Kitchen Not-So-Confidential
All my kitchen must-haves
As I discussed in last week’s newsletter, kitchens are personal to me. I spend a lot of time in mine and like to think I’ve mastered the art of creating one that’s really exceptional. My condo kitchen, for instance, is teeny-tiny but it’s so well-designed—and full of useful things—that it functions better than any I’ve ever had.
So this week, I’ve shared some of my kitchen must-haves, from decor to tools that make the daily routine that much easier.
Bowls are a must. I have three that I use at all times: one for fruits (bananas, avocados, limes and lemons are always hanging out in my kitchen); one for alliums (garlic, onions…all the stinky stuff you don’t really want mixing with your fruit); and one for potatoes. Mine are all vintage but there are some excellent buys online if you’re looking for a special fruit bowl that makes your space pop. I love everything Dinosaur Designs does, and this large bowl is no exception. This concrete bowl, by Kelly Wearstler, is also excellent.
A vase is also a necessity. Vintage vases are so easy to find, both online and in thrift stores, and many are signed by the artists and therefore carefully made and one-of-a-kind.
I love fresh flowers but often display dried flowers because they are a lot easier to take care of.
One beautiful pendant light (or a trio of smaller pendants) hung over an island is kind of a necessity. The light hanging in my kitchen is made of mixed metals, and features both brass and chrome. You could go either way, but I think it’s important you unite the lighting with the other fixtures (so if you have a brass faucet, use brass in the lighting, too). I used a lot of wood accents in my kitchen so brass added to the warmth. I also love this pendant, which comes in black or white and has such a fun shape.
The kitchen is an excellent opportunity to showcase a fun piece of art. I have a small Brad Phillips piece in my kitchen, but think a vintage art poster or a food-themed painting would also be cool.
Yes, it’s pricey. But our fully automatic espresso machine is one of the best things I’ve ever purchased.
I will always be team Vitamix, no matter how many trendy Instagram-famous blenders may come and go.
I love to mix and match but I am also hopelessly devoted to my Fortessa plates, bowls and cups.
Looking for gorgeous silverware? Look no further.
There’s simply never been a prettier water glass.
A few of my favorite cookbooks: Cravings by Chrissy Tiegan; Now and Again by Julia Turshen; Discovery of a Continent by Marcus Samuelsson; Booty Food by Jacqui Malouf; Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten.
A few other things I’m into this week:
Meet everyone’s new favorite repo baby: Sofia Coppola’s daughter.
Are you all caught up on the Gwyneth Paltrow ski crash trial of the century? I am personally Team Gwyneth on this one and am really appreciating the stellar memes that have spun out of the courtroom drama.
Very inspired by Kendall Jenner’s ‘fits featured in Vogue Italia:
And I’ll leave you with this…