“…I like the wild stuff,
or what some people call ‘the dead 50s’ …
I’m not sure anyone else does kitsch quite like me.”
Cullen Meyer is a wee babe — just 27 years old — but goodness crikey, he has a jump on us: He has been collecting vintage for more than a dozen years already. This ambitious young man searched tirelessly for more than four months to find a time capsule apartment in Brooklyn, just so he could display his collections. Which oh by the way, are MIND BOGGLING, your eyes are going to pop right out of your heads. And what a treat we have today: His friend Paul Quitoriano has photographed the apartment Just For Us.
Oh, did I mention that when Cullen initially reached out to me, I knew he had such a great story that I sent the tip to my friend Steve Kurutz of the New York Times? Steve — who wrote the big story about Retro Renovation last fall — knows a great story when he sees one. So, Cullen is in the New York Times today — YES: Cullen is in the New York Times today — woot!
I have been sitting on all these photos for more than two months … tortured… until the big newspaper story had time to hatch; I didn’t want to interfere with Cullen’s crack at the big time.
That said, NYT may be big, as in “All The News That Fits, We Print”, but we’re online, so we can go on and on and on as digital is cheap. We get Cullen’s mega story — and 40 fabulous photos of his apartment. Amaaaaazing.
So buckle up, here come a gazillion photos from Cullen’s Brooklyn apartment, along with his story.
WARNING: Cullen’s collections include some cheesecake porno chalkware and salesman sample calendars featuring topless dames, etc.; if you are offended, either do not proceed or cover your eyes. The rest of you pervs: The photos are kinda in the middle somewhere, don’t sprain your index finger scrolling too fast.
Cullen writes:
Hey Pam,
I have been reading your blog for years and love it. I have been collecting/hoarding the most wild 1950s kitsch I can find since I was about 15. 12 years later, I have created an interesting aesthetic/unique slice of mid-century design that I think your readers might find fun. I have held off for years of publishing/showing photos of my space, but I think people would enjoy it.
Sadly, I live in NYC and don’t have a 50s house yet and am only 27. I lived in the West Village for eight years, and made my apartment as retro as I could.
I decided I wanted a bigger space and put up a craigslist ad for four months looking for the least renovated mid-century apartment. I finally found one after four months of constant searching, in Williamsburg Brooklyn. It’s a great story…
So…my apt search. Well, my search started after already living in New York for eight years. I had moved just after turning 18 to go to college. After one year in the dorms I was ready for my own place, and I found a great deal on a one-bedroom in the West Village off Washington Square Park. It was your typical renovated blah NYC apartment, but I did move as much of my 50s collection as I could cram in and made it as retro as I could.
After seven years in the apartment, not only had I accumulated an unholy amount of more antiques, but I was ready for a real sized apartment (my 1st bedroom was 12×7).
So I figured since I was going to try to move, I would actually try to find an unrenovated mid-century apartment. This, I knew, was almost impossible. The modus operandi of NYC, especially with lower rent apartments is to constantly gut renovate when people move out and get rid of all the great original details.
The only thing people really started to preserve was Victorian details, mostly found in Brownstone buildings in Manhattan and Brooklyn. I had never even seen or heard of anyone with an original 1950s apt or apartment that had even been redone in the 1950s and had been preserved.
So for four months I contacted ever realty company I could asking them to watch for an untouched 50s apartment, and most just laughed, wondered why I would want that or told me I would never find it. I also ran a constant craigslist ad for my very specific hunt.
One day, during the fourth month of looking, I get an email from a broker in Williamsburg Brooklyn, saying she has my apartment and I needed to come to Brooklyn ASAP to look at it. As I was unable to leave during the day I rushed over right after work.
What she told me sounded too good to be true. She told me that a friend of hers had just bought the building next door to him and was going to fix it up and rent it out in a few months. He asked her if she wanted to handle renting the apt when it came time so she went over and looked at the space.
She either saw my ad that day or the next day when she was creating craigslist ads for other apartments she was trying to rent. She saw that my ad said I wanted the most unrenovated 1950s apartment possible. She called my now landlord and told him not to touch anything more (as they had literally just started to renovate) until I got there to look at it.
She was telling me how 50s this place was she couldn’t believe it and that I was going to sign the lease the minute I walked in. She tells me this, again sounding too good to be true, but the place was a few blocks from her office, so we walk over. At the time the 1st floor was supposedly reserved for a family member, but I was given the opportunity to rent either the 2nd or 3rd floor apartment.
