Behind The Design

Small Kitchen Style with Victoria James

We’re welcoming you into the world of complete kitchen style with open arms! Bring our timeless advice and expert experience into the hearth of your home. We’ve partnered with Sixtysix magazine to take a life-changing look into the kitchen of sommelier and author, Victoria James.

Photography by Seth Caplan

These days she’s juggling a new baby and splitting time between her charming farmhouse in Connecticut and a packed schedule in NYC, where she works as beverage director and partner at Cote. Victoria is a sommelier, entrepreneur, author, and cofounder of Wine Empowered—a nonprofit working to diversify the hospitality industry by empowering women and BIPOC with tuition-free education.

Photography by Seth Caplan

In February 2022 she is launching a new line of wine glasses with Lenox known as the Signature Series, designed as a sommelier’s simple solution when face with the endless choices of wine glasses. But you might never guess how busy Victoria is by her open and friendly demeanor. She recently gave lovely tour of her Connecticut home, and she describes her style is “Parisian flea market meets provincial countryside.” We couldn’t envy her space more.

Photography by Seth Caplan

“Some people find it crazy that we bought a place with such a small kitchen since we are always entertaining and cooking, but we love it!” Victoria says. “There is something about the intimacy that makes putting together dishes here with my husband all the more special. Plus, I’m used to restaurants and, as a sommelier I’ve worked in NYC kitchens that are half this size. We’ve cooked dinners for 20 from here!”

VICTORIA SHARES A BIT MORE INSIGHT INTO HER WORLD


I Spend Most Of My Time In the Kitchen…

right now preparing both baby and wine bottles.

When It Comes to Kitchen Design, I Really Wish People Would…

keep wine storage in mind.

A Beautiful Addition to the Kitchen Is…

our collection of copper pots and pans! Lyle, my husband, loves keeping them polished so they always catch the light and brighten the kitchen. Of course, they’re not just decorative—they’re excellent for cooking!

We Use A Wood Burning Fireplace…

and cook over the coals in under an hour. We like to start the fire, have an apéro and snacks, then start grilling! The fireplace in our dining room is perfect for entertaining since you can grill and still be with guests.

Proper Stemware In The Kitchen Is…

crucial. Wine is an important ingredient to a good meal, and it deserves the proper vehicle to enhance the aromas and, well, make the wine taste better.

Join Lenox & Victoria James to indulge your personal style with our professional picks. Enjoy endless moments of comfort in the kitchen you create!