the work is the reward

My favorite reward is the smile on a client’s face when he or she sees how I’ve transformed a space. The best compliments are referrals and repeat business. I was also delighted by awards for two special collaborations, got published by Organic Spa Magazine in a feature about “Designing a Wellness Oasis” (February 2022 issue), and was interviewed for my perspective on bath renovations and how to accessorize a room to create a signature look.

ORGANIC SPA MAGAZINE (February 2022 issue): “DESIGNING A WELLNESS OASIS” BY RONA BERG

I was thrilled by the feature story below, highlighting my design work for an inspiring client who is a two-time cancer survivor. We created a healing spa with a soaking tub, waterproof TV & speakers, and a ceiling of handpainted cherry blossom tile. Read on for more detail and check out Organic Spa Magazine for a wealth of wonderful content from experts in healthy living.

Click here to read the article below online

Click here to see the rest of this cool apartment in New York City

Houzz Awards & Badges: 2024, 2021 & 2020 Best of Service Awards

University of Richmond Magazine (5/22/22): “How to design the best room in your home” by Kim Catley

Want tips to create a great room? Read my interview for 5 ways to approach a space. Richmond Spider Alums get special pricing!

Click here to read the feature below online

EXPERT

GWYNNE MCCUE, ’97, IS A MANHATTAN-BASED INTERIOR DESIGNER AND “A PRACTICAL MAGICIAN.” HERE ARE HER TIPS FOR CREATING YOUR PERFECT INTERIOR.

By Kim Catley

1. Call in a pro.

If your Pinterest boards have thousands of ideas, your friends are tired of hearing about your projects, and you can’t make any decisions, it’s time to hire a designer.

“I think many people get to the overwhelmed stage,” she says, “because there’s so much out there.” 

McCue sees her role as part personal trainer — “to help you get better results than you could on your own” — and part therapist. She can identify problems you don’t see and mediate different opinions. She credits her UR business degree with helping her turn a time-consuming process into a fun experience for her clients.

2. Assess what you have.

McCue likes to use what already works rather than start from scratch. A fresh paint job and updated countertops can breathe new life into cabinets. Maybe the carpet just needs a good cleaning, the pillows need new stuffing, or the couch should be turned to face the window. 

“I’ve repaired curtains, sewed things, and patched things,” she says. “I’m a practical magician.”

McCue then incorporates paint, rugs, and furniture that complement the existing items. She also notes how the room interacts with adjoining spaces and adds unifying elements.

3. Adapt and react.

Even the best-laid plans go awry. Two months into a bathroom project (above) — recently featured in Organic Spa Magazine — the contractor found studs and pipes in the walls that couldn’t be moved. This meant the rectangular room would now be L-shaped, the expensive custom ceiling tiles no longer fit, and there wasn’t enough space for a giant tub and shower. McCue reconfigured the layout, proposed a built-in shower seat, and laid the tiles out like a puzzle until she found a new arrangement.

“It’s a great example of what a pro offers,” she says. “When you have a problem, how do you fix it? How do you not break the budget and your timeline?”

4. Balance classics and trends.

McCue encourages clients to invest in big items that are classic, safe, and well-made, but to have fun with the details. Lamps, pillows, and small tables can add personality and fun to space but can be replaced as trends and tastes evolve.

“The [big] things in your home, I hope you’re going to keep for a long time,” she says. “I don’t change constantly.” 

5. Add unexpected details.

McCue’s designs often include touches that improve functionality. Take the spa bathroom, which was for a client recovering from cancer. McCue incorporated healing features: River rocks on the floor engage the foot muscles and encourage balance. LED lights in the ceiling are used for chromotherapy. And cherry blossom ceiling tiles offer a renewing focal point while reclining in the tub.

6. Grab your power saw.

McCue isn’t afraid to turn to her sewing machine and power tools. She’s designed pillows and curtains, cut the legs off a dresser, and refinished cabinet doors to achieve the look and function she wants.

“I do all my own stunts,” she says. “And if I can’t do it myself, I know who can.”

CONVERSATION STARTERS

McCue recommends starting with these questions:

What inspires you?

Japanese textiles, that trip to Europe, that family heirloom — all can serve as a jumping-off point.

Who matches your style?

Research a few designers and find someone whose work aligns with your vision. 

Psst: If McCue fits the bill, she offers a discount for fellow Spiders. Find her at gwynnemccue.com.

Click here to read the article below online

“Fall-Winter is upon us, which means that hosting and entertaining season is kicking into high gear. If you have an upcoming dinner party or festive brunch, and you need inspiration and on-trend interior designideas for fall-winter entertaining, look no further. Here’s our round-up of the top five luxury interior design trends for Winter 2022.

Trends come and go. But unlike fashion, when it comes to home décor, swapping out all your furniture and flooring every time a new style sweeps through social media simply isn’t sustainable.

So what’s the best way to stay up to date sans a complete overhaul? We had a chance to catch up with interior designer Gwynne McCue of Gwynne McCue Interiors and she believes there are a number of ways to incorporate new hot trends into your home while still maintaining a timeless appeal.

From warming your color palette through cozy new accessories to integrating one of a kind vintage pieces and layering on varying textures, here’s what Gwynne thinks will be the top five interior design trends for autumn/winter 2022 and how to blend them into your current space.

The top 5 luxury interior design trends to know for Fall-winter 2022

new neutrals

Gwynne noted that warmer tones of brown, taupe and caramels are making a comeback, replacing cool gray and white spaces throughout the home. These shades are not only versatile, but welcoming too.

sustainability

With more people thinking about sustainability, it’s translating to the home decor scene as well. In addition to seeking out pieces made of traceable, eco-friendly materials, buyers are also turning towards more handcrafted, specialty pieces. And for many, sustainable can also mean buying vintage – giving a second life to beautifully made products.

curves

Curved furniture may have initially graced the home décor scene in the ‘70’s, but the trend is now back in full effect. Past iterations saw curvy forms showing up mostly in oversized couches, made to be looked at but not lounged on. Now, we’re not only seeing curved designs in trending sofas, but also in chairs, beds, desks and mirrors.

cozy textures

After spending so much time at home during the pandemic, Gwynne believes that people began to really understand the importance of textiles, tactiles and fabric throughout their homes. The result? She’s seeing a resurgence of layers of opulent textiles, like velvet and rich warm wools.

into the woods

Gwynne is also seeing the return of slightly darker brown wood tones in place of California blondes we have been seeing in recent years when it comes to furniture, cabinets and flooring. If you want to incorporate the look without pulling out your whole floor or kitchen, she suggests adding some small beautiful wooden accessories to your home.

Those are our expert interior design tips on how to best update your home this winter: cozy textiles, vintage finds, earth tone home décor accessories and more. What better way is there to start the indoor season than with a refreshed style, on trend style?”

Figure Magazine

“One Room, Three Ways” by Vicky Segal

Figure Magazine asked me to take a basic sofa and coffee table then style them affordably in three different ways to show how decorative accessories can transform a space. By changing the colors and materials of other things in the room, highlighting the furniture’s shapes or concealing them, and gathering decorative items with a lot of specific personality, I created vignettes that inspired their readers to do the same for themselves.