As we head into the peak of summer entertaining and backyard barbecues in 2026, having the right kitchen tools is essential. 'People ask me all the time what kind of knives they should get,' Ina Garten announces – and it is easy to see why she is our first port of call.

The Barefoot Contessa has spent decades refining our culinary habits from her Hamptons kitchen, where she crafts beautiful recipes perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Garten knows better than anyone that the basis for perfectly cooked food begins with the right equipment – specifically, the best chef's knives. So, which ones earn a permanent spot on her countertop?

According to her Instagram, Garten opts for Wüsthof Classic knives (available at Amazon), which she considers a true investment. Even though they are not currently part of the Amazon Prime Day sale, they remain a worthwhile upgrade for your summer kitchen setup, alongside her go-to professional sharpener. Garten emphasizes that with proper care – including keeping the blades sharp – a quality knife is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.

'The most important tool every home cook should have is a great set of knives. Mine are Wüsthof Classic knives. They’re an investment, but if you take care of them, they’ll last a lifetime,' she says.

If any knives are engineered to stand the test of time, it is these. The German-based brand crafts all its cutlery to resist corrosion and dulling, meaning they come backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Based in Solingen, Germany, the family-owned business has been manufacturing knives for over 200 years. They proudly carry the Solingen name – a prestigious designation reserved exclusively for products that meet the strictest quality standards. It is no surprise, then, that they deserve a prime spot in the Barefoot Contessa's kitchen.

However, her guidance does not end there. While her own knife block is fully stocked, she assures home cooks that they only need a handful of essential blades to prep everything from seasonal heirloom tomatoes to crusty bread.

'There are four really important knives: there's a chef's knife, there's a slicing knife, a bread knife, which is serrated, and a paring knife,' she explains in the footage. 'If you have those four, you can do almost anything,' she says.

Maintaining these tools is the real secret to guaranteeing they last a lifetime, which is where her trusted sharpener comes into play.

'We've all seen chefs take a knife to sharpen it,' Garten notes. 'I'm always worried I'm going to get the wrong angle, and it will ruin the knife, so I'm going to show you how to sharpen a knife,' she comments in the Instagram video before demonstrating her Chef’sChoice sharpener.

She explains that the device features two distinct stages – a rough side and a fine side. Simply glide the knife through each side twice to achieve optimal sharpness. As Garten concludes, 'All I do is wash the knife to get any filaments off, and you've got perfectly sharp knives every time.'

Shop More of Ina Garten's Favorites

If you want to be even more like the Barefoot Contessa in the kitchen, here are a few more of her famous essentials.

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As we embrace the fresh energy of late spring, there is no better time to upgrade our culinary spaces, and who better to trust for inspiration than the Barefoot Contessa?

Ina Garten has spent decades shaping our cooking habits from her iconic East Hampton home, but her influence extends far beyond professional kitchenware into the art of beautiful home organization.

For our celebrity style team, scrolling through Ina's Instagram to uncover her latest kitchen recommendations is a favorite pastime. While we have already discovered everything from her go-to knives to her preferred juicers and sponges, her kitchen storage secrets remained a mystery – until now. In an interview with Food Network, Ina revealed the exact basket she relies on to keep her space organized.

Thanks to Amazon's spring sale, it is currently available at one of its lowest prices yet, making it the perfect addition to your seasonal spring cleaning routine.

This Natural Water Hyacinth Storage Basket (available at Amazon) is officially one of Ina Garten's 'favorite' things, and a quick look at its design explains why the chef loves it.

Beyond serving as an essential tool for your kitchen and pantry organization as we head into the warmer months, this basket offers aesthetic value that goes far beyond pure functionality. Its beautiful woven pattern introduces a warm, rustic touch to any room, effortlessly complementing modern, contemporary, or vintage decor while keeping seasonal clutter at bay. Having Ina's stamp of approval is simply the icing on the cake.

While this versatile piece looks beautiful in any corner of the home, it is perhaps best suited for a dedicated breakfast station, which is ideal for serving light, breezy morning meals as the weather warms up.

'Breakfast stations have made a huge comeback in recent years and are set to stay. These stations offer valuable additional storage, with lighter racking or baskets being ideal for cereals and bread. At the same time, sturdy oak shelving is perfect for holding the weight of jars and tins,' comments kitchen designer Tom Howley.

'This efficient storage solution ensures that everything you need is within easy reach yet neatly tucked away.'

To complete your late-spring kitchen refresh, you can shop more of our favorite wicker essentials below, including a beautiful tray that is ideal for grouping seasonal accessories on your countertops.

Embracing a beautifully organized home for the bright days ahead has never felt more attainable. By taking a style cue from tastemakers like the Barefoot Contessa, these high-style woven pieces will easily transform your everyday countertops into an elegant, clutter-free sanctuary just in time for summer.

Dining al fresco is one of the greatest joys of the warmer months, and choosing the right furniture is a seamless way to elevate the experience. As the days grow longer and the scent of jasmine fills the air, Ina Garten provides a masterclass in seasonal styling within her Hamptons garden.

By opting for white metal bistro seating, she captures a breezy, timeless aesthetic that feels especially refreshing during a midsummer heatwave.

The Barefoot Contessa’s patio furniture is nestled in a secluded corner, framed by lush, manicured hedges that offer a cool reprieve from the sun.

The crisp white finish provides a striking contrast against her gray gravel patio and the weathered wood tones of her home, all while being sheltered by the dappled shade of a sloping green tree. The result is a space that radiates the tranquil energy of the French countryside – the perfect spot for a chilled glass of rosé.

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For those looking to replicate this look for the 2026 season, we found a similar set on sale at Wayfair for just $103. This set includes a table and two chairs, allowing you to recreate Garten’s relaxed atmosphere with a single click.

It is easy to see why bistro sets are a dominant outdoor furniture trend for 2026; they are remarkably versatile and adapt to any garden layout.

Lena Gierasinska, a design expert at Barker and Stonehouse, explains: 'For those with limited outdoor space, such as a small balcony or courtyard, I’d recommend a bistro set. Bistro sets are compact, making them the perfect option for those with small gardens.'

She continues: 'Those with large gardens should also consider a bistro set because they are small and lightweight, so they can be easily moved around the garden, so that you can enjoy the last of the evening sun.'

As demonstrated in Garten’s yard, these sets are ideal for carving out an intimate 'zone' within a sprawling lawn. The style is particularly effective when paired with wrought iron furniture.

Lena advises: 'Alternatively, bistro sets can be used in a small dining zone in the garden – they comfortably accommodate two people for an intimate outdoor dining experience.'

With the peak of the outdoor entertaining season upon us, following Ina Garten’s lead with high–quality furnishings ensures every meal feels like a special occasion.

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I have always viewed privacy planting as a necessary evil. Rather than focusing on aesthetics, this style of gardening usually prioritizes seclusion, which often results in an overly rigid and manicured look. However, the landscape at Ina Garten's home in East Hampton proves this doesn’t have to be the case. I recently came across an archival image of the Barefoot Contessa’s approach to planting for privacy, and it is absolutely stunning.

Her front yard features four rounded topiaries, a red maple tree waking up with fresh buds, and low ground cover like lavender. Medium–height hydrangeas provide the promise of lush green growth as the 2026 spring season begins.

What makes her backyard landscaping so alluring is the perfect balance between the manicured and the wild. While many associate privacy screens with massive walls of greenery or towering bamboo, Ina’s landscape feels intentionally casual.

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As the 2026 spring air warms, her unshaped maple tree provides a delicate canopy of new leaves, while the hydrangeas tucked into the borders suggest a garden planted purely for beauty.

I also admire how the curves of her front-of-house shrubs emphasize her home’s architecture; those rounded bushes echo the soft lines of her arched garden doorways. By introducing a vibrant burst of life from the small tree, she prevents the design from feeling too formulaic or asymmetrical.

If you want to emulate this look during this 2026 spring awakening, now is the ideal time to start digging. While Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centers, notes that 'September is a wonderful time to get planting,' the early spring months offer an equally vital window to establish perennials.

By picking the right mix, you can enjoy a garden that is 'full of changing colors and gentle fragrance' from these first signs of spring right through to the end of the year.

Privacy planting does not have to follow a tired script. Whether you are in the Hamptons or elsewhere, it is possible to create a screen that is both creative and deeply personal.

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No matter the year, one flower garden color combination feels utterly timeless: purple and white. Whether it's a duo-toned look or broken up with multi-colored wild flowers, this look is simultaneously striking and calming. If you need proof, look no further than the homes of Ina Garten and Martha Stewart.

Both icons use the stunning garden color palette to create gorgeous, relaxing summer planting. At Martha's Turkey Hill home in Westport, Connecticut, purple alliums are accented with white daisies. Interspersed red and orange roses help to create a strong contrast. On the other hand, Ina uses almost exclusively purple and white flowers at her East Hampton home.

Salvia features prominently (seeds are available at Amazon), and her choice of alabaster blooms is equally well chosen. Both schemes start with a strong green base and overlay bold flowers to bring it to life. Here is a peek into each space.

Purple plants are the secret weapon that gives these gardens their tranquil and welcoming feel. To help you recreate their look, I've curated an edit of plants and tools you need to tap into Ina and Martha's outdoor style. I also interviewed a garden expert to get to the bottom of why this is the best color combination for spring, and the ideal plants you can use to get it.

Recreate Martha and Ina's Look at Home

For those who love Ina and Martha's garden idea, now is the ideal moment to start planting. Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, tells Homes & Gardens says: 'Spring is the perfect time to start gardening, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right plants, even the smallest space can come to life and reward you in spring and beyond.' Purple and white perennials bring this liveliness.

So, what are the best plants for bringing a pop of purple into your flower beds? Julian recommends salvia and lavender. He explains: 'Salvia offers striking spikes of flowers in blues, purples, reds, and whites. Its upright form adds vertical interest, while also attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Salvias thrive in sunny, well-drained areas and keep blossoming right into autumn. Their aromatic foliage adds another sensory layer to the garden and is a popular late garden favorite.'

On growing lavender, Julian advises: 'Loved for its fragrant purple blooms, lavender is a highly hardy plant that thrives in diverse climates and withstands both cold and heat, making it ideal for spring gardens worldwide. Fast growing and refreshingly fuss-free, lavender adds lasting beauty to gardens and containers while creating an irresistible haven for bees and other pollinators.'

A stunning color palette is the perfect place to start planting a beautiful garden. Beyond trends, it's a timeless way to bring relaxation into your outdoor space.

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I've never associated black and white with coziness and warmth, but Ina Garten's minimal breakfast room has made me think again.

While the modern black furniture and white walls say modern and chic, the Barefoot Contessa somehow brings a comforting touch to this quiet corner of her home, with a few simple design tricks, showing a new way to do monochrome color schemes.

Andrew Suvalsky, founder of New York-based firm Andrew Suvalsky Designs, explains why it works: 'Monochrome interiors, when done well, can feel warm by creating a calm, enveloping backdrop. A single color family reduces visual noise, so the room feels more grounded and cocoon-like rather than busy or sharp. Instead of relying on color contrast, build warmth through texture and finish by layering textiles, natural wood, and matte or plaster-like surfaces that add depth and softness.'

Here are some similar pieces to those in Ina's breakfast room, which bring in not only the colors, but the textures and a variety of materials, so you can shop her cozy monochrome look and replicate it at home.

Ina Garten-inspired Monochrome Breakfast Room Buys

Being filled with lots of natual light adds to the welcoming nature of this space but there are other tricks that Ina Garten has used here too. The most obvious is, of course, the addition of the sheepskin (this IKEA sheepskin is ideal for getting the look), which instantly ramps up the cozy factor.

Other clever additions involve using curves in interior design, namely furniture with curved edges, including the round dining table (like Rejuvenation's Whitely dining table), which brings a more tactile and inviting feel to the space than square pieces with sharp edges. Similarly, while Ina Garten's dining room lighting – a Louis Poulson pendant (available at Chairish) – may well feel modern, it also brings in those smooth curved lines.

