A Kitchen for All

for All

This renovation isn ’t just about looking good—it’ s about doing some good too.

BY ERICA FINAMORE

hen Edward Lee set out to renovate his home kitchen, he never intended to cook in it himself: The lauded Louisville, KY–based chef gave up his former house to use as the headquarters for his nonprofit, The LEE Initiative, which aims to increase diversity in the restaurant industry. His first step was to build a camera-ready kitchen for the up-and-coming chefs in his Women Culinary & Spirits Program where they could train for jobs in food and media. It’s the perfect space for them to cook and entertain—and create demo tapes, a handy skill because the culinary industry isn’t just about food anymore, Edward says. “Media training and mentorship are so important for the next generation. ” Participants in the program are working in a much nicer space than Edward did when he lived here: He and LEE cofounder Lindsey Ofcacek repainted the cabinets a soothing teal (Basil by SherwinWilliams), upgraded the counters to quartz and installed top-of-the-line GE Monogram appliances, including two glass-door fridges and two wall ovens. The chef even uses the space for his own cooking videos now. “It feels like you’re in someone’s home, ” Edward says.

“And really, you kind of are.

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Sphere & Stem 3-Light Chandelier $399; westelm.com Big windows at the front of the house add lots of natural light, but this fixture helps keep the “ set” bright at night.

Alpha Brass Counter Stools $219; cb2.com Edward sometimes hosts dinners here, and these brass bar stools are the best seats in the house.

Moen Align Pull-Down Faucet $515; build.com The kitchen is filled with dramatic pops of black, like the cabinet pulls, corner shelves and this industriallooking faucet.