Written by: Tiffany Carboni

Most rational folks wouldn’t wish to be snowed in. But that’s not the case with this Los Angeles family who has good reason to hope for snow thanks to their über cozy ski retreat in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Their spacious house designed by Beverly Hills architect Mark Egerstrom luxuriously accommodates the family of five—and their throngs of guests who sometimes stay longer than expected due to weather.

The kitchen is where some of the house’s most important details lie for making everyone feel at home. The large kitchen-family room revolves around the prominent floor-to-ceiling hearth, which Egerstrom explains, “anchors the room and divides the two spaces visually without physically separating people from each other.”       

The kitchen is a blend of old world and high-tech, each of which serve different functions. “Anything that is used directly for cooking purposes is stainless steel,” notes Egerstrom. “Anything that is visual, used for eating or comfort is wood, glass or cotton.”

To that end, stainless steel cabinets by Boffi provide that sleek, modern edge that’s complete with a built-in coffeemaker, double ovens and warming drawers all by Miele. Between to the Sub-Zero refrigerator and the adjacent pullout pantry, there’s enough food storage to feed an army of hungry guests.

The 4-by-9-foot island fits at least five people around it for cooking, prepping and socializing. It includes the Miele cook top and built-in sink that has no seams for bacteria to hide. Surrounding the hood is a floating stainless steel shelf that doubles as counter space. “I love the way it disappears but still makes a statement and has an important function,” offers Egerstrom. “When everything has a place, the kitchen becomes extremely functional and more pleasurable to be in.”

The no-tech features that give the room the old-world feel start with the reclaimed hickory floorboards from Dutko Flooring in L.A. The buffet is an 18th century English grain bin from Jefferson West Inc. that doubles as storage. Above it, the 18th century English plate rack offers easy access to everyday serving ware, which makes setting the trestle table from Ralph Lauren Home a snap.

An old saddle blanket was repurposed to make the pillows that surround the dining table. Hanging over the table, three Acquatinta pendants from Plug cast the perfect adjustable glow depending on the time of day and mood of the crowd.

For most people, getting snowed in is miserable. But not in this kitchen, says Egerstrom who experienced it firsthand. “The last time I was visiting we got shut in for three days,” he laughs. “It was indeed a great place to be stranded.”