Choosing textural table linens in natural materials is another way to make a monochrome scheme feel layered, rather than flat. Ina Garten uses black textured placemats (we like these Tava rattan placemats from Pottery Barn, as they vary the tone as well as the texture), along with white linen napkins, which have that signature slub texture.

Finishing touches such as a simple candle holder for some warm, natural light and a dash of personality injected through your choice of artwork on the walls – Ina Garten's Rodney Smoth Print is so iconic – help to hang the look together.

Other easy additions such as as simple bunch of flowers on the table, some organic-shaped tableware or choosing seat covers in tactile fabrics such as velvet, can also help to root the look in a cozy, rather than stark aesthetic.

Sheer blinds in an off-white as seen in the above image and in Ina Garten's breakfast room, adds a softness by allowing natural light through and enhancing the texture of the fabric.

Additionally, wood flooring ideas, like Ina Garten's breakfast room floor, and the parquet flooring shown in the image above, add a natural and warm feel to the room, unlike harsh tiles or stone flooring.

If you are drawn to a monochrome interior but worry that it could feel too harsh or cold, take note of these ideas borrowed from Ina Garten's breakfast room, which instantly add warmth through texture, shape and material

I've always thought that the way you prepare a meal says a lot about the kind of chef you are – and personally, I've been known to cause a bit of chaos in the kitchen.

I might be proud of the end result, but my cooking process usually involves a lot of dirty dishes and a fair amount of countertop clutter. So, in a bid to minimize the mess, I've been looking to my favorite chefs for guidance – and I've spotted a brilliant hack from Ina Garten.

Naturally, the Barefoot Contessa boasts a pristine kitchen, and she knows exactly how to organize her kitchen countertops. When it comes to food prep, however, she uses a clever trick: two John Boos reversible cutting boards (at Amazon), which are arranged on top of her counters to create a raised work surface that's sleek and easy to clean.

Recreate Ina's Kitchen Setup

As you might expect, every inch of Ina Garten's kitchen has been designed with cooking and entertaining in mind. And since you can spot Ina's Boos Block cutting boards in many of her recent cooking videos, it's safe to say that they're a staple in her kitchen.

In fact, whether Ina is cooking in the main kitchen of her East Hampton home, or in the barn next door – a purpose-built space that she uses for filming and recipe testing – you can be sure that a set of cutting boards will grace the counters.

While both kitchens are complete with spectacular stone surfaces which are more than suitable for food prep, it seems that Ina uses a more refined system.

In a video shared last summer, for example, Ina builds an indulgent mezze platter to share with her neighbours. There's plenty of space on her sprawling kitchen island, but Ina keeps her food prep neat and organized, setting it all out on top of her cutting boards.

Ina uses the boards to chop and prepare all of her ingredients, before balancing a rustic wood platter on top to assemble her feast. The boards are large enough to act as a sleek, raised work surface, while still leaving space on her kitchen island. Once all her food prep is complete, all that's left to do is wipe down the wooden blocks, and Ina is left with blissfully uncluttered counters.

Every kitchen is complete with at least a few chopping boards – I swear by the acacia board set from Williams Sonoma, which is a more budget-friendly alternative to Ina's – but they're often stacked up on shelves or hidden away in cabinets.

I hadn't considered just how useful it is to keep my cutting boards on show, but it makes clean-up so much easier – and it means I'm no longer waging a daily battle against sticky counters. Plus, there's something undeniably professional about pieces like these; while they can lend a rustic look to a kitchen, they can make any setup look professional.

According to experts, Ina's cutting boards represent a wider kitchen trend for 2026: a preference toward spaces which feel both functional and expressive.

'A modern take on tradition is redefining the kitchen, blending the clean lines of contemporary design with the warmth and character of classic craftsmanship,' says designer Mick De Giulio.

Ina's kitchen is a perfect example of the balance between luxurious, contemporary design details (like gleaming stone surfaces) and more artisanal pieces, such as her cutting boards. However, these cutting boards don't simply serve a practical purpose – they also make use of layering, which enhances the visual interest of Ina's space and produces a sense of sophistication.

'Layering materials and finishes creates visual depth and a sense of contrast that feels fresh and intentional,' says Mick.

It might not sound revolutionary, but reconfiguring your countertop setup really can make all the difference. Ina has inspired me to use my cutting boards more efficiently – and reduce mess while I'm at it.

A fireplace is not just a practical warming space: it can be a design fixture in the home, as well as an area to gather in the colder months. While many fireplaces are striking due to their ornate nature, minimalist ones can be just as impactful, as Ina Garten proves.

The Barefoot Contessa recently shared a clip of her modern, mantel-less fireplace in action on her Instagram page, and it made us reconsider how to decorate around a fireplace.

Tools for stoking the fire sit neatly next to the doored fireplace, while a large piece of art hangs above the cream, stone lower third of the wall. It's a sleek and contemporary adaptation of a traditional wood fireplace, and it just so happens to be right on trend this year.

Shop the Minimalist Fireplace Edit

If you're already working with a minimalist home, then design insiders say a fireplace can and should follow suit, particularly because they are such communal areas. Megan Slack, our head of Celebrity Style, agrees.

'What makes Ina Garten’s fireplace so compelling is its sense of restraint,' she says.

'By removing the mantel, the fireplace becomes an architectural feature rather than a decorative one, which speaks to the direction minimalist interiors are moving in. The emphasis shifts to proportion, materiality, and how the fireplace relates to the rest of the room, rather than what is placed on top of it. In this context, negative space becomes just as important as the fire itself. The result is a design that feels intentional and quietly confident, proving that minimalism does not mean the absence of character, but rather a more considered approach to how a space is experienced.'

To recreate this elegant ambiance, place a plush rug, like this one from CB2, on the floor, and a scented candle, like this 2-wick one from Target, on a nearby coffee table.

Whether you are redesigning a living room or simply rethinking how your home feels in the colder months, Ina Garten’s mantel-less fireplace is a reminder that less can be more.

By prioritizing clean lines, thoughtful materials, and the way a space is actually used, a fireplace can become both a serene sanctuary and a warm, welcoming gathering point. It proves that timeless design is not about excess but about creating an environment that invites comfort, conversation, and quiet luxury every day.

Nostalgia is having a moment in interiors right now, but more often than not, this translates as cozy schemes filled with hand-crafted pieces, natural materials, and heritage prints. However, Ina Garten's sunshine-filled living room is making us think about nostalgia of a different kind. Her unexpected color combination of olive green walls and a vibrant orange sofa is giving unequivocally 1970s vibes, and we can't get enough.

Far from feeling dated, these shades bring a wonderful warmth – emphasised by the rays of sunshine streaming in through that floor-to-ceiling window – and create a scheme that looks both chic and modern.

Jenny McGillicuddy, Founder of Rosenqvist Interiors in Maine, shares her insights: 'The key to using a 70s palette today is leaning into softer, earthy tones rather than the era’s brighter colors – shades that feel especially relevant now for the warmth and calm they bring to interiors. Paired with warm neutrals instead of crisp white, they work well in today’s spaces that feel layered and lived-in.'

Shop Living Room Accessories Inspired by Ina Garten's 1970s Color Palette

These buys from furniture to accessories will help you to try Ina Garten's orange-and-green living room look

Whilst an orange and green color pairing is certainly a bold one, Ina Garten has combined it here with a classic rectangular sofa, and a contemporary lamp and coffee table, to keep the look firmly rooted in modernity.

The mid-century armchair adds a storied feel to the room, but is upholstered in a neutral fabric to avoid a clashing effect with the sofa, and the teddy plush texture is a welcome contrast to the crisp linen sofa covering.

Another main focal point of the room is the patterned ottoman, yet it blends with, rather than dominating, the space thanks to the fact that it mirrors the other shades used in the room, from earthy rust to soft grey. When it comes to decorating with pattern, Jenny advises: 'To avoid a time-capsule effect, skip bold geometric patterns that feel overtly retro, and opt for smaller-scale designs that add depth while remaining timeless.'

Finally, the olive green paint really works to brighten the space and actually enhances the warmth of the orange. Combined with the neutral shade on the angled ceiling and the light wood storage unit, it's a color that feels surprisingly versatile.

Ina Garten’s 1970s-inspired living room proves that retro color pairings can feel fresh and modern – by following a few simple rules, timeless combinations that worked decades ago can look just as stylish in today’s homes.

The long winter months can feel endless, but one of the simplest and most effective ways to lift both our mood and our interiors is to take a leaf out of Ina Garten’s book and display a vase of early spring-flowering plants. Not only do they add a bright, cheerful splash of color, but fresh flowers also bring a touch of the outdoors inside, offering a hopeful hint that warmer days are on the way.

Ina Garten recently shared a photo of a bouquet of soft, lilac-hued tulips, noting, 'It’s amazing how a simple vase of flowers can change my mood.' We couldn’t agree more – on a cold, grey day, it’s hard to imagine these cheerful blooms not putting a smile on your face.

Shop Vases For Mood-Lifting Floral Displays Like Ina Garten's

The best vases should show off your beautiful blooms in all their glory, rather than detract from them, so we've rounded up a selection of minimal designs that do just that. Plus, we've picked out some gorgeously realistic faux flowers to display if you're still waiting for your own to bloom in the garden.

It's not the first time we've seen Ina Garten display tulips on her kitchen countertop, but with spring on its way, the Barefoot Contessa has once again inspired us to look to nature and our gardens to bring a little joy to our interior spaces.

Head of Gardens, Rachel Bull, says, 'Tulips are a wonderful choice for this time of year as they come in a variety of bold, beautiful varieties, which can pick out the colors in your interior scheme or create a beautiful contrast that will stand out and make a statement. If you see tulips at a flower market or in a local store, now is the perfect time to really enjoy them, while the days are still short and the weather gloomy – they're a perfect and inexpensive way to inject a little spring cheer.'

If you're wondering how to arrange flowers, there's no better time to learn, and it really couldn't be simpler. Rachel also shared some really useful advice about how to care for tulips in a vase to ensure they stay fresh and looking their best for as long as possible.

Fresh flowers are an instant way to bring a sense of renewal, brightness, and unexpected color into your interior scheme, and Ina Garten's beautiful tulips are just the inspiration we need.

It turns out, The Barefoot Contessa is not only our go-to source for recipes, but she also has some great advice on how to style your kitchen.

While we love Ina Garten's open shelving, she gives us a stark reminder in an Instagram post that everything on display in her kitchen needs to have a purpose. She says, 'I love working in a kitchen with beautiful things, but I hate anything that’s purely decorative.'

She has a valid point: I don't have much space to spare in my crowded kitchen, and I'm always looking for ways to maximise my storage, so why waste it on items that don't have a practical use?

Sarah Walker, the founder and principal designer of Nuance Interior Design, explains: 'Open storage in a kitchen is really about treating everyday rituals as part of the architecture. When you put frequently used pieces – beautiful pans, hand‑thrown bowls, tea canisters – on open shelves, you’re signaling that this is a working room, not a prop, while still editing what’s visible, so the eye reads "calm" rather than "clutter".'

Shop Useful and Beautiful Kitchenware to Keep on Display

Ina's kitchenware has to have a use if it's going on display in her kitchen, so we've shopped around for these pieces that will help you to recreate her eclectic look.

The good news is that when it comes to how to choose the best cookware it's not too tricky to find pieces that are also beautiful enough to keep out on display. Take Martha Stewart's copper kitchen cookware, for example, or the best Dutch ovens, which come in an array of heritage shades and styles to suit modern and rustic kitchens.

In her post, Ina Garten also shares some really useful advice about how to store your kitchenware, along with some inspiring images of her own hosting closet, packed with all of her most beautiful, but crucially, useful pieces. She says, 'if you display dishes and trays that you actually use and love, your kitchen just feels alive.'

She goes on to reference an antique dealer's library which is not only beautiful aesthetically, 'but also because he’s read all the books'. The same can be said of a cook's kitchen – simply displaying things for show doesn't feel as authentic as having all your most useful pieces to hand as you're whipping up a culinary masterpiece.

