Amber Lewis Kitchen Design: In-Depth Guide to Her Signature Style, Real-Life Inspirations, and Modern Use Cases
Amber Lewis, founder of the interior design firm Amber Interiors, has become a leading voice in California-inspired design. Her aesthetic rooted in layered neutrals, organic textures, and a relaxed yet elevated style has influenced thousands of homes across the country. Kitchens designed or inspired by Amber Lewis are not only visually striking but also deeply functional. This guide offers a detailed look into the Amber Lewis kitchen, showcasing her signature elements, real-world project examples, use of technology, practical advantages, and common use cases that make her kitchens timeless and livable.
What Defines an Amber Lewis Kitchen?
An Amber Lewis kitchen typically combines earthy tones, mixed natural materials, and traditional elements with a California-cool vibe. Her design philosophy prioritizes timeless beauty over trends, while also ensuring comfort and usability for real life. Elements you often see in her kitchen projects include:
- White oak or warm wood cabinetry
- Natural stone countertops like marble or soapstone
- Handmade ceramic tiles
- Aged brass or unlacquered metal hardware
- Vintage-inspired rugs and decor
- Thoughtful layout design with family living in mind
Every kitchen she designs feels lived-in yet luxurious, intentional yet effortless. The layering of texture and color creates a cozy yet open atmosphere that resonates with modern homeowners.
Amber’s Own Calabasas Kitchen
One of the most iconic Amber Lewis kitchen examples comes from her personal residence in Calabasas, California. The kitchen features white oak lower cabinets, creamy zellige tile backsplashes, and open shelving styled with ceramic bowls and vintage glassware.
Amber blended traditional and contemporary styles seamlessly, using a muted palette of warm neutrals accented by antique brass hardware. The kitchen island doubles as a prep station and casual dining space, showcasing her dedication to functionality without sacrificing style. The built-in appliances are subtly integrated into the cabinetry, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
The Client Hill House Kitchen
In the Hill House project, Amber designed a family kitchen with a light and airy palette. Pale wood cabinetry paired with veined marble countertops and matte black fixtures gave the space a minimalist elegance. A vintage runner anchored the design and added a layer of warmth.
What stood out in this design was the balance between modern simplicity and rustic charm. Even the lighting choices handblown glass pendants over the island contributed to the harmony. This kitchen served a busy household, and the layout was strategically designed for maximum storage and movement.
The Glendale Remodel
The Glendale home renovation featured a moody yet inviting kitchen space, showcasing Amber’s love of deeper tones. The dark green cabinetry, marble countertops, and terracotta flooring worked together to create a dramatic but cozy kitchen.
This project exemplifies Amber’s ability to push boundaries while staying grounded in timeless materials. Rather than leaning entirely into dark or light, she balanced both, creating visual interest. Elements like open shelving, vintage cutting boards, and a rustic wooden island emphasized her commitment to “old meets new.”
Malibu Project Coastal Kitchen
In a coastal kitchen remodel in Malibu, Amber used soft wood tones, pale plaster walls, and natural stone countertops to complement the oceanfront view. Brass hardware and a ceramic farmhouse sink contributed to the organic feel.
This kitchen embraced a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The contractor built custom cabinetry with intentional imperfections like visible grain patterns and aged finishes to enhance the warmth. The space was filled with ambient light and encouraged seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Amber Interiors x Shoppe Kitchen Line
Amber Lewis’s design studio also collaborated on a collection of cabinetry and accessories inspired by her signature kitchen aesthetic. While not tied to one project, these collections show how her ideas scale across different styles and home types.
This collection incorporated classic shaker cabinets in muted tones, handcrafted hardware, and rustic shelving options—all echoing the main themes found in her custom work. It served as a bridge for those seeking to bring her style into varied homes, whether in suburban ranch houses or downtown lofts.
How Technology Complements Amber Lewis-Inspired Kitchens
Amber Lewis’s style leans heavily into the tactile and handmade—but she doesn’t ignore the benefits of modern technology. In fact, the subtle integration of tech is part of what makes her kitchens so livable.