Someone from the family lived their until a very old age a few months before I saw the apt. When I saw the apartments I took (the top floor with a little better layout and original pink bathroom) and asked the landlord to preserve all original details, and even asked for some scraps of scalloped wood edging that had already been removed from somewhere. I also told him he should preserve the 2nd floor, the one I didn’t take, and that those details and a mid-century look was really a plus and a selling point for my generation (or anyone with taste).
Really the only thing my landlord had done was put it in new windows (thankfully). The kitchen floor was damaged and had to go, but since I got in so early in the process I asked my would be landlord if he would put in a black and white check linoleum floor if I took the apt, and he said yes! Everything was totally original, except for some reason the sink in my apartment had been replaced in the 80s-90s with a bad Home Depot thing.
Although the original built in cabinets are wood, I’m guessing that there was a steel sink and maybe a leak caused some rust and it was tossed. Me being a crazy purist/refinisher, I asked my landlord(who just happens to be plumber) if I found a period sink and restored it, if he would put it in for me and he said yes.
So I found a great Youngtown’s Sink in upstate New York, picked it up with a friend, refinished it and he put it in for me. So, needless to say, my now favorite broker in the world was right and I put down a deposit that day to sign a lease the following day.
I did do some minor restorations, like restoring all the original kitchen hardware, removing all the paint etc ( and also learned at the time as I took the hardware off that the original kitchen had been the same pink as the bathroom).
I also painted every inch of the apt and moved a lot more of the antiques I had stored at my parents house to Brooklyn, as I finally had the space and right backdrop to display things. I’m sad to say, there is about as much pictured in my apt still in storage, so hopefully one day I can upgrade again to a period house. But for now, I honestly think I couldn’t have found a more 1950s apartment in the amazing condition it was in in NYC.In short it took me about a year to paint everything etc. I also collect vintage linoleum and have linoleum and chromed quite a bit of the apartment.
As you can probably see from the pictures, one of the biggest parts of my collection are wild 50s lamps including moss and majestic.
The apt also have the original pink bathroom, which I have tricked out a little more. I photographed my kitchen, dining room that I turned into a bar, living room and bathroom. I have yet to photograph my bed room and another small room.
And like every good mid-century collector, I have about as much furniture pictured in storage waiting for my dream 50s house that will have room for everything. Sadly, its a rental so I don’t have a vintage stove or fridge which is the one thing I would change.
Thanks again for your blog, its the one blog I check everyday. I’m sure you are constantly crazy busy, but hope to hear from you soon.
Thats pretty much the story of finding my apt. I have a lot more renovating stories. Like, I collect old linoleum and all the pieces around my apartment with linoleum surfaces trimmed in chrome I did myself. And I refinished or refurbished just about everything I have. But anyway, after all that rambling I will stop.
Thanks again, Pam.
Best,
Cullen
You’re welcome. But don’t stop. Don’t EVER STOP. I ask Cullen how he got into retro. So young!
Well,
My parents are big collectors, but of Victorian antiques. I started collecting vintage clothing and 50s antiques at about 13. I still sell vintage clothing on the side to private clients and dealers, movie industry etc. I studied journalism for 2 years at NYU and then got my bachelors degree in fashion design from Parsons.
Since graduating, I’ve worked in trend forecasting as a historical/vintage expert connecting historical trends in fashion and interiors to modern trends for our clients. I guess I’m like an inspirational expert. I’m also working on my first line of men’s/unisex accessories that should be out this fall.
In regards to my apt, I do have a lot… However part of my job is still going to every major flea market and antique show around the country [emphasis Pam's OMG], and if I see a ‘dream’ piece, I still buy it because I know I’ll never find it again. And, yes sadly, if its too big to fit in the apartment it goes into storage. That being said I sound like more of a hoarder than I am, ha. It’s just that things from the 50s were so big! I can’t help but run out of space, especially in NYC square footage. The majority of stuff in storage is lamps and lighting, which is my favorite thing, and I can’t pass up. I think I have about 50 Moss lamps alone, obviously not all at my apt. I like the wild stuff, or what some people call “the dead 50s”, and I’m not sure anyone else does kitsch quite like me. Also, I would really love to get into set design for movies etc. While I collect 50s stuff, I really know every decade and think I would be great at period pieces or even hyper stylized period pieces. However, I feel like costuming and set design are an even tougher world to crack then acting. It seems impossible to get into it unless you know someone or have done a union movie, but you can’t be in the union until you’ve done a movie, and know will hire you to do a movie unless you’re in the union (one of those catch 22 type deals).
