House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year Designed by Tyler Florence

Tyler Florence may be best known as a chef and television show host, but he can now add kitchen designer to his long list of accomplishments. Florence, a House Beautiful contributor, was asked by the publication to design its annual “Kitchen of the Year” in New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza. Fittingly, the space is very foodie-minded and comes complete with a skylight to drench the space with sun allowing for plenty of fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers to grow in the indoor space. This year is also the first time the “Kitchen of the Year” has a fully functioning outdoor kitchen, including a wood-burning stone oven.

While the kitchen wouldn’t be my personal dream kitchen – and not only because it didn’t have air conditioning – foodies and parents or those who entertain a lot will certainly find high appeal in the airy space. Focused on using fresh ingredients, there are as many plants spread across the space as there are pots and given the kitchen’s open design, which includes a side play area with games like Bingo and shelves to store books, it would be easy to entertain people of all ages.

Describing his vision of the ideal kitchen, Tyler Florence said, “We’ve brought a Northern California sensibility to it, a more rustic and cozy feel, and a fantastic point of view right in the middle of Rockefeller Center.”

Florence, who has an organic line of baby food, is clearly a family man who likes to entertain and that is reflected in the kitchen. Anyone in the New York City area is now, through July 22, invited to check out the indoor/outdoor space  located in the heart of Rockefeller Plaza (where the Christmas tree stands in the winter). There are many opportunities for guests to see Tyler Florence in action as well as watch other daily cooking demonstrations, tastings, kitchen tours, and design presentations.

For a full schedule of events click here.