"Designer Bryan Graybill views kitchens as functional stages for uninhibited expression"
Bryan Graybill's Functional and Beautiful Kitchen Designs
Bryan Graybill, a renowned interior designer, believes in creating kitchens that are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing. He views these spaces as "functional theaters" that combine cooking flow, timeless design, and effortless entertaining.
Graybill's approach to kitchen design is centred around practicality and elegance. He loves keeping items he uses every day as decorative items, finding beauty in the kitchen. Linen teatowels, for instance, he describes as "practical yet elegant."
One of Graybill's top rules for avoiding a dated kitchen is decorating with white. He prefers classic white kitchens for their timeless, clean look. He also avoids recessed lighting, which he sees as era-specific, and instead opts for pendant lighting and sconces to create atmosphere.
When it comes to the layout, Graybill suggests keeping the cooking zone clear. He prefers just one stool for a guest to sit and chat or flip through a cookbook. Home bars are staged outside the kitchen, making them the true social hubs of the house.
For hosting, Graybill recommends a relaxed, self-directed approach. He suggests setting up a charcuterie spread on the island with cured meats, cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits, plus wine on ice nearby. This setup allows guests to help themselves, freeing up the host to enjoy conversation.
Graybill's material choices reflect both durability and patina. He uses Vermont Danby marble and brass or bronze for work tables that age gracefully. He also mixes freestanding pieces of different finishes and woods, rejecting the idea of matching wall-to-wall fitted cupboards.
In his Sag Harbor home, Graybill uses two separate rooms, a kitchen and cutting room, each with its own role in cooking and entertaining. The cutting room has a side door to the garden, allowing for easy access for cuttings, while the kitchen's side entrance leads to the grill porch. The kitchen and cutting room are separated by a glazed screen wall, creating a sense of separation while still being connected.
Graybill's kitchen design is part of the exclusive series, A Designer's Guide to Entertaining. Each month, he offers expert advice, holiday hosting tips, and effortless ways to create a more inviting home through this series.
For a quick, foolproof spread, Graybill reaches for a cheeseboard. He also recommends a handblown glass pitcher for serving water, sangria, or a pre-batched cocktail.
In conclusion, Bryan Graybill's kitchen designs are a perfect blend of functionality, elegance, and timeless design. They are designed for cooking, hosting, and living in equal measure, providing a space that is not just practical but also beautiful.
- Bryan Graybill's kitchen designs extend beyond functional spaces, transitioning smoothly into lifestyle statements that harmonize with contemporary home-and-garden lifestyles.
- The interior design aesthetic of Bryan Graybill's kitchens is an amalgamation of practicality, elegance, and timeless elements, offering a harmonious blend of interior design and lifestyle within a home-and-garden setting.
