Refreshingly Classic

The cares of the world dissolve away at this seaside kitchen that marries nature with a refreshing mix of contemporary and vintage details.

Over the last 30 years, architects J. Douglas Peix & Steven J. Marchetti have worked on various projects at this 1930s home that's perched on a bluff overlooking the North Fork of Long Island, but none was more extensive than the addition that made this new kitchen possible. The owners, a New York couple who work in advertising, come here to sail, garden and procure local produce to create new recipes together, often with a dozen or so friends and business acquaintances over to share the experience.

They wanted a clean, warm, modern look that marries to the rest of the relatively modest home. Stone floor salvaged in Europe looks the same vintage as the home's existing wood floors. Ceiling beams are actually structural steel clad with wood, and support industrial pendant lights, beautiful in their simplicity. The soaring ceiling is whitewashed to reveal the wood grain, and bounteous natural light from skylights and large barrel-vault arch window activates the architectural lines within the neutral palette. Cranked open, divided light casement windows allow the ocean breeze to sweep through. An antique hutch adds the warmth of wood, along with a long antique table that seats eight comfortably in midcentury classic Eames molded plastic chairs.

"The Sub-Zero PRO 48 is the main feature here," says Peix, adding that it makes an even bigger statement with the total lack of wall cabinets. "She is a spectacular chef—it's her avocation— and she feels it's a quality machine and will last. It was also her dream to have induction cooking, and two Wolf wall ovens to keep everything warm." This timeless space is a testament to the couple's creativity and style, and the place where everyone now gravitates. "When entertaining," says Peix, "they essentially all hang out in the kitchen."