Jennifer Garner has a 'cooking fairy,' and it's none other than the Barefoot Contessa. 'My own personal cooking fairy just showed up. My cooking fairy likes butter; I'm going to see if I can summon her back,' the actress says as she begins cooking Cacio e Pepe scrambled eggs on her Pretend Cooking Show.
Frequent viewers of Jennifer's YouTube series will recognize the backdrop is not the actress's usual all-wood kitchen (our favorite space in her Los Angeles abode), despite her jokingly claiming it as her own.
'I know this kitchen [and] where I am like the back of my hand... Do you like my kitchen?'. Naturally, Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa herself, was there to remind viewers that it is in, in fact, the country kitchen in her barn in East Hampton, New York.
As the camera pans, we are reminded of why this space is one of the most celebrated kitchens in the country. We've already penned a love letter to Ina Garten's open-shelving (and her gray paint is worth an honorable mention), but it's the monochromatic contrast caused by her white kitchen cabinets and black countertops that have stolen all our attention.
Color trends come and go, but black and white (especially when paired together) have a power unexpected to waver. Ina clearly agrees, but she's not alone in her admiration for the combination.
'Monochrome will always be a timeless classic within interiors. It's a look that often focuses on simplicity and elegance by using a simple yet tonal color palette,' comments Sofie Flach Melson, the founder of 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.'
The juxtaposition caused by the dark counters against the subtler white backdrop is perfect for a country-inspired, traditional kitchen. The lighter hues work well against the rustic wooden cabinets, while the black ensures the space doesn't feel too sterile. However, we don't need a barn kitchen to follow her lead. Instead, Sofie says that this color pairing is versatile enough to elevate every type of design aesthetic (and spaces beyond the kitchen).
'Monochrome palettes are often celebrated for their ability to impart a classic quality to interiors,' she adds. 'The absence of other bright colors allows for a heightened emphasis on texture, form and subtle variations of tone, resulting in a visually interesting environment.'
Shop the Ina Garten-inspired edit
Colors aside, we can tap into Ina's space with these buys, inspired by the pieces on her shelves below.
This stackable set of four cereal bowls is both functional and stylish in a muted gray.
We love these crafted bamboo dinner plates, which are highly durable and visually pleasing.
These stylish, double walled mugs keep drinks warm and look sleek on the shelf.
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The exterior gives uber modern, but the interiors are all about country charm – here's how the designers turned a new build into a home that feels like it has historyThe brief was a new build home that didn't feel like a new build home
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The smartest people I know only buy furniture that's multi-functional – Martha Stewart designed an ottoman that embodies this ideologyCity living makes you strategic with every inch of space – thankfully, Martha makes it simpler with an essential furnishing that's under $303
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Dinner party faux pas? Ina Garten says this common gift is a big mistake (and what to bring instead)'Everyone’s arriving and then all of a sudden... you have to figure out what to do': The Barefoot Contessa breaks this dinner party custom in favor of this alternative
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Jennifer Garner says this coffee maker is the 'easiest' and 'best thing to use on the planet' – she uses it for perfect lattes and coffee cakeJennifer recently showed off her KitchenAid KF6, which our kitchen editor loves for its quietness, durability, and efficiency
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Ina Garten uses a French-inspired rolling pin for perfect dough – the handle-less design will change how you bake (for under $10)The Barefoot Contessa uses a traditional European pin, with a clever tapered design that offers total control over your dough – and it's so affordable
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Ina Garten swears by the only roasting pan you'll ever need – it cooks vegetables and meat to perfection for under $100This roasting pan keeps everything well-cooked in Ina Garten's Hamptons kitchen – it's stylish, durable, and easy to use at an affordable price
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Ina Garten's storage pantry is an insightful window into all of the best cookware used by the chef – and it's easy to recreate on your kitchen shelves from $48
The beautiful dishware in The Barefoot Contessa's Hamptons pantry showcases the tools she uses most often to cook – this is exactly how you replicate it
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Ina Garten uses this multi-purpose basket to bring order to her East Hampton kitchen – it's Vietnamese-designed and currently under $34
The Barefoot Contessa shared the specific basket she swears by to keep her kitchen organized – it's now at one of the lowest prices we've seen
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Ina Garten's spring dining table challenges design conventions – she's mixed 'things up thoughtfully' (and it's so easy to recreate)
The Barefoot Contessa's tablescape features mixed and matched chairs, colorful napkins, and gorgeous floral arrangements for a unique seasonal set-up
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Ina Garten's kitchen bowl set allows you to 'prep, mix, and bake like a pro' – it includes every size you could ever need (for under $49)
The Barefoot Contessa's bowl set has influenced culinary habits since 1905 – they're ultra-strong and nest inside one another for space-saving storage.
