Nate Berkus Loves This 'Full-Function' Vintage Kitchen Design: 'For Sure A Favorite Of Mine'

The interior design of "Downton Abbey" captivated audiences just as much as the storylines of its beloved characters. So much so, that the manor house has inspired trends in home design that borrow elegance from the plush upstairs, and functionality from the simplistic downstairs. HGTV star Nate Berkus absolutely adores the latter, and he borrowed some elements from the Downton kitchen for his own farmhouse in Portugal. "I love what I think of as a disassembled kitchen," he said in an Instagram post. "There's something about that Downton Abbey basement kitchen that's full-function but all vintage that I think is incredibly beautiful."

The disassembled kitchen concept is less about a perfectly coordinated kitchen and more about vintage functionality. It features details like open shelving and plate racks. The best feature is a large wooden cook's table as added workspace and storage instead of an island. No marble or pristine granite countertops here, although marble is Berkus' number one choice for a kitchen countertop. This piece is not fixed, so it can be moved around and used as needed. It's also comfortable enough to pull up some chairs for socializing. It's definitely a statement piece that adds character and personality to the room. Using a mismatch of furniture as kitchen storage is another aspect of the look. "Fitted kitchens," or kitchens with built-in, matching cabinetry, have been around since the 1950s, so using shelving and furniture in lieu of cabinetry is a decidedly vintage look.   

Nate Berkus also loves the idea of using furniture in the kitchen, and it can be pulled from other rooms for storage. For example, a dresser can be used to store dishes and table linens. It's Berkus' chic solution for adding storage to kitchen with limited cabinet space, and it's certainly more economical than a remodel. Copper pots hanging on pot racks are another staple of this kitchen style that Berkus loves. Displaying cookware evokes nostalgia and makes the room feel collected and personal. Berkus shared in the post that he found a collection of vintage mustard pots and silver items for storing condiments for his Portuguese farmhouse. Touches like these make your space lived-in and deeply personal. They also add a unique character that can't be found anywhere else. This style resonates with Berkus' design philosophy, favoring materials and spaces that have character and purpose over current trends. 

The Downton Abbey kitchen style is all about having things out on display that feel collected and useful, but attractive storage is key. Choose items that speak to you, but also help you create a kitchen that functions well — while bringing a bit of elegant practicality. If you have the room, a scullery (or butler's pantry in more modern terms), is a great place to store small appliances so your main kitchen isn't too cluttered. This style is so popular, Berkus isn't the only HGTV star feeling the Downton vibes. Erin Napier drew color inspiration from Downton Abbey's charming kitchen by using a buttery cream color on the walls of her own kitchen. Ms. Patmore would be so pleased!