I like this analogy of kitchen storage as a library – just as you'd pull out a book from the shelf to read or make reference to, your most useful kitchenware can be displayed in the perfect spot to grab when and where you need them. Place pans near the stove, jugs and mixing bowls near kitchen surfaces or islands, and trays and serveware away from the hub of the cooking action to pull down when the time comes.

If you're not sure where to start, Ina advises, 'just move things around until you find the most pleasing arrangement'. And, she shares some key tips. First of all, she advises mixing old and new pieces – things like heritage Le Creuset, with some gorgeous cookware, like the Our Place Titanium Always Pan.

Next up, Ina suggests choosing a limited color palette – in her post, you'll see she's stuck to a neutral and traditional feel with off-white tableware (check out our Pantone Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, tableware edit), traditional silverware, and heritage copper pans.

Another tip is to place pieces of different shapes and heights next to each other, and Ina says, 'a beautiful plate or platter leaning against the back wall of the shelves can give height to your arrangement'.

Finally, the last (and my favorite) tip, which really taps into the library theme, is 'mix it up with books that you love.' Ina has created height and interest on her kitchen shelves with piles of her favorite cookbooks, which adds character and authenticity to her kitchen decor.

Ina's kitchen storage tips have fuelled us with inspiration to re-think the things we display in our kitchen. Start with thinking about what you use most often and in which part of your kitchen, then start experimenting with ways to display them.

If Ina Garten recommends cookware, I'm going to listen. A reputable chef with impressive culinary talents, it's fair to say Ina knows a thing or two about investing in pieces that'll never fail you.

It's not always easy to sift out the best cookware from the slightly subpar options, so when I spotted Ina's approved list of pieces she uses in her own kitchen, you can imagine my elation.

From sophisticated porcelain platters to cast-iron skillets that'll last for decades, Ina's recommendations (featured on her blog, The Barefoot Contessa) couldn't be more classic. They're simple yet effective and couldn't be more perfect for newbies braving the art of cooking or for long-time foodies building up their cookware collection.

Ina's Cookware Picks

Whenever Ina shares a picture of her home, I'm quick to pay attention. While every room in her house is well-designed, Ina Garten's kitchen is one space that I'm constantly referring to. I've pulled storage ideas from her set-up and have even added a pot hanger to my cooking space since seeing hers. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that, like so many things in my kitchen, I'll be adding these six Ina-approved picks to my collection.

Recommended by culinary legend Ina Garten herself, you can feel assured these cooking classics will last for years. Whether you're on the hunt for a new dish to bring out when guests are around or you want some reliable recommendations to aid your new hobby, these timeless picks are ones you won't want to pass up.

One of the least popular months of the year, January is known for its rather uninspiring feel. While curling up under the covers can be tempting after Christmas merriments have long passed, this season is the ideal time to make your home feel refreshed and serene to welcome the new year.

The perfect place to begin your day, nothing says good morning like a breakfast nook, designed to soothe and uplift you while you enjoy a coffee or your first meal of the day.

While designing your breakfast nook entirely depends on your interior design style, after seeing Ina Garten's rather serene space, I'm convinced I want to give minimalism a go. Featuring some simple wishbone chairs, a round table, and a midcentury lighting fixture, it's a lesson in keeping things simple to prioritize a sense of calm that lasts beyond the morning.

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I love that Ina's breakfast nook strays from a traditional dining room. It's simple but well-done, featuring quality furniture, stylish lighting and a comforting sheepskin throw. While Ina's pieces are unique, you'll be pleased to know that recreating the look is more than possible with these equally chic picks.

The beauty of Ina's space is its simplicity. At first glance, the room seems a little empty, but as you look closer, the furniture and fixtures speak for themselves. A lesson that can inspire even the smallest of dining rooms, Ina's breakfast nook proves the power of investing in quality pieces that will forever radiate effortless style.

Ina sticks with a classic black and white color palette, creating contrast in a light-filled room. The wishbone chair, a classic midcentury design popular for decades, is interesting enough to frame the space without overwhelming it.

Opting for a striking black shade, Ina creates a central hub for sitting and starting (or ending) your day. The modern table is equally as chic, catching the eye and crowning the room beautifully.

A stylish lighting choice, the midcentury pendant light acts as the room's focal point. Striking in shape, its layered design encourages the eye to the center of the space. To warm up the minimal design, the sheepskin throw brings textural contrast and that all-important sense of coziness that encourages you to take a seat and enjoy the moment.

Ina's breakfast nook is a masterclass in keeping things simple yet sophisticated. Featuring ultra-chic midcentury furniture and fixtures, it's an uncomplicated space that doesn't command attention; instead, it quietly invites you to sit down and begin your day.

The world of interior design is always drawing from the past to inspire the present day. While creativity is all around us and plenty of styles are entirely new, like all good things, most of today's interior design trends acknowledge historic styles and artistic movements in some small way.

I'm constantly looking at interiors of the past to inspire my home's design. Whether it's an archival book filled with enviable interiors from the 1990s or a magazine featuring retro interiors, looking back through time is the recipe for a truly well-designed home.

So you can imagine my delight when iconic homemaking legend Ina Garten shared a throwback shot of her living room from many moons ago. The epitome of retro style, it features an array of stylish pieces that prove the simple but mighty power of past design.

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Ina's living room is a classic '70s design. Featuring a geometric rug (very indicative of the era), wooden spindle chairs, and a couch with contrasting piping, it's filled with retro home decor that we can draw inspiration from today.

Ina's living room is filled with midcentury modern furnishings, decor and furniture. Featuring spindle chairs that couldn't be more retro, a piped sofa that dons a subtle pinstripe print, and a rather flamboyant geometric rug that feels oh-so '70s, almost every piece in Ina's past living room continues to shine proudly, even decades later.

While drawing inspiration from such a recognizable era can be a little scary, incorporating small doses of retro furniture and decorations is the best way to pay homage to the past. A set of spindle chairs like Ina's can bring a lived-in charm to any room, particularly when mismatched with a dining table. Similarly, a striking rug with a bold pattern can introduce a punchy pop of playfulness to a minimal living room or bare hallway.

If braving a bold pattern or retro furniture style isn't for you, pay attention to the more subtle furnishings in Ina's space. The timeless pinstripe sofa has a historic, heritage feel that's easy to incorporate into today's settings, much like the heavy drapes fitted with rope tiebacks that can bring a sophisticated, refined feel to any space.

Ina's sneak peek of her living room from the 1970s couldn't be more insightful. It's filled with retro furnishings and furniture that still feel stylish and current today.

If you love to cook, serving up store-bought dishes can feel like a bit of a cop out. While I know it would save me plenty of time (especially as I'm preparing to host Christmas this year), I'm always reluctant to offer guests anything that isn't homemade from scratch by my own fair hands – but since I spotted Ina Garten give store-bought ingredients her seal of approval, I'm starting to change my mind.

In a video posted just before Thanksgiving, Ina Garten revealed that – just like anyone cooking for a crowd – she's 'always looking for shortcuts'. And when it comes to staples like cranberry sauce, she combines a few store-bought finds with fresh ingredients, allowing her to 'hot rod' a dish so that it tastes like it was made from scratch. It's an ingenious trick, and it's really transformed my approach to menu planning and hosting.

'When I say store-bought is fine, I don't mean go to the grocery store, buy an entire Thanksgiving dinner, and serve it – that's not great,' Ina says in the video. 'What I do mean is: go to the store, buy really good ingredients, and 'hot rod' them by adding other ingredients that make the dish so good, nobody will ever know it wasn't made from scratch.'

Before I discovered this hack, I was determined to serve up a Christmas Day menu that was completely homemade – but now I'm planning to incorporate a few pre-made elements from pastry crusts to sauces. Ina's easy cranberry sauce recipe is the perfect example: she 'hot rods' a store-bought can by adding fresh ingredients like orange juice and grated apple.

'I'm going to start with whole berry cranberry sauce,' she explains, adding the entire can to a pot (like the All-Clad stainless steel saucepan – Ina also swears by the All-Clad stainless steel frying pan). Then, the all-important additions: a quarter cup of freshly-squeezed orange juice, a dash of orange zest, and half a grated apple. Once the sauce has simmered for 15 minutes, Ina also mixes in a half cup of raisins and a half cup of roughly diced pecans.

'You have the best cranberry fruit conserve that was incredibly easy,' she says as she dishes up the sauce. 'It's chunky and it's sweet, but it's tart. Perfect cranberry sauce, and no fuss.'

If store-bought ingredients are good enough for Ina, they're certainly good enough for me – and I can't wait to find more ways to 'hot rod' my holiday dishes – next on the list is a no-cook festive grazing table. Time-saving hacks like these really are the secret to seamless hosting.

Ina Garten's Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
• ½ an apple, grated
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup roughly diced pecans

Method

• Add the entire can of cranberry sauce to a medium saucepan along with the orange juice, orange zest and grated apple.
• Simmer for 15 minutes, then add the raisins and pecans.
• Refrigerate the sauce until you're ready to serve.

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Looking for more shortcuts to revolutionize your holiday prep? Try the Christmas morning mimosa hack – it guarantees delicious (and picture-perfect drinks, every time.

Whether it's a shelf of copper kitchenware or some vintage-style café curtains draped across a window, these small yet mighty accessories can transform a typically cold cooking space into a cozy and inviting communal room.

I've always relied on preloved treasures to give my home a cozy feel, but they have a unique power in the kitchen. While there are plenty of vintage pieces that blend beautifully in a kitchen, the pot hanger trend is one of the most impactful.

Transforming a backsplash into a charming arrangement, pot hangers are the perfect nod to the past. While I've long loved my own, Ina Garten's cooking space has made me even more convinced of their quiet power.

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A vintage kitchen item making a comeback, pot hangers might be simple, but they couldn't be more charming. Surprisingly easy to install, all you need is a good rail and some reliable cookware to recreate Ina's convenient set-up.

Although typically seen in a vintage kitchen, Ina Garten's space proves that pot hangers can work alongside every style. Despite her kitchen edging on the newer side, the pot hanger brings a charm and warmth that contrasts with the industrial materials.

Susan Serra, President and Designer at Susan Serra Associates, explains, 'Pot rails can be equal parts useful and decorative! Pot rails allow easy access to frequently used cooking equipment such as pots, pans, strainers, utensils, or other cooking equipment.'

Susan adds, 'They are very useful in small kitchens where under-cabinet space is limited, provided the size and scale are in proportion to surrounding elements. Pot rails send a visual message - "I'm a chef, and these are my tools!" "I love to cook!", or "This is a casual space, welcome!"

Ina's pot rail is simple but stylish. A clever storage solution, it makes use of dead space and gives her cooking area character and lived-in charm.

The holidays are the perfect time to go all out with your decorations. While many of us swap our everyday décor for a wintry wreath or a lush garland, Ina Garten has taught me that some things are best left unchanged – even at Christmas.

Whether you’re dressing your table with an embroidered tablecloth or adding a scattering of green napkins, thoughtful Christmas table decor ideas are the key to elevating your dining space and making the annual festive feast feel truly special. And while nothing quite matches the magic of a beautifully styled tablescape, Ina reminds us that one element should always stay simple: your dinnerware.

Ina swears by classic white dishes on her table. They let the food take center stage and never compete with the rest of the decor – plus, they remain timeless for decades. Inspired by her approach, I’ve put together a list of six of the best pieces for a classic, enduring table that will shine long after the holidays have passed.

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No matter the occasion, Ina keeps her tableware simple yet timeless. She relies on crisp white plates, serving bowls, and platters to create an elegant tablescape that lets the food take center stage. For an Ina-inspired look, choose high-quality pieces – like these six favorites – that combine enduring style with effortless sophistication.

In the video, Ina says, 'I personally love white dishes, I just think it shows the food best. And then you can put fresh herbs on it. You can do a buffet, which I prefer in general, so you don't have half-eaten dishes of things on the table. But if you like the family-style quality of the table being filled with dishes of food, it's great too.'

