From her elevated-yet-accessible approach to cooking to her signature denim button-downs, it’s safe to that we love everything about Ina Garten. (Yes, even her notoriously mammoth quarantinis.) If you have a soft spot for her beautifully beachy home like the rest of the House Beautiful team, you’ll be particularly excited to hear that the Barefoot Contessa revamped her legendary kitchen.
While everyone was finessing their sourdough starter during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Food Network star apparently used her time at home to renovate her kitchen. According to Instagram—where she originally shared the news on February 21, 2023—Garten hasn’t renovated her kitchen in a whopping 25 years. (We know, wow.) Craving to know everything about Garten’s renovation? We’re whetting your appetite by answering your most burning questions about her renovation. As Garten always says, “How easy is it that?”
Who is Ina Garten?
If you stumbled into this corner of the internet without hearing about Garten before, there’s a reason she is something of a culinary legend. After several years working for the White House, Garten created a specialty food store in Westhampton called the Barefoot Contessa. Since its opening in 1978, the Barefoot Contessa has moved to a larger location and even made a cameo in the Nancy Meyers classic, Something’s Gotta Give.
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Of course, her storefront is only the beginning of her status icon. Over the years, she’s had a multi-year cooking show on the Food Network and has published a mélange of cookbooks. When she’s not charming us with her mouth-watering recipes, you can bet that Ina’s spending time with her husband, Jeffery.
Where Does Ina Garten Live?
Despite being a national sensation, Garten hasn’t strayed too far from her roots. The Food Network star has a primary home in East Hampton, New York—and House Beautiful got a behind-the-scenes look at the space in 2015. Built by Frank Greenwald, the barn-style home provides a cozy respite for the Garten family—away from filming, recipe testing, and cookbook writing.
“I love the simple but old style of Belgian country buildings and barns,” she previously told House Beautiful. “I gave [Greenwald], the architect, some books of things I liked, and he came back with a plan that literally was perfect. I didn’t change a line.”
What Did Her Kitchen Used to Look Like?
The Barefoot Contessa embraced her coastal grandmother aesthetic before it was even cool, and her former kitchen was no exception. Up until her recent renovation, Garten had exposed Axel Vervoordt cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and some sleek black countertops. (And, true to her foodie status, there was also an impressive pantry stocked with ingredients for her homemade creations.)
What Do we Know About the Renovation?
Since I have yet to receive an invite for dinner at the Garten’s house (whenever it is good for you, Ina and Jeffrey! I’ll be waiting!), not much is known beyond her Instagram post. However, what we do you know is pretty spectacular. “I built my dream pantry and bought my favorite Lacanche stove plus lots of food photographs and a great view of the garden,” she wrote on Instagram.
In addition to her Lacanche oven, which is reimagined in a glossy black, her kitchen is accessorized with light gray cabinets and marble countertops, complete with gorgeous veining. With all of the pieces put together, this new area is downright delicious. Garten said: “It’s so much fun testing recipes in my new kitchen!”
But fear not, dear reader: We’ll keep you posted as we learn more about the renovation, so make sure to check back here for updates.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Healthand ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
