the necessary D-rings to assemble and hang them with ease.

For a little less money, this Amazon set of five frames is just as modern. Ranging in sizes from 8×10 to 18×24, you’ll find exactly what you need, and at just $19, it beats the price of other retailers for just one frame. A win-win! 

7. Invest in proper glassware. 

In the market for new glassware? Remain the host with the most by taking a play out of Tucci’s kitchen handbook and investing in the proper size and style.

Red wines are best in a glass with a rounder bowl so you can fully take in the scent of the wine. Take this set of four 24-ounce wine glasses; the bowl is elegant and angular and will enhance the aromas of any wine, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, or Zinfandel.

If you’re serving (or drinking!) white wines, you’ll want to lean toward a silhouette that has a U-shaped, upright bowl. This beautifully crafted wine glass set is a good example; the bowls are perfectly proportioned, the stems offer exquisite clarity, and the rims are fire-polished. Available in a set of eight, they’ll be ready to use again after a quick dip in the dishwasher. 

Then, for Champagnes, sparkling, or dessert wines, you’ll look for tall flutes; and this set of six. They hold up to seven ounces of liquid, and are expertly (and gorgeously) hand blown. 

If you just want everyday glassware, we won’t leave you hanging. In fact, here is an equally impressive option. At $40, you’ll get 18 mixed glassware choices, offering sizes in 17 ounces, 13 ounces, and 7 ounces, which is perfect for everything from smoothies and juices to iced coffee. We love how the subtle geometrical design makes this glassware look far more expensive than it is. 

Of course, if you want to follow the Searching for Italy host’s lead, you’ll want to invest in his signature martini glasses. Great for up to 10 ounces of liquid, this set of four is crafted from lead-free glass and is ready for pouring, drinking, and cheersing. Bottoms up! 

8. Perfect your bartending skills (or at least look like you have).

Beyond wine, you’ll want to check every box by investing in the proper barware. Rival the most experienced bartenders with the help of this at-home mixology and craft bartending kit.

The all-inclusive 15-piece set has everything from a mojito muddler to a strainer and a 24-ounce martini shaker. Plus, they’re available in three exceptional shades, including our favorite: gold. 

Kick things up a notch by investing in this five-piece whiskey set. You and your guests will savor every spirit with the radiant lidded decanter and old-fashioned glasses featuring a striking crystal sparkle. 

9. Serve meals thoughtfully.

Whether you’re whipping up Tuesday Bolognese or serving a simple salad, Tucci would totally want you to have a collection of versatile dinner plates. Instead of investing in more than one size, this set of six dinner plates will cover all your boxes.

The go-with-everything white plate has triple-layer glass protection, is ideal for all ages, and is resistant to cracks and chips. Made from 70% recycled pure glass, each plate offers a crisp, bright, clean design that will bring a timeless aesthetic for years. 

10. Rely on no-fuss kitchen appliances.

Of course, Stanley could have an on-call house chef if he wanted to, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, the kitchen connoisseur whips up his daily meals by investing in the right kitchen appliances — the first time around. What did I spot on his busy kitchen counter in one of his Instagram videos? A no-fuss, all-in-one Instant Pot.

Quick and convenient, this seven-in-one stainless steel pot redefines cooking — and because the parent company filed for bankruptcy early this year, we recommend getting one ASAP. It takes the place of a pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer and uses up to 60% less energy. It claims to be 70% faster than other appliances, has 10 safety features (to give you peace of mind), and is dishwasher-safe. Thanks, Stanley!