To create an Ina-inspired table for the holidays, experiment with all your usual Christmas decor like whimsical tablecloths, warm candles, and festive napkins, but keep your dinnerware (plates, bowls, and side dishes) simple. A matching fine china set is a timeless choice, best for a cohesive, clean look. Alternatively, for a more lived-in feel, slowly collect vintage white ceramics such as platters, casserole dishes, and dinner plates for a homely yet balanced Christmas table layout.

For occasions where multiple guests are over (like Christmas day), keep your table as simple as possible with communal dinnerware. Depending on your dish of choice (be it a casserole or a roast chicken), use platters and dishes designed to make serving simple and fuss-free, steering clear of half-eaten plates.

Ina Garten demonstrates the enduring appeal of the classics. Even during the holidays, crisp white dinnerware remains a timeless choice, letting your meal take center stage. As the perfect canvas for festive accents, it allows your Christmas decor to shine effortlessly.

When it comes to making my home festive over the holidays, there's one person I always turn to for advice: Ina Garten. The ultimate homemaker who can transform any space in an instant, Ina's tips are always useful, but around the festive season, they're even more appreciated.

Taking to Instagram to share three Thanksgiving table ideas, Ina's dining table looks so impressive and inviting – and is surprisingly easy to achieve. While she focuses on Thanksgiving as her inspiration, I'm convinced that Ina's styling tips can easily be replicated for Christmas.

While laying the Christmas table is always exciting, Ina's unique arrangement will make the preparations for the big feast feel even more eventful. Achievable in a matter of minutes, it's worth giving this simple yet enduringly festive look a go this season. Remember, before beginning your beautiful arrangement, it pays to first protect your table with the Multisize Clear PVC Vinyl Table Protector Runner from Amazon, then begin with your Ina-inspired decor.

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Ina's table styling tips are so insightful. While all three looks are impressive, the first is my favorite. It feels classically festive and sophisticated – and it couldn't be easier to recreate at home. First, protect your table with the Multisize Clear PVC Vinyl Table Protector Runner from Amazon, then go in with your Ina-inspired decor.

What I love about Ina's dining table look is its simplicity. It's so easy to achieve at home and proves you don't need to buy a whole new collection of pieces to make your table feel festive.

While Ina designs a festive Thanksgiving spread, you can easily apply the tips for your Christmas table, too. Just swap out the seasonal orange touches for a festive red or green and opt for a seasonal stem or Christmas plant like a poinsettia or amaryllis.

Ina explains, 'First, I cover the table with a waterproof runner to protect the table. Then I put a tablecloth over it.'

Moving onto the tableware, Ina says, 'Then white plates. I'm using square ones, which are also a little modern. Just plain silver cutlery, simple wine glasses, then to complement the orange flowers, orange napkins, folded really simply.' Remember to swap out the orange touches with red or green hues for a Christmassy look.

Ina creates the perfect Christmas table centerpiece idea with a simple pairing of flowers and drinking glasses. 'The flowers themselves go down the middle of the table, just in drinking glasses. I always do them in odd numbers, so for this one, three, but if you have a long table, maybe five. And then I add plates of little orange clementines in between the flowers. Then votive candles scattered right down the middle of the table – they really add that sparkle.'

She adds, 'Then, the final touch is to use these charming pumpkin cookies as name cards. It's simple, it's stylish, and I think the orange always looks so festive.' While a pumpkin cookie is perfect for Thanksgiving, swap out this step with a festive cookie shaped like a star or a Christmas tree.

Ina's holiday table look is so stylish and surprisingly simple. While it works for Thanksgiving, changing the color palette and florals makes it the perfect advice for Christmas table styling.

While some think that summer is the best time to enjoy a backyard, I love spending time in my garden during fall. Warm enough to sit back and relax before the cold hits, I can't resist the crisp air, orange leaves, and seasonal blooms that surround us this time of year.

I've long loved fall for its natural delights, but Ina Garten's charming garden has made me fall in love with autumn once more. Featuring an elegant alcove with a vine-wrapped trellis, it's convinced me that there is no better time than now to immerse myself in the outdoors.

Featuring impressive topiary and seasonal blooms, Ina's backyard is undeniably well done, but you'll be pleased to know that recreating the look is surprisingly simple with some classic outdoor furniture and decor.

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Ina's garden is the ultimate fall paradise. I can just picture myself curled up on one of her Adirondack chairs (or this vintage wooden chair from eBay would do the trick) with a book, enjoying the crisp air and looking out at her beautiful topiary. It's not just the plants that make the space so charming; the vintage furniture and accessories transform the nook into the most welcoming outdoor retreat.

Ina's garden is masterfully designed. The rather impressive topiary is hard to miss, framing the lawn and giving the garden its grandeur. The design is separated by a central path that leads to the seating alcove. Although simple, this clever design places the porch right at the center of the garden, allowing Ina to take in the wonderful autumnal views.

Trent Brown, Founder of Ground Break Design, says, 'Ina's garden is incredible. This vignette for the seating area is actually a climbing Hydrangea. A relatively easy plant to grow and a really beautiful addition to any traditional or cottage-style garden.'

He adds, 'The reason this setup works for fall is that Ina has planted for all-season interest. There is a very formal evergreen structure to this section of her garden. The boxwood hedging not only dictates the traffic flow through her garden, but frames different views that draw your eye and invite you to use the spaces. Then, you have the contrasting fall foliage against the permanence of the boxwood and trellis. Those yellows and burnt oranges give a pop of colour to the monochromatic greens and whites. Even the imperfection of scattered leaves along the green lawn pathway, almost similar to flower petals down a wedding aisle, makes the space very approachable.'

The portico features a trellis that's woven with a fall privacy plant, creating an arch of autumnal orange, yellow and green. Full and lush, the tree transforms the simple seating nook into a seasonal statement that shines bright amongst the green lawn and topiary.

Inside the little porch is a pair of classic Adirondack chairs. Although the setup is simple, these characterful additions bring a lived-in charm and warmth to the garden, making it feel even more inviting. Paired with the rustic watering can and lanterns that flank the building, it's a quaint seating arrangement that Ina can enjoy all season long.

Ina's backyard is filled with seasonal delights. From the charming outdoor seating to the impressive topiary, it's a lesson in enjoying fall and all it has to offer.

For some of us, exterior Christmas decor is just as important as interior decor. From festive lights to wreaths, dressing up our home's windows and doors is a truly timeless way to set the mood from the moment guests see your home.

When it comes to the latter, we are getting inspiration from Ina Garten, who recently revealed her front door's foliage on Instagram. The Barefoot Contessa dressed up her farmhouse-style white door with a unique take on the door wreath.

Rather than a round, traditional wreath, Ina has hung a bouquet of dried flowers upside down, though their lush leaves and volume give off a wreath effect. It's a look we can't get enough of, and one designers approve of for the 2025 season.

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One of the best ways to make an entryway look more expensive is to invest in real greenery (or, at least, high quality faux greenery).

'Poor-quality greenery can quickly cheapen even the most elegant setup,' says Josh Branigan, a furniture and home interiors Expert at homeware retailer Cuckooland. 'Shiny, plastic wreaths and garlands lack the texture and depth of real foliage, making them look mass-produced and inauthentic.'

A dried bouquet like Ina's provides plenty of visual interest as well as an unexpected, natural touch to the front door. It's also highly customizable; we love this dried, plum bouquet from Magnolia, which can be used as a solid foundation in any holiday arrangement.

'Investing in high-quality faux greenery, or mixing it with real pine, cedar, or eucalyptus, creates a more natural, balanced aesthetic,' Josh continues. 'Real foliage adds fragrance and softness, while good faux greenery provides structure and longevity. Layering these elements gives depth and dimension.'

Minimalist decor is having a highly anticipated moment in the spotlight, but the days of stark, cold interiors are behind us. This autumn and winter, designers and decorators are embracing a new era of warm minimalism, stealth wealth, and quiet luxury.

In our fast-paced modern world, having a restful retreat to return to has never been more important. It's no surprise that homeowners are turning to the principles of minimalism, creating pared-back spaces perfect for switching off and unwinding as the days get shorter.

Streamlined spaces that don’t compromise on style or comfort are the epitome of this popular interior design trend. This is the direction of Ina Garten's minimalist living room.

Unlike its colder, more clinical predecessor, a warm minimalist interior promises to exude more character and comfort in a clean, functional space. The result is a welcoming, calm, and uncluttered sanctuary that perfectly embodies the quiet luxury trend, ideal for cozying up during the cooler months.

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When creating a light-filled and relaxed living room, it's always best to remember that less is more, says Genna Margolis, interior designer and founder of Shapeside.

'You don’t want furniture that is going to fill the entire space. You want pieces that still leave a lot of room, so the size of the pieces should be a little bit smaller than usual to get the look.' And, when it comes to wall decor, 'do not overdo it,' she says, 'you want to have decor on the wall without overcovering the wall space.'

In Ina Garten's space, the artwork is limited to a single black-and-white photograph of Audrey Hepburn, carefully chosen to balance the predominantly beige color palette. We've found a similar print of Audrey herself (available at Etsy) that will look just as beautiful above your fireplace.

As an alternative to accessories and wall decor, a statement living room fireplace adds much-needed warmth – perfect for an evening glow. Black and white living room paint ideas always look smart.

A monochrome decorating scheme is a minimalistic choice that requires an element of bravery, as it calls for careful editing and a strong design eye.

This type of interior can appear 'flat' if you don’t introduce texture and subtle tonal variety, which is especially important as we crave richness in our decor for seasonal nesting. But, when put together carefully, it’s a great way to enhance a minimalistic living room.

Tone and texture are important. Remember that the most successful monochrome interiors combine movement and depth with tactile pieces – like wool throws and velvet cushions – to create a warm and inviting minimal scheme.

If you want to mimic Ina Garten's scheme, remember to prioritize quality over quantity. This pared-back look will work in any setting and is particularly effective at creating a calm, restorative environment for the holiday season and beyond.

I've always thought of privacy planting as a necessary evil. Rather than being based on aesthetics, this style of gardening generally relies on the imperative of seclusion, giving it an overly manicured and rigid sensibility. This is distinctly not the case at Ina Garten's home in East Hampton.

I spotted the Barefoot Contessa's take on planting for privacy in an archival image from 2008, and it's absolutely stunning. Ina's front yard garden includes four rounded topiaries, a red maple tree bursting with color, and low ground cover like lavender. Medium height hydrangeas add a small burst of color.

So, what is so alluring about her garden screening idea to me? First, I love how Ina captures the perfect balance between manicured and wild. The image of privacy planting in my head is massive topiaries and towering bamboo, but Ina's landscape feels intentionally casual. Her tree is unshaped, and the hydrangeas seem to come out of nowhere, planted purely for their beauty.

As an extension of this balance, I love that Ina's garden idea is asymmetrical. Though the topiary bushes are positioned on either side of the arched doorway

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No matter where you live or what your home looks like, you can create a similar look with simple, easy-to-care for plants. Here are my top picks.

I also love how the curves of Ina's front of house shrubs emphasize the architectural features of her home; the rounded bushes imitate the curves of her arched garden doorways. Breaking it up with a pop of red from the small tree keeps the planting from appearing too formulaic.

Furthermore, if you want to emulate Ina's look this autumn, now is the perfect moment to start digging.

Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, explains: 'September is a wonderful time to get planting. By picking the right mix of perennials, you can enjoy a garden that’s full of changing colours and gentle fragrance from the first signs of spring right through to the end of autumn.'

Privacy planting needn't fit into a single tired script; with the right inspiration, it can be creative and visually appealing. From the Hamptons to the West Coast, it's all about leaning in to your personal taste.

Our kitchens, libraries, and home offices may be separate spaces, but after seeing a recent post from Ina Garten, we are considering ways to blend the two.

The Barefoot Contessa's snaps of her kitchen shelves are inspired by a Belgian designer, who she explains decorates his library in a curated and intentional manner.

'There is an antique dealer in Belgium (Axel Vervoordt) whose library is exquisite, not just because his bookshelves are gorgeous but also because he’s read all the books,' she states in the caption of the Instagram post.

