For this new-build beach kitchen in Sagaponack, NY, Manhattan-based designer Amy Kalikow had a clear set of priorities. Because the clients – avid cooks – have a large family and use the space constantly, durability and ease of use were essential considerations. In addition to a logical and supportive floor plan, Kalikow developed a color and materials palette that felt calm, clean and subtly beachy while remaining elegant and timeless.
The clients wanted a place where family and friends could gather comfortably, without feeling formal. In a windowed alcove adjoining the kitchen, Kalikow designed a banquette that seats up to 14 people, anchored by a 10-foot custom table finished in a highly durable plaster finish. The table edges were softened to allow for easy movement in and out of the space. The banquette seat is upholstered in vinyl for durability and ease of maintenance, while the back is done in an outdoor fabric to prevent yellowing over time and allow for easy cleaning. Because this area sees so much daily use, every material was chosen with longevity in mind.
Lighting the Kitchen
“Lighting is the greatest accessory,” said the designer. Since the kitchen, dining table and sitting area all exist within one open space, it was important that the fixtures didn’t compete with one another. Kalikow focused on selecting finishes and forms that worked cohesively. Because the kitchen is the visual center of the space, she used simple, elegant lighting there, selecting fixtures that wouldn’t block sight lines to the banquette area. The fixtures over the dining table are the more sculptural and expressive and act as a focal point in the window, pairing beautifully with the playful fabric on the banquette.
The relationship between the kitchen and the dining area is Kalikow’s favorite aspect of the design. “There’s a strong synergy between the two spaces, a thoughtful balance of materials and finishes that work beautifully together,” she said. “The kitchen itself is timeless and neutral, while the dining area is more playful and expressive.”
Sources for Elegant Upscale Beach Kitchen
Design: Amy Kalikow, Amy Kalikow Design Photography: Rikki Snyder Cabinets: Ciuffo Kitchens Cabinet Hardware: Armac Martin Countertops: BAS Stone Faucets: California Faucets Lighting: Overture (kitchen island) Paint: Benjamin Moore Range: Wolf Refrigerator: Sub-Zero Seating: MIDJ (bar stools), Moroso (dining table chairs)