Best,
Cullen
I, Pamela Kueber, Queen fer a Day o’ the Retro, Doth Hereby Anoint You, Cullen Meyer: Crown Prince of Kitsch. You have done well. You will go far. We’ll say we knew you when. Don’t forget us.
Cullen Meyer
Thanks so much, Cullen, for sharing your story and thank you so much, Paul Quitoriano, for the photos. No more blog posts for a couple of days. This is gonna take time for everyone to digest; let’s bask.
And we now have music video, too! Thanks to Christopher Considine for the fantastic music!
All material as published here is copyright RetroRenovation.com 2012
No material in this story may be published in any format without written permission.
That’s one of the most wonderful, happiest things I have read. I smiled all the way through. Thanks so much for sharing, and congratulations Cullen on all your achievements….so far. Best wishes.
Wow! Great job, Cullen! I am just right around your age, but my collection is no match for yours. Oddly enough I think I probably started collecting at that age too. It’s an addicting world! You are a preservationist doing the vintage-God’s work! Save-on, my friend, save-on!
(Congrats on NYT and RR!)
Wow, that’s a lot to take in first thing in the morning! What an amazing collection, right down to the linoleum rug. Great job and great article. Pee Wee didn’t have the only fun house.
Absolutely awesome!!! You truly are the Prince of Kitsch! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful apartment.
Cullen! Your place is FABULOUS!! You have so many things I have never seen before! This is a GREAT story! Thanks so much for sharing. WoW!! you have a dream job and to be so young! I am going to save this post and go back to it again and again. I was in awe of everything!
What fun! Complete and total joy.
Two thoughts:
1. Wish he’d start an Etsy shop!
2. The kitsch porno is one of my favorite bits. How can you not love retro pinup girls, I mean really!
Agree with you on both Marcheline. I am a huge fan of pin-up art from the 40′s and 50′s.
wow. that is all I can say.
Another post that just makes me weep with joy. Ah I love this blog!
xoxo. Yes: His apartment makes one weep with joy — that’s it!
Cullen ~ Your apartment is to die for!!! I love all of your treasures. The only down side I can see is dusting all of the vintage goodness. I really love your happy color choices also! Congrats on a wonderful job well done.
Wow, what a fabulous collection, job and all around swell guy!
I think I’m in love!
What a fantastic story about how your acquired your apartment, Cullen. I love to read stories like that! And the photos! Wow! Pam’s right…it’s going to take some time to take it all in. Congrats on the NYT!!
And I almost spit my coffee laughing at “The rest of you pervs” comment. LOL
Such a happy post to start the day! I smiled all the way through it and will need to look at the pictures again – the more I look the more I see. So fun! Thanks, Cullen, for sharing your apartment with us!
An amazing story and an amazing apartment and an amazing person! I’m just a few years older and I can’t imagine how he has found so much in that time. It’s really wonderful!
Cullen, you are the toppermost poppermost! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your apartment!
I like the suit, hair and smile as much as the apartment!
Yes, I too had a happy tear in my eye reading this! His apartment is like a magical 50s kitsch wonderland. I looked at each photo, eagerly wondering what amazingness was held in the next photo. Cullen, your perseverance, story and eye for details are outstanding! This post is one of the most awesome things I’ve seen.
And….WOW! I was going to ask him to marry me but then realized that the Mister wouldn’t care for that very much. Absolutely amazing collection, design sense and determination!
This truly is the most amazing apartment I have ever seen! I will now spend another hour going through all the details. There’s just so much eye candy to take in.
All I can say is wow
Omg! I want to invite him to see my period 1960 house only a few miles away!!! (I was the one who posted pics of the original mid-mod kitchen on your blog)
I would love to see it!
Cullen,
I am in your neighborhood every Sunday, (Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel!)and would LOVE to take you for a tour of my 1960 Split-level!!!! My email is smurfybluedancer@aol.com…..give me your email and I will send you pics!!!! I would gladly bring you a lasagna for a quick tour of your magnificent abode!!!! How much do you love the Meeker Ave. Flea Market???
