Hilary Swank's natural material kitchen is so grounding | Homes & Gardens

Natural materials are one of my favorite interior features, but I've never seen them look as good as in Hilary Swank's kitchen – it's a calming oasis

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One of my favorite interior design trends of the past few years is the move toward the use of biophilic design. Rich woods, intricate stonework, and brushed metal have a certain allure and depth that synthetic materials can't duplicate. Beyond their beauty, I love the sense of calm that washes over you when stepping into a well-designed, naturally inspired space. Hilary Swank's kitchen is the perfect example of this (and as a celebrity-style editor, I've seen many spaces that could have competed).

The esteemed designer Mark Zeff created the actress's rustic modern Colorado home to blend seamlessly with its mountainside surroundings. Her kitchen is one of the best examples of how Zeff artfully blends nature with design. Swank's space features wooden cabinets and a stone backsplash. The slightly grayer hardwood floor forms a stylish contrast and the black barstools and island brings in a modern edge. Brushed, matte white ceilings create textural intrigue. Chrome appliances and rounded light fixtures add a touch of metallic flair.

Even just looking at the space gives me a sense of tranquility. Interestingly, though the biophilic interior design trend revolves around design, this principle also has deep roots in science. Dr. Sham Singh, holistic psychiatrist at WINIT Clinic, tells Homes & Gardens: 'Living in a house incorporating biophilic design elements can positively improve one's mental and physical health. Biophilic design reduces cortisol levels associated with stress and may result in improved emotional regulation.'

He continues: 'Introducing natural materials indoors enhances cognitive functions, concentration, and even creative thinking among those who work or study at home. In practice, I have witnessed clients sleep better, feel less anxious, and experience a healthier lifestyle simply by making their environment more connected with nature.' The wood, veined stone, and sandy-looking roof help create the relaxing feeling of still being amongst the mountains while inside Swank's home.

Despite my love for nature, I don't necessarily want my interiors to look like the forest. To me, that are too rustic can feel unrefined or kitschy. The organic modern feel of Hilary Swank's home provides the perfect answer to balancing nature with luxury. Despite the organic materials, all of the lines in the space are modern. From the straight, angularity of the island to the globe-like figure of the light fixtures, Zeff has incorporated a mix of shapes that scream 2024. This contrast helps to bring equilibrium and relaxation to the room.

Rich Appearance

This multi-use board can display charcuterie or is just as functional to chop vegetables on.

Irregular Shape

Made from reclaimed cedar stumps, this natural beauty holds nature's bounty (i.e. fruit).

Sleek Contrast

Kitchen storage is solved with these matte and wood, high-volume jars.

To bring a similar look into your home, the easiest place to start is with wooden kitchen cabinets. First, this look is timeless. No matter the year, you can change the stain and hardware to fit in with current trends or match with new countertops or floors. Second, the style is endlessly versatile. Whether you prefer a Scandinavian Kitchen, a traditional kitchen, or a modern kitchen, wooden cabinets can be designed to fit into the style. Finally, real wood is much more durable than many synthetic cabinet materials. It's a win on the fronts of both style and function.

Hilary Swank's calming kitchen feels like a breath of fresh air. Though the artfully balanced style of the space is difficult to achieve, it's definitely worth the curation.

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Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.

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