'When you walk in, you just know it’s a library that someone loves. If you’re setting up your own kitchen shelves, you can just move things around until you find the most pleasing arrangement!'

We can see that Ina has sparsely but effectively stocked her kitchen shelves with items like white, ceramic pitchers, copper and brass pots, and tidy stacks of cookbooks. There is notable space between all these items, so the look is curated rather than cluttered.

The 'library' style is evident in the books. Rather than shelving them vertically, the stacks create dimension and visual interest thanks to their colorful spines and varying spine texts.

I also love that Ina uses the book stacks as platforms for other objects, like the copper pans. This elevates these pieces so they appear more as decor rather than purely functional kitchen accessories.

The different materials also contribute to the library's feel; much like a shelf of books contains a mix of hard and soft covers, Ina's mix of ceramics, metals, and glass set on the wood shelves creates a blend that keeps visual intrigue high.

Crucially, all of these display items are fully functional rather than just decorative, making it a practical design choice. We're absolutely taking cues from Ina (and Axel) on this front.

There is nothing like dining outside in the summer, and beautiful outdoor furniture is the perfect way to upgrade it. Ina Garten gives a masterclass in the garden of her Hamptons home with white metal bistro seating.

The Barefoot Contessa's patio furniture idea is set up in a secluded corner of her garden, surrounded by beautiful hedges. Its white metal color is the perfect contrast to her gray gravel patio and the light-wash wood tone of her house. It is shaded by a sloping green tree. The overall effect is the tranquil energy of the French countryside.

For those who love the look as much as we do, we tracked down a similar set on sale at Wayfair for just $102. It includes a table and two chairs, so you can create the same relaxed feel in your garden with one click.

It's no wonder that bistro sets like Ina's are quickly becoming an outdoor furniture trend for 2025. They are incredibly versatile and work well in any garden.

Lena Gierasinska, design expert at Barker and Stonehouse, explains: 'For those with limited outdoor space, such as a small balcony or courtyard, I’d recommend a bistro set. Bistro sets are compact, making them the perfect option for those with small gardens.'

She continues: 'Those with large gardens should also consider a bistro set because they are small and lightweight so they can be easily moved around the garden so that you can enjoy the last of the evening sun.'

As seen in Ina Garten's outdoor space, a bistro set can be effectively used to create a cozy zone within a larger yard. It works especially good with wrought iron furniture.

Lena advises: 'Alternatively, bistro sets can be used in a small dining zone in the garden - they comfortably accommodate two people for an intimate outdoor dining experience.'

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Eating outside is always wonderful, so why not make it that one step more wonderful with the best outdoor furnishings? Ina Garten certainly takes this approach.

The closed versus open kitchen storage debate is one that is ongoing, and polarizing. To display your dishes and pots on an open shelf, or keep them tucked away behind a cabinet door? Ina Garten argues for the former, though not without some considerations.

'I love working in a kitchen with beautiful things, but I hate anything that’s purely decorative,' she states in the caption of a recent Instagram post. 'If you display dishes and trays that you actually use and love, your kitchen just feels alive.'

The Barefoot Contessa's kitchen sees a mix of ceramic pitchers, copper pans, cookbooks, silver saucers, and glass cakestands, beautifully blending function with decor. It's certainly giving us some kitchen shelving ideas.

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Ina details her tips for decorating kitchen shelves effectively in the caption of this post and we are taking notes. First and foremost, she suggests mixing old and new items; we can see this in action with her antique saucers placed next to ceramic plates. The blend of materials and finishes is visually appealing and works especially well if your kitchen fuses traditional and contemporary aesthetics in its design.

Additionally, she advises us to vary the heights and sizes of items. This creates a dynamic appearance on a shelf and maintains intrigue. She also points out that you can lean a large platter against the wall of the shelf to provide an interesting background to the area.

She also shows us that incorporating books as decor is a fantastic way to add volume to a shelf, whether you stack them horizontally or vertically.

Finally, Ina says that sticking to a small color palette is the way to go when styling a kitchen shelf. We can see that she has opted for neutrals and metallics, which work wonders in a wooden shelf. We are partial to a natural palette, though experimenting with a couple of bolder colors (particularly if you have bright kitchenware) is a great way to infuse your shelf with some vibrancy.

Filling your garden with vibrant flowers and lively vines is the surest way to brighten your summer. The right perennials will grow back year after year, filling your home with joy each season. If you're looking for ideas, Ina Garten's garden is a masterclass.

The Barefoot Contessa took to Instagram to share her garden idea, taking viewers on a tour through the bold green space. It's a combination of carefully pruned hedges, verdant hostas, and warm-toned blooms. Vines crawl across her garden walls, and tall grasses wave in the breeze. Just watching the video is a hit of fresh summer energy.

Luckily, our resident master gardener and Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens, Thom Rutter, watched and unpacked the video to find out exactly the plants Ina uses and how to care for them.

He states: 'Summer-flowering plants like dahlias, clematis, and roses bring months of beauty if you choose the right varieties.'

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Part of what makes Ina's outdoor space so gorgeous is the colors: she opts for a variety or reddish and white long-flowering perennials. The interaction of different colors is an underrated element of garden design that Ina makes full use of.

'As seen in the image here, romantic tones, dusky pinks, deep mauves, soft creams, are colors that add a little grace to borders and pots,' explains Thom.

What is the best way to keep this wide variety of plants healthy? According to Thom, it comes down to frequent deadheading using essential pruning tools.

He advises: 'The trick is to deadhead regularly during August… simply snipping off faded flowers will keep your display abundant through fall.'

Though gardening isn't always easy, it's always rewarding. With careful planning and maintenance, you'll have a flowering oasis as bold as Ina's in no time.

Few kitchens are as aspirational as the one in Ina Garten's East Hampton home. We can spend hours talking about her chic monochromatic design choices, but considering Ina's culinary expertise, we're just as interested in her cookware and appliances.

Here on Homes & Gardens' celebrity style team, we've taken notes on several products spotted around the Barefoot Contessa's kitchen, with her frying pan being the most recent example. We recently spotted Ina using the All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Frying Pan (available on Amazon) in a video where she experiments with a delicious Bananas Foster recipe.

Inevitably, the All-Clad D3 is one of the best non-stick frying pans available. This cookware has impressed generations of chefs, with Ina being the most recent admirer of the Pennsylvania-based brand. Her model is currently reduced for Amazon Prime Day, and while the -20% off saving is not massive, it aligns with other All-Clad discounts that are similar.

We just scouted Amazon's All-Clad products and didn't see any savings larger than the one we spotted with Ina's pans, so it's still worth the investment.

Ina Garten is in excellent company. Our resident chef and kitchens editor, Lydia Hayman, reassures that All-Clad is a reliable choice, adding: 'The D3’s classic three-layer (tri-ply) design (an aluminum core sandwiched between stainless steel) ensures heat distributes quickly and evenly, which is essential for precise cooking. This feature is especially useful when making pasta sauces and searing meat, as it means your ingredients are heated to the same temperature throughout.'

Plus, while stainless steel isn’t nonstick, you can still cook eggs with proper preheating and oiling. It's great for confident cooks or those avoiding nonstick pans,' Lydia adds.

This isn't the first time we've seen Ina opt for All-Clad cookware. We also noticed the All-Clad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan (available on Amazon) in another Instagram video, where the pan is positioned at the back of the dishwasher.

This roaster is enjoying a smaller discount of -10%, meaning it's still an investment, but one that professional chefs swear by. Naturally, Ina is at the top of the list.

I look at hundreds of celebrity homes as part of my job, and there's one color I've been seeing everywhere lately. From Cindy Crawford to Cynthia Nixon, it seems like orange is the it color for a living room sofa at the moment.

I will be honest – at first, I wasn't sure about decorating with orange. That was, until I saw Ina Garten's living room setup.

Vintage meets modern in her space, with its velvety, orange sofa, brown and orange ottoman, and wood bookcases all providing the space with a warm, cozy feel. It has me convinced that orange is actually much more versatile (and neutral) than one may think.

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One of the things I love about orange is that it carries a retro feel with it. From neon shades to rustier hues, orange was a staple in '60s and '70s design, and as we continue to see these eras come back in style, orange proves itself as a staple color choice.

Additionally, orange goes incredibly well with warm neutrals. The orange, gray, and brown ottoman, which acts as a makeshift coffee table in Ina's space, brings some comforting colors to the room, as well as serving as a solid foundation to tie in other neutrals, from the cream lampshade to boucle accent chairs.

Wood is also a fantastic counterpart with orange, complementing its earthiness and giving it a grounding energy. From the spacious bookshelves to the accent chair legs, mixed wood shades all pair well with orange.

I also love the decor possibilities that emerge when using orange. It would go just as well with greenery from plants as it would with a muted wall paint, like Ina's. Alternatively, you can take a more modern approach and try incorporating some metallic hardware or matte white accessories into the home for a truly retro feel.

While orange for a sofa specifically is certainly a bolder color choice than a typical neutral, I am intrigued by its ability to infuse a space with warmth, joy, and sophistication.

As far as summer showstoppers go, few desserts capture the spirit of the Fourth of July quite like Ina Garten’s iconic Flag Cake. With its charming berry-studded design and timeless vanilla sponge, it’s a true American classic. It is elegant enough for a formal gathering, yet delightfully nostalgic for a relaxed Fourth of July party.

The recipe begins with a rich vanilla sheet cake, infused with sour cream for moisture and subtle tang. It’s topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, then artfully decorated with plump blueberries and raspberries to form a flag – complete with piped stars and stripes for a playful, patriotic finish.

What makes this cake so enduring is its balance of simplicity and spectacle. It’s unfussy in technique but delivers maximum impact on the table, making it ideal for hosts looking to create a seasonal centerpiece without turning to elaborate patisserie.

Ina Garten’s Flag Cake

A beautiful, berry-topped sheet cake that's as delicious as it is decorative – perfect for summer gatherings and patriotic celebrations.

Serves: 18–20

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the cake:
• 16 tbsp (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• For the frosting:
• 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 kg (2 lbs) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
• 450g (1 lb) icing sugar, sifted
• For decoration:
• 1 pint fresh blueberries
• 2 pints fresh raspberries

Method

• Preheat & Prepare
• Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease and flour a 13x18x1½-inch sheet pan.
• Make the Cake Batter
• In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl between additions. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla.
• Dry Ingredients
• In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined.
• Bake
• Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
• Make the Frosting
• Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the vanilla (and almond extract if using), then gradually beat in the icing sugar until light and fluffy.
• Decorate
• Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Create a rectangle of blueberries in the top left corner for the 'stars' section. Use raspberries in rows to mimic the red stripes of the American flag. Pipe small dots or stars of frosting between berries for detail if desired.

Equal parts delicious and decorative, Ina’s flag cake continues to resonate – not just as a dessert, but as a celebration of summer at its most joyful. And with red, white, and blue never going out of style, this is one baking tradition that’s well worth revisiting year after year.

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After friends and family, the fire pit is the most important guest at any summer party. It makes your patio feel instantly cozy, warm, and coastal.

Ina Garten taps into these benefits in her East Hampton home with an especially innovative 'fire bowl' style fire pit. The Barefoot Contessa's vessel has two parts: a stand and a bowl sitting atop, which houses the firewood for a crackling summer flame. It is designed in a rusty-looking material for a style that fits perfectly with the Hamptons vibe, while creating a durable surface that is sure to last for generations.

For Ina, the backyard fire pit idea is the defining feature of her outdoor space. Rather than populating her gravel patio with a collection of furniture, the stunning fire bowl stands alone.

Shop Editor's Picks

Whether you want to emulate Ina's fire pit design or prefer a more modern style, there are hundreds of stylish and affordable options. Here are six of my favorites, hand-picked by the editor.

To style your fire pit, you can choose a stand-alone design like Ina's or opt for a more maximalist look with outdoor furnishings.

Lena Gierasinska, Design expert at Barker and Stonehouse, recommends: 'Fire pits are ideal for retaining a warm space during those cooler evenings, and simple finishing touches such as woody-toned lanterns and cluster candles create an inviting atmosphere to enjoy long after the hazy afternoon light fades.'

