Barefoot Contessa’s apartment in New York

December 31st, 2008 · 18 Comments

Ina Garten's living room in New York

As I was searching for cranberry recipes yesterday, I stumbled upon a tour of Ina Garten’s New York residence (interview by Christine Pittel). Many of you may know Ina as Barefoot Contessa. There is a certain sense of comfort to her food, presence, house in the Hamptons, and now in the furniture and decor selections of her New York apartment. You can almost imagine kicking your feet up on the coffee table during afternoon tea. Ina would make you feel right at home.

Ina Garten's home in New York

The 1920s one-bedroom duplex features a magnificent leaded glass window that welcomes a soft, warm light into the living room. Many of her furniture pieces were collected during her travels, particularly in Belgium. These include a 16th-century English bookcase with flexible shelves, a highbacked sofa that seats like a chair, and even an informal Petit Granit Belgian stone for her kitchen countertops. Her taste is simple — clean colors and modern lines with a small collection of antiques.

For a well-known chef, her small galley-style kitchen designed by architect Richard Lewis is quite unexpected, but it is in New York after all. I am envious of her muted blue stained cabinets and open shelving — concepts that my favorite interior designer, Sarah Richardson, employs in many of her kitchens. A farmhouse sink would inch it closer to being my dream kitchen.

Happy New Year! Be safe tonight.

x Kylie

Image credits: House Beautiful via AOL

Tags: For The Home

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