Culture Fix Blog Feature

My work was just featured on the CULTURE FIX BLOG by Carrie Nieman Culpepper! Follow this link to read her thoughts from the 3/28/13 entry and to check out her other fantastic reviews of design, travel, fashion and food.

http://carrieniemanculpepper.com/2013/03/28/japanese-inspired-apartment-in-new-york/

My friend Gwynne McCue's interior design projects are full of creativity. I thought I'd share her latest project, a tri-plex apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan designed for a single woman with a love of Japan.

Culture Fix Blog: Dining Room

The Dining Room cleverly converts from Western- to Eastern-style dining. Love that idea. And the pillows throughout were made from vintage Asian textiles.

Culture Fix Blog: Bedroom

The slipper chair in the bedroom looks like it's floating on a cloud.

Culture Fix Blog: Media Room

In the media room, the recessed shelf was a smart way to add light to a room with few windows.

Figure Magazine “One Room, Three Ways” by Vicky Segal

Gwynne McCue takes a living room and transforms it three ways for less than $500.

When it comes to home décor, most of us have a vague sense of what we like – modern, country, bohemian, for example – but no clue as to how to put it together.  We turned to New York-based interior decorator Gwynne McCue, who insists you can create your signature style easily and affordably – if you focus on the right accessories.

Starting with a neutral couch and coffee table, McCue created three unique looks by adding decorative accents such as fabrics, lighting, pillows and rugs, which together make a big difference on a small budget – in this case, only $500 for each finished room.

What we started with: Laguna Couch in Cappuccino, $1,499, and Lattice Coffee Table, $499, both from crateandbarrel.com.

ROOM #1: BOHEMIAN

Gwynne says: “Bohemian style should put you in a relaxed, meditative mood. Begin decorating with pillows; mix and match different colors, fabrics, patterns, sizes and shapes.”

Gwynne’s Style Cheat Sheet:

Colors: Handmade wooden items create a base of different brown shades. Accent with lots of bright, vibrant tones.

Materials: Try silk, wood, bamboo and beads; anything that is or looks handmade and has lots of texture.

Patterns: Use complex, bright, intricate designs, such as paisleys and nature-inspired prints with flowers and animals.

Artwork: Collect unique and exotic pieces from local import shops and your own travels; masks, saris, silk paintings, watercolors, wood carvings.

Mood Music: Putumayo Presents: World Groove, ($15.98 Amazon.com)

Scents: Experiment with musky, tropical scents. Try lighting Nag Champa incense for a calming effect ($.85 for 15 sticks, sensia.com).

Foliage: Tropical flowers and plants like Bird of Paradise, bamboo, and cherry blossom branches work well.

Shapes: Go for soft shapes and lines, rounded vases and comfy cushions. Imperfections are okay.

Lighting: paper lanterns and candles will diffuse the light and capture the mood perfectly.

ROOM #2: MODERN

Gwynne says: “Modern décor is about keeping things low maintenance, simple and sleek. Start with a large, bold piece of artwork and accessorize with solid colors and minimal patterns, being ever cautious not to clutter the space.”

Gwynne’s Style Cheat Sheet:

Colors: Choose earth tones such as brown, green and white, accented with a bright color like red or blue.

Materials: Easy-care fabrics and materials like leather, cotton, stainless metal and glass work well.

Patterns: Simple, geometric graphics, such as stripes, dots and squares complement the clean-line furnishings nicely.

Artwork: Showcase reproductions from abstract artists such as Jackson Pollock, Roy Lichtenstein and Mark Rothko; or blown up black-and-white photography.

Mood Music: Sea Change by Beck, ($12.29, Amazon.com)

Scents: Opt for citrus and woodsy scents, such as pine or fir balsam.

Foliage: Display plants and flowers that look sculptural and require minimal care: grass, monstera leaves, bamboo and orchids.

Shapes: Utilize straight, sharp, clean lines or smooth, curving, continuous shapes.

Lighting: Recessed lights, hanging pendants and floor lamps keep the room looking bright and clean.

ROOM #3: FRENCH

Gwynne says: “If you lean toward traditional, romantic style, decorate with items that look worn or faded. Start with floor-length, detailed draperies and use the patterns and colors of the fabric as a palette to accessorize the rest of your room.”

Gwynne’s Style Cheat Sheet:

Colors: Natural shades of cream and beige pair well with worn and faded colors.

Materials: Use delicate fabrics such as lace, linen and cotton.

Patterns: Anything floral and feminine works well; think classic and traditional.

Artwork: Choose landscapes and still-life paintings of food, wine and flowers in the style of Cezanne, Van Gogh and Monet.

Mood Music: The Voice of the Sparrow: The Very Best of Edith Piaf ($11.98, Amazon.com)

Scents: Try candles and sachets with floral scents such as lavender and jasmine.

Flowers: Roses look perfect in any color.

Shapes: Accessorize the room with objects containing soft, round lines and furniture with curved arms and legs.

Lighting: Table lamps with decorative details such as leaves and carvings, lampshades with curved lines and trim, and candles create a romantic glow.