Will you marry me? (: Just kidding, but OMG I am so glad your wonderful friend sent me the NYT article about you. WHERE in the world did you find all your Moss Lamps? I am a bit of a hoarder of them, thank you Jeff Bukas, however you have some I have never seen before. Do you ever sell ones you have in storage?
Thank you for saving all of these amazing pieces of history for years to come. If you ever come to LA you have to visit my “time-capsule” – pics on Pam’s blog.
Sorry Leslie, I was in such a hurry to propose that I didn’t see that you beat me to it!
Ha ha, Amy…he is all yours….already have hubby, but WOW he is a catch!
Leslie,
I am constantly on the hunt, so my Moss lamps have come from Flea Markets and antique stores (and a little ebay) all across the country. I have yet to make that amazing Moss Lamp find at a thrift store, but here’s hoping.
Cullen, You never told me about your love of 50′s decorating. Your place is sooo unique. If you show me a picture of a moss lamp, you never know what I might find
Your talents never cease to amaze me. This northwesterner is very proud of you! How am I to find a copy of the newspaper article? I will e-mail you my address, and am letting you know, I have recently signed on to facebook.
WOW! What a great way to start my day… It is a pleasure to meet you Cullen and learn about your love for 50′s kitsch. Great apartment, can’t wait to see your future house.
Cullen, I thought you were Peter Campbell at first! Such a cutie.
Great apartment. I especially love your bathroom vanity. The contrasting details gave me an idea for my own vanity in my ’68 rambler, so thank you!!!
Also love the bar! Is that a piece from an old kitchen? Reminds me of the little “breakfast bar” sections, with that rounded endcap and shelves.
Yes, its is from an old kitchen. I found it at flea market in Texas, and it had been painted. So I refinished it to match the other wood pieces I was going to put in the bar. The exposed shelves on the left side were too hard to strip and were just bare, so I went into my stock pile of old formica, found a cracked ice green that matched the tops and curves shelves and added formica, chrome and black 50s wallpaper to those shelves. I am kind of obsessed with curved, tired shelves if you couldn’t tell. I can never pass up a piece with rounded shelves.
That is one amazing apartment! I’d be interested to know if Cullen has a favorite piece that he’s collected…how would you pick???
I also would not want to have to dust in here! That has to be a part time job!
I’ve only been collecting retro stuff for the last 8 or so years and am only a few years older than Cullen. I have no idea how he was able to collect all of that in such a short time! Simply amazing!
Dusting is a serious task. I just take it one room at a time, but the major clean I did pre-NY Times and Retro Renovation picture taking was intense. Choosing a favorite piece would be almost impossible. Though a few Moss lamps I have would be up there including my 2 pink and black Moss floor lamps, which I never thought after I lifetime of collecting I would be lucky enough to find let alone own.
Wow Cullen!!!!! If you ever look for a room mate I´d move right in (well, after passing the huge ocean
)
What a great article. Its comforting to know there are other “caretakers” of the past in the world. If you need to unload a lamp or 10 I would love to help!
Erica,
There may be a few, but lighting is my favorite thing and major pieces I would find it hard to part with. I will be going home in May and will take a picture of some of my storage, thought it may be upsetting to see what is not in use!
Wow! I am just amazed at his dedication and eye for style. I ate up every inch of this article and studied each photograph!
I reposted this to my personal, business, and blog Facebook pages. A must read for any person who loves this era or design in general.
Does he have a blog/online store/website??
Rachael,
I do have a website, but it will be for my own design business, and not 50s antiques. I used to sell 50s-60s antiques on the side but don’t have the room to house stock anymore, so now I concentrate on selling vintage menswear 1700s-1930s. When I was a teenager, I was buying super space age 60s antiques as well, which is not really my aesthetic anymore. So I do have a host of tulip base tables, burke chairs, some Herman Miller and space age light fixtures/lamps that I would be willing to sell if anyone is interested and would like to pick them up in Wisconsin.
I’m very sure this is exactly what heaven looks like. Delightful, Cullen!
What a terrific story! I don’t think I’d be able to keep a job if I lived there– I’d want to spend all of my waking hours at home!
Cullen purchased some of the NOS cabinet hardware I had up for sale last year. The chrome chevron backplates look great on the cabinets!
Terrific work, Cullen; and great story, Pam!
Michael,
Actually the ones you see on most of the cabinets were original to the kitchen. My island and the lower cabinet by the refrigerator were added by me, which is what I wanted the backplates for, and of course, to use in future kitchens/rooms.
