Nurturing Style: A New Year’s Day Brunch in Joan McNamara’s Kitchen
Author:Lindsey ShookWith the holidays around the corner, we delight in the idea of gathering with friends and family at home. When professional chef and restaurateur Joan McNamara of Joan’s on 3rd entertains her brood (for a New Year’s Day brunch) at her West Hollywood Loft, the kitchen is front and center.
The loft residence is completely open, with exposed rafters, concrete block walls and exposed cement floors. However, Joan feels most at home pulling up a barstool to the built-in kitchen island. From this central spot, Joan can manage what’s coming out of the oven and still easily connect with family and friends.
Joan realizes it’s not only important to have a floor plan that facilitates easy communication with her two daughters, grandchild and other guests, but for them to feel comfortable in her home.
To this end, she tailored the industrial space to her taste, creating a warm mix of mid-century pieces (like this Eames lounge chair) with antique pieces, like the marble-topped oak hutch below.
Her signature red velvet cupcakes invite a sweet start to the New Year.
Joan’s two daughters, Carol, a graduate of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, and Susie, an alumna of the Georgetown University School of Business, also help run the business.
(styled by Sunday Hendrickson)
