Jennifer Garner has a 'cooking fairy,' and it's none other than the Barefoot Contessa. 'My own personal cooking fairy just showed up. My cooking fairy likes butter; I'm going to see if I can summon her back,' the actress says as she begins cooking Cacio e Pepe scrambled eggs on her Pretend Cooking Show.
Frequent viewers of Jennifer's YouTube series will recognize the backdrop is not the actress's usual all-wood kitchen (our favorite space in her Los Angeles abode), despite her jokingly claiming it as her own.
'I know this kitchen [and] where I am like the back of my hand... Do you like my kitchen?'. Naturally, Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa herself, was there to remind viewers that it is in, in fact, the country kitchen in her barn in East Hampton, New York.
As the camera pans, we are reminded of why this space is one of the most celebrated kitchens in the country. We've already penned a love letter to Ina Garten's open-shelving (and her gray paint is worth an honorable mention), but it's the monochromatic contrast caused by her white kitchen cabinets and black countertops that have stolen all our attention.
Color trends come and go, but black and white (especially when paired together) have a power unexpected to waver. Ina clearly agrees, but she's not alone in her admiration for the combination.
'Monochrome will always be a timeless classic within interiors. It's a look that often focuses on simplicity and elegance by using a simple yet tonal color palette,' comments Sofie Flach Melson, the founder of Color & Co.
'Whether opting for shades of grey, white, or black, the versatility of these colors allows flexibility and adaptability with various interior design styles, from modern to traditional.'
The juxtaposition caused by the dark counters against the subtler white backdrop is perfect for a country-inspired, traditional kitchen. The lighter hues work well against the rustic wooden cabinets, while the black ensures the space doesn't feel too sterile. However, we don't need a barn kitchen to follow her lead. Instead, Sofie says that this color pairing is versatile enough to elevate every type of design aesthetic (and spaces beyond the kitchen).
'Monochrome palettes are often celebrated for their ability to impart a classic quality to interiors,' she adds. 'The absence of other bright colors allows for a heightened emphasis on texture, form and subtle variations of tone, resulting in a visually interesting environment.'
Shop the Ina Garten-inspired edit
Colors aside, we can tap into Ina's space with these buys, inspired by the pieces on her shelves below.
This stackable set of four cereal bowls is both functional and stylish in a muted gray.