Nothing can create ambiance like a firepit. The more durable, mobile, and stylish, the better.

Ina Garten, also known as Barefoot Contessa, is a master in the kitchen. Her most famous dish, and perhaps her most beloved recipe, is her Perfect Roast Chicken.

It is simple, elegant, and full of flavor – everything her cooking philosophy embodies. It’s a go-to for home cooks and even celebrities can't get enough of this delicious summer lunch recipe.

Meghan Markle famously revealed in an interview in 2017 that she was preparing a roast chicken meal recipe from chef Ina Garten when Prince Harry got down on one knee to propose in Nottingham Cottage, Harry's small home in Kensington Palace.

What makes it quintessentially Ina is that it’s unfussy but feels luxurious – comfort food elevated. It’s the kind of dish that turns a Sunday dinner into something memorable.

Ina Garten's Perfect Roast Chicken

Ingredients

• (Serves 4–6 people)
• 1 (5–6 lb) whole roasting chicken
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large bunch of fresh thyme
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 yellow onion, thickly sliced
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 bulb of fennel, tops removed, cut into wedges
• Olive oil

Method

• 1. Preheat the Oven
• Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
• 2. Prepare the Chicken
• Remove the giblets and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
• Generously season inside the cavity with salt and pepper.
• Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves, garlic, and a handful of thyme.
• 3. Butter & Season
• Brush the outside of the chicken with the melted butter.
• Season all over with salt and pepper.
• 4. Truss the Chicken (optional)
• Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wings under the body for even roasting.
• 5. Prepare the Vegetables
• Toss the onion, carrots, and fennel in a roasting pan (Ina loves the All-clad Stainless Steel Roaster from Amazon) with salt, pepper, a few sprigs of thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Spread them out in a layer and place the chicken on top.
• 6. Roast
• Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh (or use a thermometer: 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh). The ThermoPro Meat Thermometer, available at Amazon is a reliable option.
• Stir the vegetables once or twice to ensure even browning.
• 7. Rest and Serve
• Remove from oven and cover the chicken with foil.
• Let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
• Carve and serve with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.

Ina often serves it with a crispy roast potato, a simple green salad, and a glass of Chablis or Chardonnay.

Alternatively, you can try Meghan Markle’s twist on Ina Garten’s Perfect Roast Chicken. This subtle twist became famous after she called it her 'engagement chicken.'

Meghan Markle’s version adds Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, lemon zest, and a hint of sweetness for a flavorful twist. Roasted with root vegetables and stuffed with lemon and garlic, it’s an elegant, cozy dish perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

If you're ever fortunate enough to have Ina Garten on your dinner party guest list, you shouldn't expect loose flowers when she walks through the door.

The Barefoot Contessa, who has set the standard for hosting from her East Hampton home, is no stranger to sharing formal dinner party advice. However, her most recent pearls of wisdom address a lesser-known area: Being the perfect guest.

During a recent interview with Today's Willie Geist on May 19, the pair discussed the importance of not bringing 'a gift that messes with the plan of the evening,' and, surprisingly to some, loose flowers are on Ina's banned list.

'There are two things that I don’t think you should ever bring to a dinner party, and they’re so common, is something that the host feels like they should serve. I mean, starting with Jell-O salad,' Ina says in the footage. 'And don’t ever bring flowers that aren’t in a vase. Everyone’s arriving and then all of a sudden, you’ve got these flowers and you have to figure out what to do.’

What is the alternative? Ina isn't saying you can't gift flowers; she's just saying they shouldn't be loose. Therefore, buying a stunning vase for your host to hold their new flowers is the natural choice. To help, we've rounded up some of our favorites below. They're all beautiful in their own right, and ready to be decorated with anything from a simple stem to a bountiful bouquet.

In a similar vein, Ina has previously shared dining table styling advice that helps hosts get the most out of their new flowers (and vessels). To create a stunning centerpiece, she recommends choosing one single flower type (in her case, pink roses), and filling your vases with this one consistent bloom. On her dining table, she avoids using larger vases and opts for small water glasses to keep things effortless.

''An easy tip for stylish centerpieces – choose one flower and use lots of them! And one more thing – instead of finding lots of matching vases for my flowers, I just use water glasses! Simple and elegant - my favorite combination,' Ina says.

However you style them, and whatever vase (or container you use), remember that, as long as the flowers aren't loose, you'll likely have Ina's approval.

Few figures have done more to upgrade our culinary habits than Ina Garten. From her iconic East Hampton kitchen, The Barefoot Contessa has taught us a balanced and joyful way of life through food and hospitality, starting with her kitchen essentials.

Here at Homes & Gardens, we spend our pastimes watching archival Barefoot Contessa clips and catching up on interviews with Ina. However, it was only recently that we discovered her book (Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That?) where she shared an insight into the rolling pin that deserves a place on her countertops.

'I prefer a French rolling pin because I can really feel the dough while I'm rolling it out,' Ina says. A browse through her essentials list shows she uses this French Tapered Rolling Pin from Sur La Table, but we found an almost identical model for under $10 on Amazon.

The Karryoung Rolling Pin (available at Amazon), and Ina's go-to, features the classic French handle-less design with tapered ends for easy grasping when rolling out pie, tart, and cookie dough.

Its charming European-style design is elegant enough to stand on your countertops when it's not in use. Or, you can go a step further and display it alongside other beautiful rolling pins, just as we've seen Martha Stewart herself demonstrate. In her old kitchen, Martha created a rolling pin display wall with antique pins that she received the previous Christmas.

'We took a picture of all the different rolling pins, and we played with different configurations until we decided on this particular one, ranging from smallest to largest, all the way down. Each pin was numbered according to its placement… This is very fun for everyone who likes to organize,' Martha says.

In the case of Ina's French pin, however, we'd add that it's beautiful enough to stand alone. Wherever you store it, though, you can rest assured that you're one (big) step closer to baking Ina-approved goods from your own home.

Shop more of Ina Garten's kitchen essentials

Rolling pins aside, Ina Garten's kitchen is inevitably a melting pot of professional accessories. Plus, like the bowls, they come with an accessible price tag. You can shop more of her go-tos below.

No one knows their way around the kitchen like Ina Garten. For almost 50 years, the Barefoot Contessa has been setting the standard for pro cooking, entertaining, and design. So, when we spotted the All-Clad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan (from Williams Sonoma) in her kitchen, we took it seriously.

We spotted the stunning piece of non-toxic cookware in an Instagram post shared by Ina, where the pan is positioned in the back of the dishwasher. Of course, this highlights one of the best aspects of its stainless steel material: that it can be easily washed using the appliances you already have in your home. The material is extremely durable, non-toxic, and easy to use.

The stainless steel pan is designed for total convenience. Its thick stainless steel material doesn't react with food, allowing you to easily scrub its surface. The curved handles are easy to grab, minimizing risk as you take it out of the oven. On the interior, a V-shaped roasting rack helps to cook foods quickly and evenly. According to Williams Sonoma, it's commercial grade for use in any kitchen. It can be used on gas and electric cooktops, as well as in the oven and broiler.

From Ina Garten's storage pantry to her kitchen countertops, we trust anything she recommends. Big and small, she always has an eye towards practicality, longevity and quality that we really appreciate at Homes & Gardens. Here are a few favorites from the products she's recommended over the years.

Shop Ina Garten's Kitchen Favorites

No matter what you're roasting, this pan will get the job done. If it's good enough for Ina, it's good enough for us.

The right tools won't turn you into a perfect chef, but they can't hurt. Looking to celebrity chefs like Ina Garten is the perfect place to source inspiration; her pantry is the nexus of it all.

The pantry shelving in Ina Garten's storage space features all the backstock she needs to keep her kitchen neat and organized, while keeping all the items she needs accessible. It's a veritable treasure trove of Ina's favorites, from her mixing bowls, to her roasting pan, to her dutch ovens.

She organizes her pantry with white baker's shelves stacked six rows high. She keeps boxes on the bottom shelf and bowls on the next. Ina stores her collection of Le Creuset Dutch ovens and glassware on the midle shelf. Next up is plates, and then ceramic ware. Finally, she stores large canisters on the tip-top shelf, likely for flours or other backstock grains.

Shop the look

Ina's shelves are filled with a mix of timeless investment pieces and more affordable buys that work with any budget. Here are our choices to recreate her collection.

Cooking like Ina Garten takes a careful assortment of tools. With insight from her pantry, they're easy to find.

If there's anyone we can trust to upgrade our kitchen, it's the Barefoot Contessa. Ina Garten has spent recent decades shaping our culinary habits from her iconic East Hampton home, but her influence extends beyond professional kitchenware.

Here on the celebrity style team, scrolling through Ina's Instagram for her kitchen recommendations is among our favorite pastimes. While we may have found everything from her go-to knives to juicers and sponges, her kitchen storage was always somewhat more of a mystery – until now. In an interview with Food Network, Ina shared the exact basket she uses to keep her space in order, and, thanks to Amazon's spring sale, it's currently at one of the lowest prices to date.

This Natural Water Hyacinth Storage Basket (available at Amazon) sits among Ina Garten's 'favorite' things, and a quick look at the specifications shows why it's a favorite with the chef.

Alongside being your new kitchen and pantry storage essential, this basket has qualities beyond its functionality. Its attractive woven pattern adds a retro, rustic touch to any room, complementing modern, contemporary, or vintage home decor while tidying up and organizing your space. Plus, Ina's endorsement is just the icing on top of the cake.

This basket's versatility means it will look beautiful anywhere, but arguably, nowhere is more suited than a breakfast station. 'Breakfast stations have made a huge comeback in recent years and are set to stay. These stations offer valuable additional storage, with lighter racking or baskets being ideal for cereals and bread. At the same time, sturdy oak shelving is perfect for holding the weight of jars and tins,' comments kitchen designer Tom Howley. 'This efficient storage solution ensures that everything you need is within easy reach yet neatly tucked away.'

You can shop more of our wicker kitchen essentials, including a beautiful tray that's perfect for grouping accessories on your countertops, below.

Tablescaping is a skill, but it is one that can be mastered with some simple styling techniques – while elaborate ones can be intimidating, mixing and matching items can create a delightful display. Take Ina Garten's table as an example.

The Barefoot Contessa recently shared a photo of her spring-ready tablescape to her Instagram page, and we were struck by her gorgeous arrangement, featuring a linen table runner, striped napkins, mixed wine glasses and dinnerware, and floral arrangements. It's giving us some major spring tablescape ideas.

'People think that in order to have a beautiful table setting, everything needs to match perfectly,' Ina captions the post. 'I actually think it’s much more interesting to mix things up - but you need to mix them up thoughtfully. For this table, I chose a simple palette like blue, orange, and cream and I have lots of different glasses and napkins - even different chairs! It all goes together and looks effortlessly chic!'

Shop the eclectic tablescape edit

Mixing and matching items is a fantastic way to make a tablescape look visually interesting; while uniform table settings are pleasing to look at thanks to their tidiness and cohesion, variety can contribute to an eclectic and stylish table.

According to experts, mixing different materials and accessories is key for styling a spring or summer table in particular.

'Essential items for tablescapes for me include curated linens (they can truly set the mood, whether whimsical or elegant. and everything in between), well-thought seating options (don't just reach for your same old chairs), and an interesting floral display, which could be one big arrangement, multiple individual vases or a seasonal garland of greens down the center of the table,' suggests Annemarie Schumacher, founder of Make Every Day an Event. 'The key is to truly embrace the season and its wealth of treasures.'

Mixing different materials is a great method for adding some subtle contrast to a table – we love how Ina has opted for a mix of natural materials, such as her linen table runner and napkins and stone fruit bowls, alongside her classic wine glasses and candle cases. The blend of materials makes the space feel at once relaxed and contemporary.

Tapping into seasonal accessories is also fantastic for adding texture and volume to a table; as spring approaches, consider introducing seasonal flowers, such as tulips and daffodils to your table.

When creating your next tablescape, consider experimenting with different materials, colors, and textures for a truly unique table setting.

