For celebrated chef Alex Guarnaschelli, known for her dynamic presence in the culinary world, the question “Where Is Alex On The Kitchen?” takes on a delightful new meaning. After a quarter-century spent honing her craft in dimly lit basement kitchens, the cookbook author and TV personality craved a kitchen bathed in natural light, a space that connected her to the outdoors. This vision fueled an extensive renovation of her 1925 bungalow-style farmhouse nestled in Bridgehampton, New York, transforming her kitchen into the radiant heart of her home.
Guarnaschelli’s primary desire was clear: to banish the basement kitchen blues and welcome the vibrancy of daylight. “I spent 25 years working in basements with no natural light and no windows,” she explains. “I want cell phone reception in my kitchen, and when someone asks me the weather, I want to know that it’s raining.” This longing for connection with the outside world became a central theme in her kitchen redesign.
The centerpiece of this transformation is a large, picturesque window positioned directly above the stove. This design choice wasn’t merely aesthetic; it was about fundamentally changing her cooking experience. Now, while immersed in culinary creation, Guarnaschelli gazes out upon her garden, observing the ever-changing weather. This connection to nature infuses her cooking with a renewed sense of inspiration.
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Beyond the embrace of natural light, Guarnaschelli envisioned a kitchen and dining area that was distinctly modern and uncluttered. This minimalist approach, while initially met with skepticism from her design team, was a deliberate choice. “The space bullies are after me!” she jokes. “They keep saying, ‘Add a table, a chandelier, another light.’ But I want open space. When you arrive here, I want you to smell food and look out at the sweeping expanse of space.” This dedication to open space emphasizes the kitchen as a functional and social hub, free from unnecessary distractions.
Drawing upon her extensive experience in professional kitchens, from renowned establishments like Restaurant Guy Savoy to Patina and Daniel, Guarnaschelli prioritized optimal flow and safety in her home kitchen design. Reflecting this professional influence, the oven is strategically placed near a sink for seamless workflow. Another essential element inspired by commercial kitchens is the inclusion of double sinks and dishwashers. This allows for a practical separation between dishes used for food preparation and those for serving, enhancing efficiency and hygiene. A wine fridge, stocked for every occasion, cleverly doubles as a fermentation chamber, with a dedicated shelf for homemade pickles and sauerkraut, showcasing her culinary versatility.
To celebrate the completion of her home renovation, Guarnaschelli hosted her Hamptons-based design team, many of whom have become close friends. The kitchen became the vibrant center of the gathering, with guests congregating around as she expertly navigated the eight-burner Miele stove, cooking, conversing, and laughing. The kitchen island, topped with Cambria stone, seamlessly extends into a wide oak serving buffet, creating an ideal setup for entertaining. On this expansive surface, platters of mini grilled cheese sandwiches with balsamic-leek jam and her signature extra-dirty martinis were served, embodying the warmth and hospitality of her newly designed space.
As the evening progressed, Guarnaschelli transitioned her guests into the dining room, showcasing its adaptable design. Despite being a relatively small group, the dining area can comfortably accommodate up to 18 people thanks to three separate dining tables crafted from the same piece of wood. “They’re all cut from the same piece of wood,” she notes, “but instead of one big table, I can mix and match the tables like Legos. I can make one superlong table, I can do a perfect square, or I can break the tables up for smaller parties.” This flexible arrangement reflects her practical approach to both cooking and hosting.
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The dining table, set for six, became the stage for Guarnaschelli’s culinary artistry, featuring juicy pork loin and roasted broccoli with a vibrant sautéed broccoli stem vinaigrette. Pink twilight streamed through the large windows, enveloping the room in a warm glow. After a celebratory toast, Guarnaschelli paused, turning her gaze towards the kitchen and the expansive window above the stove, absorbing the ambiance of her perfected space and the natural light it embraced. Then, she rejoined the joyful atmosphere of the party, the laughter, and the ongoing celebration of her beautifully realized kitchen.
6 Key Kitchen Design Principles from Alex Guarnaschelli
Guarnaschelli’s kitchen isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s a masterclass in functional design. She shares six key principles that guided her renovation, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to create their dream kitchen:
1. Discreet Outlets: Maximize Functionality, Minimize Clutter
“You have to outfit your kitchen with lots of outlets,” Guarnaschelli emphasizes. To maintain a clean aesthetic, she opted for hidden outlets. “I have two double outlets right in my countertop—they pop up when I push them but are hidden otherwise.” This smart solution provides ample power access without disrupting the visual harmony of the countertops.
2. Double Dishwashers: Efficiency is Key
For those who cook frequently or entertain often, Guarnaschelli advocates for the luxury of two dishwashers. “If you can manage it, having two dishwashers is great. I splurged on two full-size Miele dishwashers and use one for bowls, pots, and pans (all of my prep work) and one for all of my serving dishes.” This separation streamlines cleanup and ensures a constant flow, especially during busy cooking sessions.
3. Transparent Cabinets: Visual Accessibility and Style
Guarnaschelli’s choice of cabinets from Bakes & Kropp is both stylish and practical. “My cabinets are from Bakes & Kropp, and I’m obsessed with them. They’re made with thin wire mesh, so they’re transparent, and I’m not constantly opening them. I just scan the contents (namely, my mismatched vintage glasses) with my eyes.” The transparent mesh allows for quick visual inventory, reducing unnecessary cabinet opening and adding a unique design element.
4. Strategic Sink Placement: Water Access Where You Need It
Positioning the sink near the stove was a deliberate decision driven by functionality. “I wanted the sink, a Kohler 8 Degree under-mount sink with a semi-professional faucet, in close proximity to the stove for access to water.” This proximity enhances workflow, making tasks like draining pasta or adding water to pots on the stove more convenient and efficient.
5. Drawer Knife Storage: Safety and Blade Preservation
Proper knife storage is crucial for both safety and maintaining knife sharpness. “I have an amazing walnut knife drawer designed by Bakes & Kropp where I can lay my knives so that I can easily see each one and the blades don’t touch, which helps keep the knives sharper.” This organized drawer system protects both the user and the knives themselves.
6. Invest in a Wine Fridge: More Than Just Wine Storage
Guarnaschelli’s wine fridge serves a dual purpose, expanding its utility beyond wine storage. “My wine fridge is also my vault for fermentation. I make ramp and gooseberry pickles in recycled wine bottles and stash them on a secret shelf. I have to hide them from my daughter!” This clever repurposing highlights the potential for kitchen appliances to serve multiple functions, maximizing space and efficiency.
—Alex Guarnaschelli, as told to Kate Heddings
