Partners in life and work, Gary McBournie and William Richards create their dream home on the Upper East Side.
Vintage green table lamps purchased at auction in the guest bedroom.
THE PROJECT
Gary McBournie and William Richards, the married partners of Boston-based interior design firm Gary McBournie Inc., decided it was time to reinvent their space, combining two prewar, one-bedroom apartments on the Upper East Side into their own elegant home.
In the living room, a large abstract work by artist Michael Richs hangs above the sofa in fabric from Claremont Furnishing.
The couple was eager to finish the project on time for their daughter’s wedding ceremonies, seeking to apply art deco and midcentury modern influences to the spaces. “The de Gournay wallcovering was still in process 30 days prior to the event, and it was a rush to finish,” says McBournie.
Jonas lounge chairs in Holland & Sherry fabric sit in front of a fireplace mantel and hearth by Chesneys.
THE DESIGN
McBournie and Richards were inspired by the vintage aesthetic of the 1940s, which no doubt elevates the art pieces throughout the home, which include works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Josef Albers. “The Hermès wallpaper in the primary bedroom hallway served as the color inspiration for the project” says McBournie. “The jewel tones are uplifting and also evoke a deco spirit.”
de Gournay’s Monuments of Paris wallcovering stars in the dining room.
THE DINING ROOM
This room features vintage aesthetics like the dining table by Robsjohn-Gibbings from George Home paired with a set of six dining chairs with white fabric from Donghia. The vibrant and abstract color scheme of the custom carpet by Stark truly brings this space together, along with the room’s blue and white wallcovering Monuments of Paris, which was custom-made by de Gournay and elevates and transforms this space into a sophisticated dining environment. The space is complete with its vintage chandelier from 1stDibs, complemented by the sconces from Vaughan Designs.
Custom stencil flooring by David Faust in the kitchen
A vintage cabinet by Eric Appel in the guest bedroom
THE LIVING ROOM
The living room is a tasteful blend of vibrant colors and vintage styles. A large abstract art piece by Michael Rich sits above a cadmium green sofa, opposite from the two bright blue lounge chairs with a parchment cocktail table from Iconic Snob in the center that adds an old-world element of the space. Lit by the brass lamps by Balsamo Antiques and natural sunlight from windows crafted by Eliot Wright Workroom, the custom carpet by Stark gives the room warmth and texture, a perfect space for entertaining guests.
The primary bedroom’s bed was crafted by Connors Design Ltd. with fabric from Claremont Furnishings.
In the primary bedroom, the Sunburst ceiling fixture from BK Antiques.
THE OUTCOME
The carefully curated space features details, from special china to precisely pressed table linens, because as they say in their household, it’s all about creating not just a home but an experience, for themselves and their guests. And thankfully, things came together just in time for the wedding. McBournie concludes, “We ended up with a very happy bride enjoying a prewedding dinner in a beautiful dining room.”
A Frederick P. Victoria & Son bookcase in the TV room.
DESIGN DETAILS
TYPE
Apartment
LOCATION
Upper East Side
INTERIOR DESIGN
Gary McBournie and William Richards Gary McBournie
BUILDER
Anthony Brady Brookville, LLC
CARPENTER
Abbas Woodworking
RESOURCES
1ST DIBS
Parchment cocktail table, vintage chandelier
DE GOURNAY
Dining room wallpaper
JONAS
Upholstery
PHILLIP JEFFRIES
Primary bedroom wallpaper
STARK
Living and dining room carpets
Jewel tones evoke a deco spirit throughout the space.
