Jennifer Robin | Jennifer Robin Interiors
Photo by Paul Dyer
PROJECT LOCATION: St. Helena, CA PROJECT DETAILS: This kitchen’s design is all about living in harmony with the land. Its palette is drawn from the natural surroundings with forest-green cabinetry, reclaimed wood walls and natural soapstone counters. Copper accents add warmth and rusticity. An antiqued mirror backsplash further reflects the surrounding landscape, blurring the line between indoors and out. PREP TIME: HIGH-TECH GADGETS OR WORKING BY HAND? In an overly digitalized world where we rely heavily on our devices, I value working by hand and connecting to our food in a more meaningful way.
Osiris Hertman | Osiris Hertman Studio
Photo by Kasia Gatkowska
PROJECT LOCATION: Haarlem, Netherlands PROJECT DETAILS: In the kitchen, we used a super-hard stone, quartzite, in an inspiring shade of green. The cook requested an open workspace with the feel of a luxury living room, so we took our design cues from there. ON YOUR PLATE: COMFORT FOOD OR FIVE-STAR MEAL? Five-star, beginning with a Coeur de Boeuf tomato filled with mozzarella, and for the main dish, a piece of grilled tuna with grilled eggplant.
Ann Gottlieb | Ann Gottlieb Design
Photo by Angela Newton Roy
PROJECT LOCATION: Fairfax, VA PROJECT DETAILS: A family of four with two dogs needed a larger kitchen to host events. The depth of the home’s footprint would not fit an island, so we put on an addition. The clients wanted dark cabinetry and liked minimal color, with the exception of blue. We worked with the traditional colonial exterior to bring modern elements into the renovation. The clients also have a great deal of storage within this new layout, with plenty of drawers, charging stations and top-of-the-line appliances! DESSERTS: YAY OR NAY? I always love desserts. And I can never decline a hot fudge sundae or chocolate pecan pie!
Jennifer Robin | Jennifer Robin Interiors
Photo by Sam Frost
PROJECT LOCATION: Nicasio, CA PROJECT DETAILS: Originally built in the 1890s, this tiny cabin’s kitchen was thoughtfully renovated to honor its historic character. The original reclaimed wood walls were revived and highlighted with an ebony-painted ceiling and trim. Custom cabinetry, finished with a heavy wire-brushed texture, complements the blackened soapstone counters with a custom ribbed edge. In rustic spaces, one-of-a- kind elements are essential, and during remodels, salvaging materials wherever possible brings authenticity and a sense of history. SPECIAL OCCASIONS: BIG DINNERS OR INTIMATE AFFAIRS? As someone who values authentic connections, I gravitate toward more intimate gatherings.
Tanya Saban + Lucie Klimes | Broad Project
Photo by Gavin Cater
PROJECT LOCATION: Nichols Canyon, Los Angeles, CA PROJECT DETAILS: The kitchen was originally an enclosed patio, but we wanted to showcase the mature trees on the property. So we relocated the kitchen from a dark, low-slung corner of the house to its current location. We opted out of the upper cabinetry in favor of oversize arched windows. We wanted the natural light and view of the trees to serve as design elements, just as much as the millwork and finishes. For that reason, we kept everything very tonal, so the eye was drawn outward through the windows. IN YOUR MUG: TEA OR COFFEE? Tea with cream and sugar. I just prefer it to the taste of coffee.
Justyna Kozłowska | Zaza Studio
Photo by Marcin Grabowiecki/Alicja T. Agency
PROJECT LOCATION: Magdalenka, Poland PROJECT DETAILS: This large home is located in a beautiful setting of forests in a town near Warsaw, so the main goal was to create a space that would harmoniously blend with the surroundings. The kitchen is part of the living area, where the main wall features a spacious exit to the garden. Materials used were meant to reflect the colors of nature: a lot of oak wood, sintered stone and grès resembling natural stone. The overall design was intended to reference midcentury modern. The owners wanted a space where functionality meets design. The large island allows for cooking and dining without using the dining room. This kitchen brings the household together while preparing and enjoying meals. TOP RECIPES: TRADITIONAL OR TRENDY? My favorite meals are simple, light and traditional Polish recipes. Tarts, casseroles, sweet pastries. Of course, a large island also allows for the preparation of traditional pierogi.
Anna Olga Chmielewska + Jola Skóra | JAM KOLEKTYW
Photo by Jam Kolektyw/Alicja T. Agency
PROJECT LOCATION: Kamperland, Netherlands PROJECT DETAILS: This large space was created by combining two rooms, and a dozen or so people often sit at the over-nine-foot-long table. The kitchen equipment had to meet the needs of a six-person family and their guests. The table was custom-made by Dutch craftsmen and looks as if it had been on a farm for years. On the floor, there are over-100-year-old cement slabs, which bravely withstood the general renovation. The color palette of the interior is inspired by the colors of Dutch houses. NATURAL OR MANUFACTURED KITCHEN ELEMENTS? Natural. The special-order dining table in this kitchen was made by Dutch craftsmen and looks as if it had been on a farm for years. Thanks to special aging techniques, the wood took on a unique color and structure reminiscent of that of tree branches washed out by the sea. The secret of patination of natural materials is guarded by experts, and the effect is exceptionally natural.
Matt Donahoe | Bureau Interior Design
Photo by Haris Kenjar
PROJECT LOCATION: Nashville, TN PROJECT DETAILS: Originally built in 1951, this estate property was fully renovated in 2020 to reflect the new owner’s affinity for Belgian-style environments where modern amenities meld well with primitive finishes and materiality. The kitchen itself focuses on a dual island proposition to encourage gatherings in the space during meal preparation, all while providing ample space to navigate. Honed and thickened Calacatta Caldia marble sits atop wire-brushed white oak custom cabinetry, wrapping the room for an approachable yet luxurious take on transitional living. GET COOKING: GAS OR ELECTRIC RANGE? I will forever lean toward gas over electric ranges when clients ask for my own insight. The ability to control temperature and speed in preparation of meals is a positive in my opinion. Dual fuel ranges are my go-to, as they allow for a gas cooktop but an electric oven option.
Sally Wilkinson | Sally Wilkinson Design
Photo by Catherine Ellis Lukens
PROJECT LOCATION: Atlanta, GA PROJECT DETAILS: We designed the kitchen to be simple and functional, more suited to a workspace than a typical home, though still livable if needed. We incorporated a custom, trough-style sink, inspired by an old potting shed, and added a long shelf to store dishware and to display artwork collected over time. TASTER’S CHOICE: STEAK OR SALAD? Both! I love a good chopped salad, even better if there is a flank steak accompanying it.
Chad Dorsey | Chad Dorsey Design
Photo by Stephen Karlisch
PROJECT LOCATION: Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse, Dallas PROJECT DETAILS: This prep kitchen, pantry and work-from-home space ensure that the day-to-day messy work is hidden out of the way, tucked behind an entertaining kitchen. Hand-painted cabinets by renowned painter Louis Gloria are more traditional than the main kitchen; they evoke an English sensibility. The hardworking custom brass island features a custom butcher block at the end of the space to do work, homework or enjoy a nice spot of espresso. Inspired by an English sunroom, a faux skylight creates the illusion of looking into the sky for added visual interest. A mix of imported stemware and accessories collected abroad personalizes the space. PREFERRED DINING: GOING OUT OR ORDERING IN? I would rather grab a bottle of great wine and some fresh ingredients to make a meal at home!
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