Where Food Meets Art

Oprah's chef, Art Smith, turns a tiny outdated kitchen into a sleek, spacious sensation.

O, The Oprah Magazine | From the Spring 2006 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Photo by Gregory Goode, styling by Rebecca Omweg

The butler's pantry is now spacious enough for storage and laundry.

"This is my favorite room in the house," Art says of the butler's pantry. No wonder, since it contains a specially designed, custom-built floor-to-ceiling Varenna shelving unit for his extensive collection of Staub and Le Creuset cookware—a storage idea inspired by his friend Julia Child. Every pot has its place. "I like my cookware out so I know exactly where it is," Art explains.

Lean and clean. A sleek washer and dryer set fits neatly under the marble countertop, leaving plenty of room for a utility sink.
Behind closed doors. A series of teak cabinets cover the back wall and provide extra storage space for small appliances and additional pots and pans.
Something to celebrate. A full-size wine cellar with three temperature zones holds as many as 150 bottles, including Art's favorite Italian reds.
Details, details. Limestone flooring extended from the kitchen, recessed lighting, and walls painted in a Benjamin Moore eggshell finish make the room warm and cheerful.

The wine cellar is from Viking Range; the washer and dryer are from Bosch.

More with Art!