Though it’s every kitchen designer’s dream to craft a culinary space for avid entertainers, the assignment often begs the question of how to bridge the gap between form and function. Sure, a home kitchen needs to be practical enough to seamlessly flow from meal prep, to cooking, to post-dinner cleanup, but should never be devoid of personality. Such was the case for Anthony Passanante, who was tasked with creating the perfect kitchen for a “fun” family of five in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
“They’re a growing family,” says Passanante, who runs Anthony Albert Studios in Northern New Jersey. “They like to entertain and are a lot of fun. The family’s house has these very fun, unique pieces, which let me think outside of the box.”
Passanante let the Cristallo quartzite countertops inform the warm tones of the cream cabinetry and mismatched brass hardware seen throughout. Meanwhile, decorative light fixtures and shearling-accented stools add a touch of whimsy. “When I design, I try to make every wall a focal point,” he explains. “Everywhere you look, you get the unexpected details.”
Speaking of unexpected, Passanante shares that his clients had a change of heart in the middle of the design process. “We had the kitchen designed and everything ordered,” he shares. “In the middle of construction, the contractor took down a partial wall and the homeowner said, ‘I think we should really open up the whole space.’” The pivot ultimately meant installing a “massive” steel support beam, ordering new cabinets, and carving out a seating nook.
“We added very simple sheetrock arched niches with little lights in them to add a little charm,” he says. “The cabinets that were originally ordered for the kitchen ended up fitting perfectly on the wall in the seating area, providing pantry storage and space for serveware, and collectibles.”
Rounding out the area is a dining table, banquette, and chairs strategically tucked away so they don’t protrude into the kitchen. The result? A breakfast nook that looks like it always belonged — even if it was a last-minute addition.
Design plans might’ve changed, but his appliance selections did not: Passanante has used Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove products for about 26 years — and has the brand’s offerings in his own home — which made the third-generation, family-run manufacturer the obvious choice. There’s a reason why Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove products are used everywhere from workhorse commercial to relaxed home setups: Each appliance prioritizes uncompromising quality, while the panel-ready fronts can work with a range of design styles, including the more eclectic space Passanante created.
“They’re the best,” he says. “They’re very well-integrated products and you can make them disappear.”
Passanante cleverly paneled Sub-Zero 36-inch Refrigerator and Freezer columns, as well as a Cove Dishwasher. Meanwhile, a Wolf Microwave Drawer offers a stealth way to heat up leftovers. Those subtler moments pair nicely with the strategic storage seen throughout the kitchen. Passanante says there’s a space for everything — spices, utensils, and even a built-in coffee bar — allowing this fun kitchen to be functional, too.
Meanwhile, the 48-inch Wolf Range creates a signature focal point. “Their request was to have two ovens, but there wasn’t a proper spot to get a double oven on the wall,” he explains. “The range is [a 48-inch] dual fuel, so there are basically two separate ovens that have their own temperature controls. You could roast a turkey at 300 degrees in one, and vegetables at 450 in the other.”
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s exceptional quality speaks for itself, but Passanante says the showroom experience helps seal the deal. “I utilize the Pine Brook Showroom all the time,” Passanante shares. “[My clients] are happy they get to see all the products before making such a large purchase like that.”
Not only does Passanante appreciate the showroom team’s friendly and helpful demeanor, but he also says his clients can see the appliances in action during the showroom’s chef-led cooking presentations. Here, clients can enjoy a delicious meal made entirely with Sub‑Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances, while also comparing models in person. Passanante notes that clients will often walk away with additional kitchen inspiration.
“Usually, there’s a product or two that gets added to the order, which is great,” he adds. “My clients often say, ‘Let’s add a wine cooler.’ Or, ‘Instead of a wine cooler, let’s do a wine column.’ ‘What about a coffee system?’” After all, when building the ultimate kitchen for an avid entertainer, practical and well-appointed appliances are a dream come true.
Photography by Meghan Balcom Photography.
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