As a general rule, it pays to follow Ina Garten's example in the kitchen. The Barefoot Contessa has spent recent decades influencing our cooking skills from her East Hampton home – starting with the right appliances and accessories.

Here on the celebrity style team, we spend hours watching Barefoot Contessa episodes and scrolling Ina's Instagram to catch a glimpse at the products she uses in her kitchen, and, most recently, we came across her mixing bowls.

While, initially, it may seem that all mixing bowls are the same, Ina's pick proves that some are, in fact, smarter and stronger than others. Her pick? The Anchor Hocking 10 Piece Mixing Bowl Set (available at Walmart).

Anchor Hocking designed these bowls so that you have every size you need in one place – meaning you're spending less time scrambling through your cupboards for obscure bowl sizes and more time enjoying the cooking process. They're designed to allow you to 'Prep, Mix, and Bake like a Pro,' the Amazon listing notes.

It's a versatile kitchen storage solution we didn't realize we needed until Ina's endorsement, naturally.

Anchor Hocking bowls may be a modern kitchen must-have, but they've been an American kitchen staple since the early 20th century. The brand launched in 1905 with a simple goal: 'to make the glass that homes really need.' The result is an ultra-strong material designed to stand the test of time – while being a healthier alternative than plastic and metal.

Plus, Anchor Hocking glass will not warp, stain, retain smells, or leach dangerous chemicals into food or drinks, so you can rest easily, knowing that your food is free of any unnecessary toxins. It's no surprise that Ina loves it.

Beyond your kitchen countertops, these bowls conveniently double as serving pieces. There's nothing quite as classic as transparent bowls to make hosting effortless. They fit into any dining room or living space and make entertaining easy. We recommend filling the appropriately sized bowls with your favorite snacks and going from there.

Shop Ina Garten's kitchen essentials

Measuring bowls aside, Ina Garten's kitchen is inevitably a melting pot of professional accessories. Plus, like the bowls, they come with an accessible price tag. You can shop more of the Barefoot Contessa's go-to's below.

We trust The Barefoot Contessa with pretty much anything on the recipe front – Ina Garten has been giving us cooking inspiration for years, and as such, she knows a thing or two about great kitchen appliances.

That's why when we saw her stand mixer peeking out in a recent Instagram post, we had to investigate, especially with President's Day sales rolling in. It was worth a look, because her go-to appliance is currently on considerable discount.

Garten uses the KitchenAid Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer (available on Amazon), an appliance you've likely seen across your favorite celebrity kitchens, from Jennifer Garner's to Selena Gomez's, as it is a beloved brand (and for good reason – it's also made our Best Stand Mixers list for 2025).

As the #1 mixer brand in the world, KitchenAid's 5-quart model can whip up nine dozen cookies in a single batch, making it a powerhouse mixer. It also features 10 speeds, from stirring to whipping, and 59 touchpoints for ideal results. Durability is at its core, with metal construction ensuring these machines can withstand the ingredients they mix.

Additionally, the mixer comes in various colors, from classic black or white to yellow, blue, pink, red, and even silver. With so many options, the mixer itself can act as decor, whether you go for a bold sheen or a subtle matte shade. We can see that Ina has opted for a clean white edition, which is great for any light or neutral kitchens, as well as monochromatic ones.

The 5-quart KitchenAid mixer typically retails for $449.99, but it is currently on sale for $349.95. Act fast, as these deals typically don't last long.

Shop our KitchenAid favorites

Few kitchens are as instantly recognizable as Ina Garten's monochromatic space. The Barefoot Contessa backdrop – inside her East Hampton home – has set the standard for classic American kitchens, including the little details, starting with her countertop lamps.

As a celebrity style editor, I admit that kitchen lighting is not the first thing I usually look for when exploring a figure's home. However, in Garten's case, her ambient table lamps demand attention. While I would typically talk about countertop colors or smart shelving, these lamps are unmissable.

The two lamps, seen on top of the kitchen island countertop, have changed what I thought about kitchen lighting. Originally, I thought that the kitchen was exclusively a place for spotlights or hanging pendants – both of which offer light from the ceiling. This way, the lights and fixtures are not in the way of your food prep or cooking. However, Garten's lamps make a case for a more atmospheric glow – and they don't take too much room on her counters.

Before seeing Garten's home, I wrongly assumed table lamps wouldn't have a place in the center of a kitchen. Sure, they're perfect for smaller tables in breakfast nooks or coffee corners, but putting them on an island felt somewhat impractical. However, if anyone can convince me otherwise, it's Garten.

The culinary expert has shaped how the country cooks from this very space – and no light has gotten in her way. On the contrary, they bring a warming, cozier glow than brighter ceiling lights and look sophisticated in the process. Plus, the task lighting is great for bringing light to certain areas where you might want extra brightness – for example, the space where you chop your food.

To best follow her example, I recommend choosing two lamps in similar colors to your island or cabinets – in Garten's case, this is black and white. I particularly love the Perennial Buffet Lamp (available from Saks Fifth Avenue) for a textured twist on Garten's classic choice. The spool-style crafting brings elegance to any part of your kitchen.

To take things further, Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton, the co-founders of lights&lamps, add that you can achieve ambient kitchen lighting with a simple dimmer switch.

'There are a few ways in which [you can create ambiance with lighting in a kitchen]. The main way is to choose light fixtures where the light direction and brightness level are adjustable. Creating a layered, ambient lighting effect in any of these rooms can also be achieved by using dimmer switches, which will allow you to adjust the light levels throughout the day,' they say.

'For kitchens, consider using a low-hanging pendant over a dining table, which will cast a soft, warm hue over your dining space.' Has Garten's example changed how you see lighting in your kitchen?

As a general rule, it pays to follow Ina Garten's lead in the kitchen. Here at Homes & Gardens, scrolling her Instagram and binge-watching Barefoot Contessa episodes is our favorite activity – and it's time well spent when we discover her favorite appliances in the process.

Most recently, we came across some new footage Garten made for The New York Times, in which she tours her East Hampton kitchen – a space we know so well. However, while much of the room's design didn't come as a surprise, we did catch a glimpse of OXO’s Good Grips food scale (available from Amazon) in the iconic, monochromatic space.

Professionals often count kitchen scales among the kitchen items you need to upgrade, but in true Garten style, she's chosen one of the most reliable on the market. With a (nearly) five-star average on Amazon, it appears that many concur. They're currently ever-so-slightly reduced, so if there's ever a time to follow Garten's example, it's now.

Of all the scales on the market, this is one of the smartest. Its innovative design prevents shadowing from bowls or plates – and was designed with easy storage in mind. The Scale features a zero function and a unit conversion button to measure in 0.1-oz (US) and 1-g (metric) increments for greater accuracy and accessibility. OXO also designed the scale to be cord-free, so you don't need to worry about fiddly wires getting in the way when you're dealing with chaotic countertops when cooking.

Last but certainly not least, it comes with Garten's unintentional endorsement, and with that, we're sure we can trust it's one of the best scales available.

Avid readers will know this isn't the only essential we've taken from the Barefoot Contessa's kitchen recently – nor is it the only one under $100. While Garten inevitably uses some of the best – and most expensive – appliances on the market, there are some pieces that are accessible for every price point (and will fit into every kitchen). You can shop some of her stand-our products below.

If you need us, we'll be re-watching some more archival Garten clips until further notice.

When thinking of Ina Garten's iconic East Hampton kitchen, a host of chef-approved appliances will also likely come to mind. The Barefoot Contessa has established herself as one of the most beloved cooks in America and, consequently, the owner of many professional appliances that come with sizeable price tags. However, not everything needs to be a big investment.

Take Garten's go-to measuring cup, for example. We recently spotted the Pyrex 4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup (available at Amazon) on the cook's countertops, and it currently retails for under $10. Professional chefs like Garten often count measuring cups among their lists of kitchen items you need to upgrade, but with this Pyrex cup, we dare say you're set for life.

This strong but humble cup dates back to 1915 when pioneering couple Bessie and Jessie Littleton (who often smashed their glass cups) decided to use a highly resistant material from industry, NONEX glass, to cook their dishes. According to Pyrex, this glass, developed by Corning, was so sturdy that it was initially used to protect the bulbs of railroad signal lanterns. Prior to this, the bad weather would leave them shattered. It's this same strength that Garten swears by in her kitchen (and why it's labeled as an 'icon of cuisine' by Pyrex). We're also sure it'll be just as reliable in your home.

Alongside its industry-approved strength, this cup is designed to make measuring easier and clearer. It features bold and large measurements in both ounces and milliliters, meaning it's effortless to read, no matter which system you use to measure.

In both videos, Garten uses her Pyrex cup to measure cocktail ingredients perfectly, but it has uses beyond happy hour. If you need to melt a cup of butter for a batch of chocolate cookies or cake batter, you can pop the cup in the microwave. The tempered glass is dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and pre-heated oven-safe – meaning there's no recipe where this won't come in handy at some point.

Plus, this measuring cup isn't the only ultra-accessible essential from Garten's kitchen. You can shop more of her favorites below, all of which are under $20.

If anyone can make a vegetable peeler an exciting topic of conversation, it's Ina Garten. For decades, this chef has shaped America's culinary habits, comprising everything from blenders to knives to oven thermometers – but we've recently discovered her most accessible essential to date.

Every kitchen needs a vegetable peeler, whether you're an avid cook or not, but you shouldn't get too used to keeping the same one in your drawer. In an interview with Food & Wine, Garten explained that you should replace your peeler (and your zester) every single year – but thankfully for us, her favorite peeler is under $14 on Amazon (and it comes in a pack of three, which, in theory, can keep us going for three whole years).

'Vegetable peelers get rusty, they get dull, and they're very cheap, so you can just throw them out and buy new ones,' Garten says. 'Every once in a while, I do that.'

Made in Rikon, Switzerland (since 1986, no less), this peeler is not the only international icon with a place in Garten's kitchen. We recently wrote about how Ina Garten swears by European-style sponges, also known as Williams Sonoma's pop-up sponges. You might be thinking, 'a sponge is a sponge,' it's worth trusting Garten's recommendation in this case.

Garten's go-to sponges are highly absorbent, all-natural, and gentle on cookware. The founder of Williams Sonoma discovered them on a trip across Europe decades ago, and he knew he had to bring them back to the States. Now, they sit alongside the Swiss peeler in the chef's Hamptons kitchen.

If it's good enough for The Barefoot Contessa, it works for us. Both this peeler and the sponge speak for themselves. We might even say we would enjoy the potato peeling process from here on out.

Trust Ina Garten to season her food the proper way. The Barefoot Contessa is one of the most recognized faces in American cuisine – meaning her East Hampton kitchen is filled with professional appliances.

Here at Homes & Gardens, we take pleasure in scouting through her Instagram posts (not least because her monochromatic space is beautiful in its own right), where Garten is generous with not gatekeeping her go-to products. Most recently, we came across her favorite pepper mill, almost by accident, as her endorsement is easy to pass by.

When Garten posted a video on Instagram making the homemade croutons (as seen in her Cook Like a Pro cookbook), it encouraged a viewer to ask which pepper mill she uses. My pepper mill is called PepperMate, and it's the best,' Garten says. When the Barefoot Contessa reveals the best pepper mill on the market, there's nothing else to do but introduce it into your routine.

While it's always interesting to discover which products Garten uses, we're less surprised by her use of freshly ground black pepper instead of a pre-ground alternative. Naturally, pre-ground is convenient, but fresh pepper has a distinctly stronger, more vibrant aroma (thanks to the newly released essential oils). It's a more aromatic and flavorful way of seasoning food, and as a chef, this isn't lost on Garten.

The Peugeot company in France first manufactured a pepper mill in 1874, and since then, designers have experimented with varying models – some with knob twist, crank, ratchet, or motor. However, no matter the shape or brand, they all use gravity to feed peppercorns into a grinding mechanism. PepperMate began making pepper grinders in 1982 and, since then, has been used in gourmet kitchens and on TV cooking shows. Although, Garten's is our favorite to date.

