Ina Garten's Cookbook Library

The Barefoot Contessa's home cookbook library was designed to inspire. 

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Photo By: Jake Chessum

Photo By: Jake Chessum

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

Photo By: Ben Goldstein/Studio D ©Hearst Communications Inc.

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!"

Cucina Simpatica

Braise

The Cooking of Southwest France

The Fannie Farmer Cookbook

Lulu's Provencal Table

Cold-Weather Cooking

Baking for Friends

Mastering the Art of French Cooking

Sunday Suppers at Lucques

The Silver Spoon

Mexican Everyday

The Silver Palate Good Times Cookbook

Paris Sweets

The New York Times Cookbook

French Regional Cooking

I Know How to Cook

The Food of Morocco

The Balthazar Cookbook

Modern Classics

The Soho Charcuterie Cookbook

On Food and Cooking

Sarabeth's Bakery

Rao's Cookbook

The Loaves and Fishes Cookbook