Kathleen’s Carriage House Kitchen

Seven years ago Kathleen bought a derelict century-old carriage house, gutted it, and transformed it into a warm and wonderful home. The Eastern design aesthetic of the renovated space filters into Katherine’s kitchen as well. It’s easy to imagine what joy this kitchen brings to Kathleen. She can cook, host, share, and celebrate all in one glorious spot!

Like the rest of the home, Kathleen tried to salvage as many materials from the original building as possible. The ceiling beams are original but have been reinforced in certain spots with steel girding. Kathleen also loves to incorporate pieces from the Far East as functional or purely decorative elements.

The limestone and marble tiling strike a perfect balance with the warm woods and cold stainless steel appliances. Most of the open storage items are glass and rather than contribute to a sense of clutter, are almost camouflaged against the tiled wall.

What inspires your kitchen and your cooking?
Melissa Clarke from The New York Times is often times my inspiration. I try to make everything she writes about. Plus, I love cheese and this zucchini fritter dish is basically fried cheese — an Italian crisp from the Friuli region called frico. I love entertaining so I designed the kitchen as an open space where I could cook and guests could wander around, sit back on a couch or sit at the island if they wished.

What is your favorite kitchen tool or element?
I love my 6-burner Wolf stove. I wish it were a man, cause I would date it. It makes a restaurant quality duck that’s perfect all of the time. I am just an average cook and it makes me look amazing.

What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever cooked in this kitchen?
My annual duck cassoulet that I make for my Christmas tree trimming party. One year I will make my own confit for the recipe.

Biggest challenge in your kitchen?
Never enough counter space and storage space. Somehow the kitchen gear and accessories keep multiplying.

Biggest indulgence or splurge in the kitchen?
2-inch thick French limestone countertop.

Is there anything you hope to add or improve in your kitchen?
Demo part of the wall and install more cabinets or a Wolf hood.

How would you describe your cooking style?
I would say, wine-soaked and lots of fun. I love cooking and having people over for dinner. I love comfort recipes like coq au vin with lots of fresh ingredients and fresh bread.

Best cooking advice or tip you ever received:
Don’t worry about it…you can always order out for pizza.

What is your favorite cookbook?
Julia Child, Mario Batali Molto Italiano, Marcella Hazan, New York Times Cookbook.

What are you cooking this week?
Coq au vin.

• Sink: Waterworks titanium farmhouse sink
• Faucet: Waterworks Easton kitchen brushed chrome
• Lights: Urban Archaeology cargo lights matte nickel
• Stove: Wolf 6-burner stove
• Dishwasher: Fisher Paykel
• Cabinets: Ikea
• Countertops: French limestone

→ Check Out the Full House Tour: Kathleen’s Carriage House Channels Bali