Dear Cullen (!)
Although I am twice your age, I have a fabulous collection of 50′s pink kitchen stuff not to mention a collection of “siam dancers” and other assorted nifty stuff. Will you marry me?
most truly yours,
amy pie
Wow.
Oh, wow.
This is sensory overload and WILL take days to digest.
Too much goodness for one mere human.
Pam has found her heir.
So awesome!
Wow, what an upbeat, inspirational story. I want to comment on what I like best, but, it’s so hard to choose. I think it’s Cullen’s smile. Cullen, you must have a really upbeat spirit and it just bursts out of you and surrounds you. So happy for you. And thanks, Pam, for gritting your teeth and holding on to this story even though you were about to pop. Here’s hoping we’ll be seeing an equally fun and kitschy office renovation for you!
Follow-up story, please:
Cullen in a fashion show of the fabulous period wardrobe(s) I am sure he owns.
Elizabeth,
Ha. I would be happy to, though my vintage wardrobe ranges from about 1810-1930s, and unfortunately does not include 50s clothing. My senior thesis clothing collection at Parsons School of Design was inspired by 1950s kitsch though!
Oh and Cullen, I have lived in Williamsburg for 25 years!
Amy,
I would love to see your collection! I was going to do a pink/turquoise kitchen, but some how over the years I had ended up with so much red, yellow and green kitchen stuff that my items drove the color palette.
Gee Whiz! Thanks for the proof that I am NOT the most prolific collector (hoarder) ever…I can’t wait to show my husband!
Cullen, your apartment and collections are amazing – so beyond words – it just defies description. You have a keen eye, and have collected some RARE, so hard to find stuff. 15 years ago, I stupidly passed up a cracked ice china hutch, with etched glass sliding doors….have regretted that more times than I can count. And, I have never seen another, until yours. And the lamps, wow!!! And maybe the biggest thing I appreciate is a guy who is a guy that can live with and embrace pink. All men are not created equal. My criteria: my dog has to like you and you have to embrace pink, wherever it is (bath, kitchen, bedroom)!!!
Thanks for sharing….off to go look at all the great photos again!
drooool….
OMG! My partner Robert and I were on TLC’s My Crazy Obsession a few weeks ago, and our show and collections were discussed here on RetroRenovation… Anyways, I saw this link posted on Facebook this morning and thought “there can’t be more than one Cullen Meyer…” So I clicked in and saw his photo… Small world; Cullen and I went to the same High School, and were aquaintances through the theatre program. Very cool, Cullen… I love just about everything you own! Congratulations! If we had known about each other’s love of 50′s — we could have been best of friends!
tee hee, Cullen and I have been in email communication for the past few weeks — he saw the story I posted about you and Robert and recognized you, too, immediately!
Fantastic…..and part of his job is going to flea markets and antique stores!!! Lucky guy!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that display of all the doorknobs and escutcheons. I would like to know the story on that!!!
It was an old store display and it was at the Brimfield Antique Market, maybe last May or July.
Oh my god…this is the coolest place I have ever seen!!! Love the living room!
So glad you saved the apartment! Good on you. Your collection is wonderful!
Wow! Where did you get that Soup Today sign?! Its amazing, and in such fabulous condition! Congratulations, you stud-ly, stud. If it doesn’t work out with the others who beat me to the proposal punch, keep me in mind. – Turtledove
in agreement with the other remarks – especially, how have you collected so much at such a tender age? even if I had made the time back then, I would never have been able to afford all those brilliant objects (which, I also agree, must be a pain to dust). now, sir, you must tell me if you purchased the framed knobs that way or created that piece yourself – LOVE!!
What a lovely and amazing apartment. It makes the efforts at mid-century-modernizing my small house feel hopelessly inadequate. Must go to the flea market soon.
I’d love to read some about refurbishing linoleum and chrome. How difficult is it to do?
And, Cullen, how do you manage to keep things so neat and clean?
Hi Rich, Precautionary Pam here: If you are going to mess with old floors — or any old materials — be sure to first consult with licensed professionals regarding what may be in them. This is not a DIY site and I don’t let readers give advice when it comes to environmental & safety issues. Renovate Safe.
