The show house room was a Texas-sized kitchen, and I was determined not to do a Texas-sized kitchen. So I separated it into two with a dark stone cased opening. This dual kitchen allows the family to host guests in a contemporary space inspired by their beloved yacht’s handsome bar while staff whip up meals, hor d'oeuvres, and drinks in the French classical prep kitchen behind. 

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Up front, ebonized white oak cabinetry, an inset antique smoked mirror with a chinoiserie painting by artist James Mobley, and a custom high-top table with a fluted steel base and a hammered bronze top create a sultry vibe. In contrast, I wanted the back space to feel light and bright so I covered the vaulted ceiling with a bird-patterned wallpaper to reference an atrium. Below, traditional lacquered millwork meets contemporary materials, including the brass island, hood, and shelving, and a two-toned marble slab floor. In a niche at one end, I created an intimate breakfast nook. It’s a place to sit and have coffee or get some work done.

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At the time, the concept of having two kitchens was just coming back into fashion. Visitors fell in love with the prep kitchen; its homey feel made them really linger and emphasized the importance of human-scale design.