I am back from New York and we had a fabulous time. Except for the heat. I do not think it could have been any hotter. And actually the news reports were that it
had never been any hotter - it was a record setting heatwave. Yikes!
One of the highlights of the trip was seeing House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year 2011 designed by Tyler Florence in Rockefeller Plaza. We stumbled upon it by surprise and just happened to catch Tyler inside giving a cooking demonstration.
How fun is that?!!
The kitchen was beautiful although I have to admit I missed a lot of the features because I was busy trying to get photographs and it was very crowded. I am thankful that my sister was there with her professional camera as well.
This is the fourth year they have done the 'Kitchen of the Year' at House Beautiful and this was the largest. The kitchen extended to an outdoor area as well making it the perfect entertaining kitchen. My favorite parts of the kitchen ... the things that stood out for me, were the pot rack above the island, the black cabinets with open the shelving (very dramatic) and the dining tables both inside and out. I love how he used natural materials on the tables and outside chairs and also for the decor. It was a very relaxing and comfortable space.
The indoor dining table was spectacular. I loved how he mixed up the fabrics on the chairs, and the metal table tops (on both tables) were perfect.
The kitchen itself was dramatic and masculine with the black cabinets and black quartz counters and sinks but it did not feel too heavy as it was perfectly balanced with enough white tile and a lovely collection of white pottery on the open shelves. The use of silver accessories, sconces and the gleaming metal pots were the perfect 'jewelry' to his basic black 'dress'. I loved it.
As we left, a gal from House Beautiful asked if she could interview me about the kitchen. I told her I was probably not the best person to talk to as I had not really seen as much of the kitchen as I wished I had but she said it was okay. I could not articulate my thoughts very well and I doubt that any of the interview will go to print but it was a fun experience!