If you're an aspiring home cook and looking for kitchen essentials, Garten's pepper mill is a must-have – but it's not the only appliance we've spotted in her kitchen. Below, you can find three more essentials, including her special, European-designed sponges (available from Williams Sonoma).

Farmhouse style has reigned for decades, and all the more in coastal areas like the Hamptons. Ina Garten has found a way to apply the look to the exterior of her home.

Images of the chef's long-time Hamptons house exterior color show that she's chosen naturally sealed wood as a clever alternative to paint. The home has a beautiful, classic Hamptons country look. Garten's walls are light and brushed, flowing seamlessly into her darker roof tiles. It's the perfect complement to her gray gravel driveway, the surrounding greenery, and the bright blue skies.

It's a simple inspiration. For those who admire farmhouse decor, there is no better design. Carr Lanphier, paint expert at Improovy explains: 'I’d say the primary benefit of this type of unpainted exterior is going to be a certain aesthetic. It definitely has a unique appearance, and gives more of a farmhouse or barn look than what you’d expect from a traditional home.'

The Natural Wood Edit

If you want the look of natural wood in your home without dealing with the difficulties that it can cause, accessories and furniture are an easy way to integrate the beautiful natural material.

Before committing to installing this kind of scheme, it's important to consider the maintenance required. Lanphier cautions: 'In order to maintain unpainted wood you’d have to be sealing and staining the wood it somehow. I’ve found many homeowners aren’t aware of how much exterior paint protects your home from. It’s not simply decorative, and gives your home protection from pests, moisture damage, and mold. So, you’d really need to make sure you’re properly protecting this type of unpainted wood, and that might also involve re-sealing or re-staining it more frequently than you’d need to repaint the outside of a home.'

However, as seen in Garten's home, this effort can be well worthwhile. For a coastal farmhouse or rustic home, it's a wonderful way to bring the design of the interiors to the outside of the home. It tends to look gorgeous against the plants native to these regions. It's a New England staple. As long as you do proper research and are prepared to put in the work, an unpainted wood exterior can look just as beautiful as on Ina Garten's house.

Whether the Barefoot Contessa's home serves as full inspiration, or a passing idea, it's the perfect jumping off point for understanding the different finishes that can make a house look beautiful.

A cutting block (or chopping board) is essential to our kitchen kit. In fact, it is one of my most used items next to a knife, saucepan, and frying pan, so finding the perfect durable option is a must.

American professional cook and author, Ina Garten, is a firm favorite of mine – and my Mother's – and I've been following her culinary tips since I was in college. When I noticed that she was using a Boos Block I sat up and took note. I admit, I was skeptical about investing in a new cutting block for my kitchen, but mine was getting old and if my favorite chef was using this one, I knew I had to try it too.

Fast-forward a year, and I wouldn't be without mine. They are sturdy, stylish, and, if you are a keen cook, a must-have piece in your chef's kitchen arsenal.

So what is a Boos Block, you ask? Created by John Boos, Boos Blocks are made with over 130 years of heritage craftsmanship, sustainably harvested North American hardwoods, and designed with culinary professionals in mind. You can see the full range of John Boos blocks on Amazon, with next day delivery if you have a Prime membership.

Shop Boos Block cutting blocks

With more and more people turning to non-toxic, sustainable options for their homes, it is worth now more than ever, investing in a cutting block that is built to last and chemical-free. Before using this Boos Block from Amazon, I had an array of cheaper, plastic options.

I am a strong believer in favoring natural materials, such as wood, over plastic when it comes to food prep and storage. Wood is also less likely to cause pollution than plastic items. Unlike plastics, which break down into microplastics that can leach into our soils and water, glass is non-toxic.

The excellent craftsmanship was another selling point for me. The company combines 130 years of manufacturing experience with premium renewable hardwoods to produce what I would argue are the best cutting blocks in the market. Plus, they are all designed and made in the USA to meet the demands of a professional working kitchen.

It's not enough to have the finest cookware; you must also care for it in a way that keeps it in the finest condition. When looking for advice, naturally the first place we turned was to Ina Garten. The Barefoot Contessa has had an indelible impact on how we cook and use our kitchens. Now she's reshaping the way we clean.

When cleaning a kitchen or dishes, Garten shared on her list of favorite kitchen equipment that she swears by Williams Sonoma's pop-up sponges. You might be thinking, 'a sponge is a sponge,' but there is more than meets the eye with these yellow cleaning aids. They are highly absorbent, all-natural, and gentle on cookware. The founder of Williams Sonoma discovered them on a trip across Europe decades ago, and he knew he had to bring them back to the States.

However, the most interesting part of these sponges is what they will do for your kitchen storage; they allow you to store six sponges in the space of one. Whey dry, they compress down into a thin flat rectangle. When immersed in water, they expand to the full size. If you're confused, reference the product image: the sponges on the left are the full-sized sponges, while the graham-cracker-like rectangles on the right are the dry sponges.

Better yet, these sponges are an economical choice because of how durable they are. As opposed to a typical kitchen sponge, which needs to be replaced often, Garten's favorites can simply be run through the dishwasher to return to their original condition.

If you want to be even more like Garten in the kitchen, here are a few more of her favorite products.

If it's good enough for The Barefoot Contessa, it works for us. Besides, these sponges speak for themselves. We dare say we're even looking forward to cleaning.

Few figures have shaped American culinary habits quite like Ina Garten (AKA The Barefoot Contessa), who has spent years refining our skills from her East Hampton kitchen. Naturally, therefore, appliance recommendations from Garten are like gold dust, and the best ones can be found for under $50.

The appliance in question is one of the best juicers on the market – the Tribest Citristar Citrus Electric Juicer (available via Amazon) – and is almost identical to the model Garten has on her countertops. Yes, sadly, the exact juicer was discontinued, but this is the one she has since shared on the equipment page of her blog. Her assistant Barbara’s daughter, Cassandra Schultz (who manages an online platform called Cassandra’s Kitchen discovered it after testing a few different models. 'This All-Citrus Juicer is an excellent match for the discontinued version that Ina Garten currently uses. It's as close as we could get,' she says.

A look over the specifications makes it clear why it's got Garten's seal of approval. It has a powerful 50-watt motor, extracting every drop of juice from your favorite citrus fruits. It's described as the perfect appliance for all your juicing needs – and right now, it's less than $47.

In a description for Cassandra's Kitchen, Schultz recommends using this juicer for lemons, limes, and oranges before setting your breakfast table with fresh juice in beautiful glassware.

Of course, we could stop at her juicer, but when Garten has revealed so many of her go-to essentials, it would be rude not to share more. Next up? Her Wüsthof Classic knives.

'People ask me all the time what kind of knives they should get,' Ina Garten announces – and we're not surprised why she's their first port of call. As per her Instagram, Garten opts for the German-designed knives, which she says are an investment. However, with the right care, they could last a lifetime. They're currently reduced by 14% (also on Amazon).

Keeping our knives sharp is the first step to their prolonged lifespan. Garten uses this Chef’sChoice sharpener (as she demonstrates on the reel above).

Ina Garten serves as a constant inspiration for us at Homes & Gardens. From her advice for cooking to her outlook on interior design, the Barefoot Contessa speaks and we listen. Since Garten's style is undeniably timeless, her home often embodies the most enduring interior design trends of the year. The extra-long island in her kitchen taps into one such trend: conversational seating.

We spotted the kitchen island in photos of Garten's home, and it stretches almost the full length of the room. The statement piece has dozens of white cabinets with black countertops above. Small silver pulls echo the stainless steel splashback behind the stove. The right side of the island has enough room for six stools, providing room for the entire family to sit and enjoy breakfast or a snack at the same time. On the other side of the island, a built-in sink provides extra preparation space. Lamps and candles add a decorative edge to the functional design.

The style provides infinite space for eating and cooking, making it so that residents can easily spend time together while easily living in the space. Laminam predicts this kind of 'social kitchen' will be one of the top kitchen trends of 2025. Claudio Corniola, leading kitchen expert at the surface brand states: 'With 1.3 million posts on #entertaining on Instagram, the thirst for having family or friends round for food and drink is as popular as ever. To create the ultimate social kitchen, think of multifunctional islands with an integrated table or breakfast bar attached, wine cabinets, coffee machines, and warming drawers. 2025 will see homeowners hunker down, inviting people over to save money on going out while still enjoying socializing in the comfort of their own kitchen.'

Part of how Garten creates this social energy in her space is through appropriate zoning. By marking out different sections of the kitchen, Garten keeps it easy to know where to spend time. Carniola says, 'Taking over the reign of open-plan living, broken-plan kitchens are a way of zoning a space with semi-permanent partitions – think bookcases, breakfast bars or islands – split levels and different finishes for floors or walls.'

Beyond its conversational properties, the extra-long kitchen island is brilliant for all of the storage it provides. Garten's island provides nearly infinite room for storing pots, pans, plates, glassware, and kitchen tools.

Shop Garten's Top Kitchen Picks

Socializing like Garten requires cooking like Garten, and the easiest place to start is with all of her simplest kitchen appliances and tools to set you off on the right foot. Here are some of the best pieces we've spotted over the years. All are stylish and small enough that they would be easy to store on or in your kitchen island.

To create conversational zones in your kitchen in a stylish way, Corniola recommends: 'Mixing and matching porcelain surfaces on tables, islands, breakfast bars and peninsulas is a great way to add interest to the kitchen while ensuring peace of mind the surface of choice is durable.' This will help you create a seating layout that designates certain areas for socializing and others for food prep.

Nothing embodies fall quite like a cozy, crackling fireplace. However, we've never seen one look as welcoming or warming as in Ina Garten's living room.

The Barefoot Contessa debuted her fireplace on Instagram, with the first fire of the season burning away in an inviting reel. It has modern edging with a matte cream paint covering it. The fireplace is covered with a black screen, black candlestick holders, and a vase on the mantelpiece to offset the lightness of the lower half of the room. Antique-style, brass fireside accessories add functionality and warmth. A regal, golden mirror above the mantelpiece elevates the entire space. Garten's fire brings out the warmth of her textural beige throw blanket, pillow, and nubbly rug.

It's the epitome of the cozy living room. 'The fireplace truly sets the tone for this cozy space—especially when it’s lit!' says Victoria Holly, LA-based interior designer. 'The warmth of the fire immediately draws you in, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The warm-toned plasterwork adds depth and dimension to what would otherwise be a flat, boxy fireplace. The texture of the plaster gives the room a rich look that feels both inviting and refined.'

Part of what makes this focal point so striking is the artful blend of antique-style accessories with the modern living room style. Holly tells Homes & Gardens: 'Adding a gilt-framed mirror above the fireplace introduces a beautiful contrast with the clean lines of the mantel and the intricate giltwork carvings. Personal touches, like a small branch from outside and taper candles, add a sense of intimacy and make the space feel lived-in. The fireplace screen not only serves a practical purpose but also adds another dimensional addition, making the hearth a true focal point.'

If you hope to recreate this look, a mix of dark tones with the neutral living room color scheme is essential. 'The black and bronze accents provide a striking contrast against the cream plasterwork and fabrics, helping to ground the space,' says Holly. 'These darker elements prevent the lighter tones from feeling washed out, adding just the right amount of visual interest. Against the cream-colored walls and textiles, the black details highlight the clean lines of the fireplace, ensuring it doesn’t fade into the background. Instead, the black accents draw the eye, adding an edge that complements the warmth of the overall design.'

Shop Garten's Fireplace Edit

A combination of dark and light, modern and antique accessories work can work together to create a similar warm, welcoming aesthetic in any home.

No matter the decor in the rest of your living room, the secret to adding personality to your fireplace is with mantelpiece styling. In Ina's case, she keeps it relatively minimalist with black candlestick holders, a simple modern vase, and a small clay pot. She uses items of varied heights to add visual interest to this focal point. Garten also centers the decor to the left of the fireplace, breaking up the look with a touch of asymmetry. Items tend to look best organized in groups of three or five, with an emphasis on showcasing your personality.

The perfect fireplace can completely upgrade your experience of home by creating the ideal spot to sit back and enjoy.