Designed by:
New York-based designer Jamie Drake is responsible for some of this country's most glamorous spaces. Renowned for his exuberant knack for color, his rooms range from subtle and textured to spaces saturated entirely in a single hue (like this all-pink bedroom he designed for House Beautiful). He believes decor expresses one's personality and place, and for him, the kitchen is no exception.
His unique color technique, which he describes as "painterly" (peruse his website's portfolio for proof) adds movement to a room by incorporating splashes of color around a room so that the eye continues moving and never gets stuck in one place. Notable residences he has designed include a Los Angeles showplace for Madonna, apartments in the Dakota (one of the most desirable addresses in New York City; also where Beatle John Lennon lived from 1973 to 1980), plus other historic New York landmark buildings, including multiple projects for his longtime client New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
An East Hamptons, NY, kitchen designed by Jamie Drake
Photo by: Eric Roth
Since 1998 he has served as a judge for the Sub-Zero National Kitchen Design Competition, and in 2011 he was inducted into the ASID College of Fellows. When not designing for high profile clients, he's masterminding collections for companies like Safavieh, THG, Schumacher, and Elkay.
He clearly knows his stuff when it comes to interior design. We caught up with Jamie recently to find out how he likes to infuse color—and happy living—in the kitchen.
#1. Donghia Outdoor Fabric
Photo by: Courtesy of Donghia
"In most homes the kitchen is where all the action happens. I always want to make a kitchen practical, especially in a home with children or lots of activity, so I always pick durable, easy-to-clean fabrics. This one, by Donghia Outdoor Fabric looks great when upholstered on chairs or barstools."
Pinta in Cielo-Blue (Item #10052-02), call for pricing; donghia.com.
#2. Nemo Viscaya Glass
Photo by:Courtesy of Nemo Tile
"I love bright pops of color in a home in unexpected places. I think it's important that a kitchen design stand out but also blend in with the flow of the rest of the house at the same time. Vibrantly colored tile in a kitchen, like Nemo Tile’s Viscaya Glass, can really bring the room to life."
Viscaya Glass on Orchid or Vichy, call for pricing; nemotile.com
#3. Subzero Under Counter Beverage Center
Photo by: Courtesy of Sub-Zero & Wolf
"If my client requests a lot of counter space I always, always recommend the beverage center from Sub-Zero & Wolf, especially if they like to entertain. It simplifies refrigeration and storage, and also leaves more wall space for decorative touches."
UC-24bG Beverage Center, starting at $2,060; subzero-wolf.com
#4. Alpha Workshops prints from Artaissance
Photo by: Courtest of Artaissance
"Artwork in the kitchen is one of the best ways to incorporate a client’s personal style and tastes into the room. I am a big fan of Alpha Workshops, and these prints produced by Artaissance work with many personalities and color."
Greenbriar from Alpha Workshops, starting at $100; artthatfits.com
#5. Wolf Convection Steam Oven
Photo by: Courtesy of Wolf & Sub-Zero
"I am obsessed with the new convection steam oven. Every single time I put it in the kitchen, clients are thrilled! It looks sleek and modern, and it also works wonders for food."
Convection Steam Oven, $3,500; subzero-wolf.com
#6. Calligaris Basil Stool
Photo by: Courtesy of Calligaris
"These red bar stools from Calligaris add vibrant element of color to the kitchen or bar area. Their unique shape adds a chic, modern element to a space, without standing out or being too flashy."
Basil, High Stool with Footrest, call for pricing; calligaris.com
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