Barefoot Contessa's Ina Garten's home office is unlike any we've ever seen before – here's why
The chef's 'office' is far from conventional but nonetheless perfect for her – this is what the design process involved
Ina Garten has established herself as one of the nation's most beloved chefs, so of course, it's only right that her office reflects her talents in all their glory.
The Barefoot Contessa host recently sat down with BBC's Katty Kay in her New York home, and for the interview's duration, we were treated to a rare glimpse inside her 'office.' However, after only a few seconds, it's easy to see her home office is far from conventional.
Instead of comprising a desktop, chair, and various indoor plants, Ina Garten has created a video call-appropriate space that reflects her best talents – so, of course, it resembles a kitchen. We did still spot some greenery in various vases on her countertop, however, so we'd like to think there are at least some similarities.
Located inside her Hamptons residence, the office showcases high ceilings, a fireplace, and custom storage that houses her impressive cookbook collection. However, it is the cooking space that feels the most unconventional of all.
'When I first told Jeffrey I was going to build a kitchen here, I think he imagined a little kitchen,' Ina shared in the BBC interview. 'He kept seeing this thing go up, and up, and up, and he was like, 'What are you building here?''. The result is a culinary-lovers haven, separate from her home's main kitchen but impressive enough to host a house party worthy of her celebrity counterparts.
Much like her primary kitchen, Ina has, again, opted for a monochromatic palette, exhibited through her white cabinets and black marble island. It's a combination that, experts say, will always stand as a 'timeless classic' in our kitchens, firstly for its good looks and secondly for its versatility.
'It’s a look that often focuses on simplicity and elegance by using a simple yet tonal color palette,' comment the experts at Color & Co. 'Whether opting for shades of grey, white or black, the versatility of these colors allows flexibility and adaptability with various interior design styles, from modern to traditional.'
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To get the look, in our home office or kitchen, we're starting with one of her many cookbooks and a white cake stand (as seen on her open-shelving in the backdrop). Because, of course, it's what Ina Garten would intend for either space.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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