Rich,
As Pam said, I won’t give any safety/technical advice. What I will say is that I look for and collect old linoleum. There was a tiny hardware store I found in Manhattan that had been in business forever that had deadstock chrome trim and cove moulding from the 50s. Needless to say I think I have bought it all and have since convinced them (since they think it is now a popular thing since I bought it all) to restock from the company in Queens that still makes chrome trim. So, anytime I find a piece, like something that has curved shelves, I cover them in linoleum and trim them in chrome.
Cullen you are awesome! Love the story of your collections and wild decor and your perseverance to find the perfect place to live with all your fun stuff! I am going back to the post now, to look at all those pictures again – great, great stuff!
Cheese and flippin’ crackers! Cullen! Congrats on just about everything under the sun on which to congratulate a person . I think you DO have it all.
Great story, great post. Pam, how could you keep this richness to yourself for those two long months? Wow.
I can’t believe how much of your 50′s stuff clearly came from my mother’s kitchen and living room! It is wonderful!!!! Fun!!!!
Hey Cullen,
What a great pad!
I’ll bet your folks are tickled pink. Well, pink and teal and red and orange.
If I ever called any of that stuff, old junk, I apologize. Love everything about you.
Dad
Cullen’s dad! You did a great job!
I very much agree!!! And mega-thanks for this feast for the eyes, Pam!
What a fun read I’m going to ask my brother who lives in the West Village to send me that NYT article..
I just wanted to thank everyone so far for their kind comments. It’s been awesome sharing my apartment and hoard with everyone. For anyone in the NY area, you are welcome to visit have a retro cocktail and poke around, and if anyone in the area has a time capsule home or collection I would love to see it as well. I am going to try to answer everyones questions tomorrow.
And if anyone has the Moss fountain lamp, you can book the chapel now.
Amazing!!!! I am absolutely in love with your collection, nicely done! I do happen to have that ‘rain lamp’ you mentioned
hahaha….found it at an estate sale in SF, they made me take it home with the old oil in it (gross) but I cleaned it up and it works like a dream. Thanks for the inspiration!
OMG! You could charge a dollar each for everyone who would want a tour and you would become a millionare in a very short time. I know I would definitely put your appartment on my must see list the next time I get to NY. It’s inspiring! Thanks Pam for sharing, and thanks Cullen for dreaming big.
–Sarah J
Wow Cullen, your place is completely and totally amazing!!! I’ll bet you never, ever want to leave home in the morning!
If I ever make it to NY your place is the first stop I want to make, I’d just bask in the glory of being surrounded by ALL of those Moss Lamps and Carlos!
I had a question about the Ballerina Wall Clock and Plaques pictured in your living room. I have been looking for that set FOREVER and I recently found the 4 little ballerina plaques, but no clock. My little plaques have no ID markings on them at all. Is there any manufacturing marks/tags on your clock or plaques that would help me in my search for the elusive ballerina clock???
Sara,
You may be in luck. Like you I actually found the clock and plaques separately. I found the clock in upstate New York, (I believe) and then about a year later a friend/antique dealer of mine had the entire set and was kind enough to let me just buy the plaques. Now, this was a few years ago, but I will email her and ask her if she still has the clock. Cross your fingers!
Best,
Cullen
I can’t wait to hear if she still has the clock! All fingers and toes are crossed!
Thanks SO much for checking!
That place is awesome. I dig his collection. It is so colorful, fun and extensive! I love every room.
Holy cow. A friend linked this on FB and I went a bit nuts on Twitter, Pinterest and my blog. There may be a few marriage proposals kicking around the interweb from me…Can I book the chapel if I send you a picture of a Moss fountain lamp?? Not quite good enough? Darn it all!
Astounding collection and I love that you’re also into vintage clothes!
Thank you for sharing this awesome story! The apartment is absolutely THE BOMB! It’s just amazing — and such an inspiration! Thank you! Thank you! The pictures are excellent too!!!!
I am just so inlove with your apartment!!! wow!! you could charge a price for a ticket and give tours!! And I know this sounds crazy but you look like a very very young version of donald draper (jon hamm) from mad men… and thats a compliment!! keep up the great work I hope to see more of your awesome collections some day!! Pam, thanks for such an inspiring story!!
An Old Soul ~ You have a special eye, fun personality and great vision to appreciate simpler times in our country’s history.
Quirky some may call it, fun and full of life to others. You did an awesome job, great story. Thank You so much for sharing
What an amazing apartment! As a fellow Brooklynite, I know that timepiece homes are a rare find. Good work!
