Little Italy

On Long Island Sound a large, close-knit family creates new memories around wine, good food and casual style.

Easygoing Italian entertaining by the ocean was the goal of this kitchen in a new Shingle-style home on Long Island Sound near Fairfield, Connecticut. Owners Dennis and Claire Nicotra have three children nearby with families of their own, and they wanted their house to be the go-to place for fun and relaxation. The couples' warm personalities immediately made designer Charles Snyder of Kitchens by Deane feel like one of the family, and Snyder became quickly familiar with the size and style of their get togethers.

"They are cooking constantly – pasta, pizza – and like to get everybody involved!" he says. "They had a pizza oven outside in their previous home. They used it so much they wanted to be able to use it year-round, so we gave them one indoors. They have a long history with Sub-Zero and Wolf which was definitely something they were not going to sacrifice. They also wanted plenty of wine storage and we chose the 27-inch wine preservation with refrigerator drawers below for easy access to cold refreshments."

Cabinetry surrounds the wall perimeter and conceals an Integrated Sub-Zero for a seamless look that ensures the amazing view of the marsh outside the windows remains the focal point. For this same reason, the pizza oven was also kept diminutive in size and styling. The ten-foot ceiling in refreshing white and ocean blue stretches from the kitchen through the breakfast room, family room and study. "The warmth of the walnut countertop on the island warms the space and entices people to enter," adds Snyder. "It feels more like furniture. We are doing more and more open floorplans and Sub-Zero and Wolf offer the ability to integrate with the home in a seamless way. It's a huge benefit."

(Photos 1,2 & 6 © Tim Lee Photography)