Integrated Smart Appliances
While her designs often hide appliances behind custom panels, they still incorporate the latest in smart home technology. This includes fridges that adjust temperatures automatically, voice-controlled ovens, and dishwashers with energy-efficient cycles.
Under-Cabinet Lighting and Sensor Fixtures
Many Amber Lewis kitchens include concealed LED lighting to create ambiance without overwhelming the space. Motion sensor fixtures at sinks or cabinet lighting that responds to movement are practical upgrades often built into the cabinetry.
Design Software for Planning
Though the result feels artisanal, the planning is precise. Amber’s team uses 3D rendering and layout software to map out functional flows and spatial proportions. These tools help ensure that every kitchen, no matter how handcrafted it looks, functions with precision.
Smart Storage Solutions
Modern pull-out drawers, corner cabinet systems, and in-drawer lighting are seamlessly integrated. These high-tech solutions are hidden within cabinetry designed to look handcrafted and vintage, offering the best of both worlds.
Benefits of an Amber Lewis Kitchen Design Approach
Timeless Design with Personal Touch
Amber’s kitchen designs are immune to passing trends. By using neutral tones, time-tested materials, and bespoke styling, the spaces remain visually relevant for decades.
Lifestyle-First Planning
Every decision from drawer placement to seating zones is based on how people actually live. Her kitchens are as functional as they are beautiful, with zones for prep, cooking, entertaining, and even homework.
Customization and Authenticity
The use of vintage accessories, handcrafted tiles, and imperfect finishes ensures that no two kitchens look the same. The end result feels more like a story than a renovation.
Aesthetic Meets Utility
Amber strikes a balance between visual harmony and everyday performance. This means durable surfaces, easy-to-clean finishes, and appliances that support busy lives especially in family homes.
Environmentally Conscious Choices
Her style often includes reclaimed wood, low-VOC paints, and natural fibers. This holistic approach adds sustainability to the mix, making the designs beautiful and responsible.
Real-World Use Cases for Amber Lewis Kitchen Inspiration
Young Families Seeking a Cozy but Functional Kitchen
Amber’s kitchens are family-friendly, with surfaces that stand up to spills and layouts that encourage togetherness. A central island becomes the hub for snacks, homework, and casual meals all while maintaining a polished look.
Design Enthusiasts Wanting Warm, Layered Spaces
Her work appeals to design-forward homeowners who appreciate texture, artisanal touches, and thoughtful details. It’s ideal for people who see the kitchen as more than a cooking space it’s an extension of their design identity.
Restoration Projects Requiring Old-World Charm
If you’re renovating a craftsman or mid-century home, Amber’s style is an ideal fit. Her kitchens respect original architecture while gently updating flow and finishes.
Creative Professionals Looking for a Stylish Retreat
Photographers, stylists, and writers often gravitate toward the calm, inspiring spaces Amber creates. A kitchen styled with her aesthetic becomes a peaceful retreat for both work and leisure.
Entertainers Who Love a Layered Look
Her kitchens are built for hosting with large counters, open shelving for display pieces, and thoughtful lighting. It creates a space where guests feel welcome, and everything flows with ease.
FAQ
What makes an Amber Lewis kitchen unique from other interior designers’ kitchens?
Amber Lewis kitchens are defined by their neutral palettes, layered textures, vintage accents, and a deep sense of comfort. She seamlessly mixes handcrafted elements with clean modern lines, creating a space that feels elevated yet relaxed. Her designs are highly personalized and intentionally imperfect, giving each kitchen soul and identity.
Can Amber Lewis-inspired kitchens work in small spaces?
Yes. While many of her projects are spacious, the principles of her style light colors, open shelving, thoughtful material choices can be scaled for small kitchens. The key lies in smart layout planning, layered styling, and multifunctional design choices, all of which enhance the usability and charm of smaller spaces.
Do Amber Lewis kitchens incorporate sustainable materials?
Absolutely. Amber frequently uses reclaimed wood, artisan-made tiles, and eco-friendly finishes. Her emphasis on natural, locally sourced, and vintage materials not only contributes to sustainability but also adds depth and authenticity to her kitchen designs.
