John Bessler for Traditional Homes

Tim Gunn’s New York City apartment reflects his love of old-world furnishings.

“I’m obsessed with architecture. I always have been,” Gunn, 63, tells Traditional Homes in their September issue. “When I was 9, I went to Monticello and was enthralled. I scraped together my pennies to buy a book of Thomas Jefferson’s architectural drawings. When I got home, I built some of the rooms with Legos.”

John Bessler for Traditional Homes

Today, his Upper West Side abode is bathed in a warm and inviting color palette. “The ochre color was inspired by a trip to Bath, England,” Gunn explained. “It’s such a warm color, and it looks great with rich woods and traditional paintings. I like a soothing canvas.”

At every corner appears to be a family heirloom or collectible piece of art.

“These things mean something to me,” Gunn, who did all of his own decorating and designing, said. “I love history, and objects with a story to tell.”

However, Gunn admits he moves at a snail’s pace when it comes to execution.

“I’m very slow and plodding when it comes to furniture arranging and hanging paintings,” he said. “But when it comes to color, there’s no hesitation.”

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John Bessler for Traditional Homes
John Bessler for Traditional Homes
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John Bessler for Traditional Homes
John Bessler for Traditional Homes
John Bessler for Traditional Homes
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