Ina Garten's Cookbook Library

Ina Garten's library might look photo-shoot perfect, but make no mistake: This is not a showroom. This is a high-traffic, hardworking space where Ina researches recipes and holds business meetings, and where members of her Barefoot Contessa production crew hang out when they are shooting in the adjoining kitchen. She built the library as an addition to what she calls The Barn, a workshop and test kitchen across the lawn from her East Hampton house. 

Photographs by Jake Chessum

"I'm here all the time," Ina says, often reading through her extensive cookbook collection for inspiration. Architect Daniel Romualdez, who worked with Ina on the interior design, convinced her to leave the bottom shelves empty so she can open a book there, peruse it quickly and put it back. "It's so nice and user-friendly," she says. The top shelves were a no-brainer; Ina has been collecting cake plates for years, and this is the perfect place for them. "I can't help myself," she says, "I'm a cake-stand hoarder!"