When Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs, the founders of cooking site Food52, moved into a new midtown Manhattan office space, they built a test kitchen that's both photogenic and functional (not to mention economical). With the help of designer Brad Sherman, they created a space that allows them to stage photo shoots and cook lunch for staff and friends, all with a healthy dose of style.
It's not the only thing the duo has up their sleeves: they've also spent the last 18 months testing and planning for Provisions, which they describe as "the first kitchen-and-home shop to offer the very best rolling pin along with a great peach pie recipe, or a handsome butter dish with a how-to on making your own butter. It's the shop of our dreams." N.B. Join Provisions now and get $10 off your first purchase and a chance to win a Wüstof Ikon eight-piece knife block set.
Photographs by Nicole Franzen for Remodelista.
Above: The marble counter is Calacatta Gold and the matte white subway tiles are from Daltile (Arctic White 0790 Matte). Undercounter storage is provided via Shaker-style Benson Cabinets by Diamond Cabinetry; "we chose them because they are clean and simple," Sherman says.
Above: Similar vintage Blue Ball jars will be available on Provisions in limited quantities.
Above: Amanda and Merrill sourced Le Creuset cookware in a cream-colored shade called Dune.
Above: "For the shelving, I used reclaimed wood milled from a 100-year-old beam salvaged from a barn in Kentucky," Sherman says. "I had them milled in varying thicknesses because I didn't want the shelving to look too uniform, and the varying thicknesses along with rough condition of the boards give a modern kitchen character." Sherman used an inexpensive Elfa shelving support system from the Container Store: "We went this route because we needed the flexibility to adjust the height depending on the cookware we'll be displaying and storing, including antique mixing bowls from Sage Street Antiques in Sag Harbor," Amanda says.
Above: The stackable enamel canisters with airtight beech lids designed for Riess of Austria by the Vienna design group Dottings are from Ancient Industries and will be available on Provisions.
Above: The wall-mount Faucet with Curved Spout by Strom Plumbing is $378.99 from Vintage Tub & Bath. On the center island, the team used Restoration Hardware paint in Stone. “We wanted a warm gray, as opposed to a cool gray, because it helps invoke hunger. Blues are appetite suppressants.”
Above: Knife storage slots are built into the John Boos oiled walnut kitchen island countertop.