Love it!
So much fun stuff to look at. As a longtime collector of “stuffs” I appreciate Cullen’s amazing pad. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I think I just had a stroke.
Cullen, won’t you be my neighbor?
I think if/when the people on the 1st and second floor move out, that retro renovators should move in and we could have an entire 50s building. Did I mention the other 2 apartments are period too?
That would be so great — and entire Retro Renovation condo!
This is so cool! If I were in the area, I’d totally take you up on that cocktail. There’s a little thing here in Portland (and San Francisco) where vintage enthusiasts get together at each others houses and do cocktails and basically, have a good ol’ fashioned cocktail party. It’s so much fun to see all the decor. Anyway, fantastic job on finding the place and tying your treasures together so well!
best,
Solanah
vixenvintage.blogspot.com
I am absolutely in love with that idea! Anyone in Austin want to copy?
Or anyone in SW Michigan?
Thats amazing. If anyone in the NY area wants to do this, let me know.
Great story and love Cullen’s enthusiasm. I can’t wait to see his dream house!
I LOVE seeing a place that is wildly, delightfully 50′s and not so “tastefully” MCM! Great place….and very cute owner
Love it all!
And I thought I had alot of stuff!
Cullen, amazing place- have to mention the scalloped cornice boards-
Pam did a feature on my breezeway and the cornice boards I installed using a ‘retro’ source.
Yours are very wide and great looking in a painted finish.
I love Moss lamps too, but sold them all a few years back. I still buy them for resale when I find them, though, and will keep an eye out for a fountain lamp! Best of luck, and congrats on the publicity!
Jeff,
Please let me know if you find any good ones!
I love it! All of it!
My soulmate! My favourite era’s are from the 1800′s all the way to the 1950′s. I absolutely DIE everytime I see a thing belonging to those era’s. I have a collection of vintage clothing and suitcases and such, but it’s not even anywhere close to your collection, but I’m working on it! You’ve totally inspired me, and I love your look! Now that is how a man should dress! Suit and tie with hair slicked back…sigh. I can’t wait till I finish Fashion school, so I can go crazy hunting and make the clothes I love from those era’s.
ok, i officially both hate you and want you to come decorate my house….i absolutely HATE having to figure out where everything goes…my vision only goes so far as buying it, not actually putting it up. so if you’re ever in los angeles come nail all my stuff to the wall!!!! you truly are a genius.
Michelle,
I will be in LA, probably for about a week, this summer.
OMG….PLEASE CONTACT ME when you are in LA or before!!!!!! my direct email is acarforlefty@gmail.com i would LOVE meet you and try to bribe you!!! LOL
michelle
Oh my! What a feast for the eyes. Love the humor and the color. Absolutely fabulous.
Cullen, I can’t tell you how happy looking at your apartment makes me. If I was visiting New York, I’d say “the heck with a fancy schmancy hotel, book me a room at Cullen’s place!” And if I’m ever in NY, I’ll take you up on that cocktail offer.
What an amazing apartment and such a great story behind it all. I’m 29 – so not surprised by Cullen’s youth as I know lots of young(ish) people with interest in MC stuff. But to be so young and have amassed such a huge collection of really great pieces – that is so incredible! Thanks for letting us peek inside!
yup! you were right… my eyes have popped right outta my head!
Wow, is right. How refreshing for a young Man to be preserving so much history, (whether on view or stored) normally the domain of us ‘older’ followers that are remembering the items when they were new. So easy for this stuff to be just dumped by uncaring, heritage vandals!
Some of you Americans on here have the most beautiful homes, and what a lovely site this is that brings them all together. I’m inspired.
Amazing! I too love love love the “wild” lamps – you have an incredible collection. I’m jealous. This is what I dream of doing to my own home (but my family would rebel!).
How could you not be the happiest person in NY living in the wonderful setting you’ve created for yourself! A great story to start the day with – I’ll carry those colorful pictures in my head all day! And to be gainfully employed at your young age in something you love – it’s just the best! Congratulations, Cullen! Cheers!!
Wow Cullen, you certainly have a lot of stuff.
Going through the photos again this morning, I realized that I had missed out on an opportunity to purchase a pair of 60″ Moss “Lena” lamps at an antiques show last summer. My partner thought they were “tacky”– I couldn’t convince him they were “cool”. They were only $350 for the pair. [slaps palm to forehead]
There will be more. There will be more.
