Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo {yes, ABCD Design was inspired by her actual initials!} is an artist, designer and stylist based in New York City. Her blog is collection of images, sketches, formal design inspiration and casual ramblings of a diversified designer.

Today, she answers a few of our favorite questions – why the slow home movement is a favorite trend, best design suggestions, and how ‘transitionalism’ defines her style – while sharing a tour of her NYC apartment that might easily double as a spread from House Beautiful {and don’t forget to check in on the renovation project of her new Connecticut country home on her blog}.

Her design philosophy is simple: no matter what design medium you are working with – a painting or sculpture, design of an interior space, an arrangement of flowers, or when styling a beautiful plate of food – one must always follow the same elements of design. In order to create a beautiful product there must be unity, flow, texture, harmonizing color, balance and a focal point to please the eye.

Amy Beth’s education and training is as uniquely diverse as it is design-oriented. She first studied fine art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, then completed a six-month chef-training program in NYC at the Natural Gourmet Institute and finally earned a Certificate in Floral Design from Parsons School of Art and Design. She has worked in event planning, interior design, window display, and photo styling {whew!}.

But let’s jump right in… Continue reading →