Hi Cullen, your apartment looks incredible, loved to see it, you have the best imagination. My 2nd thought after WOW!!! was, wow, that’s a lot of dusting – do you have stock in swiffers? Congrats on the NYT thing too. Now I have another reason to come visit NYC…
Shine On,
Your cousin Carolyn
OMG. this man is a dream come true! I’ve started hoarding vintage decor and housewares as well, but my apartment is more 80s than 50s *sigh*. I can’t wait to have a huge house filled wiht gorgoues 50′s decor. Too bad I don’t live in NYC…
Lots of great stuff here. Is it weird that, out of all of it, I want the shelf paper with the decorative flap that hangs over? I wish that sort of thing were readily available.
Brian,
I have many friends that are antique dealers, and luckily they send me 50s care packages once in a while after doing an estate sale, which almost always includes shelf paper. I have an unholy amount, I will take a picture. If you really want some, I would check ebay, its usually pretty reasonable.
See this story: Where to find vintage shelf paper and edging: http://retrorenovation.com/2009/11/17/where-to-find-shelf-edging/
WOW! I’m impressed! When I saw the article in the NYT, I immediately thought of notifying Pam. I would have felt like such a dope. I should have known that the Queen of Retro would be the inspration for the article. Nice doing, Cullen and Pam! This site never disapoints.
brillant..what a great creative journey.into the past of retro living…we loved your place you have always been way ahead of your time in the arts..just one more example of your sharp eye to artistic impack…great great great neil and jim from hoopdeescootee saugatuck mi
Absolutely amazing collection. You have impeccable taste, Cullen. Thanks so much for sharing your home. It’s really a great story that you found the apartment you were wishing for. It’s truly inspiring.
Spectacular Cullen! You probably realize this, but you have an excellent eye for pairing your objects…it takes a special talent to make such catching displays out of so many items! You’ve got it, yeah baby you’ve got IT!
How refreshing! I too, am a collector/hoarder living in a small space for it all. I admire how well you have successfully incorporated so much of a collection in such a magnificent way. I hope in time I can make mine flow as smoothly as yours does! Thanks for the inspiration! Carry on, you have renewed my faith in the youth of America. There is hope for green living and preservation of our past. Bravo!
Wow! It’s like staring into the sun! Brilliant!
I am without words. Cullen – bravo!! I love love love your apartment and passion and great eye! Thank you RR!
Hey Cullen – Pretty Cool Digs !!!
Annnd Loookkkiinnn pretty good kid – High Class in a Retro state
Congratulations on the article.
Love
The BVD’s
So awesome and at such a young age! I am thrilled that he values midcentury items as much as we do. You go Cullen!
Okay Pam, I have officially been inspired to come out of just reading your fantastic articles and jump feet first into the conversation because my mind is literally spinning with delight. Kudos to you for outdoing yourself (no small feat!). This is my favorite article on your site EVER!
Cullen — congratulations on not only what is probably the best 50s kitsch collection I have ever seen, but also for finding the perfect place to make into a home for that collection. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your world, and reminding us its ok to move away from a minimalist mindset and embrace the “more is more” attitude. Your place looks absolutely amazing. Please let us all know when the cocktail party is!
Well, welcome, howdy do, and thank you for your comments! I know. I am kinda proud of this one! And like everyone else — IMMENSELY INSPIRED! LOVE you all!
AMAZING OMG WOWZA!
I love these posts because this side of crazy is usually how I want to decorate. I often see those streamlined modern places that look so good and clean and feel bad about wanting all this cool stuff everywhere. But seeing THIS place makes you come alive!
I’m super interested in how you linoleumed everything, that’s a trick I’d like to learn someday.
Kudos to you and your wicked collection!
Yup, great quote: “…this side of crazy is usually how I want to decorate.” This story has pushed me over the line for sure! You should see what I’m now planning for my office!
I look forward to it!
I feel vindicated over my kitchen, a hodge-podge of 40′s and 50′s kitsch for the past 20 years, which usually has elicited comments such as, “Oooh…how…how…colorful” from skeptical visitors.
It IS a bitch to dust, though.
Yeah, Cullen Rocked it Out! Good job.
OMG. Your place is so FAB. I too collect that time era and also live my life in a 50′s time warp. The colors, lamps, wall hangings and stream line furniture, just blows me out of the water. I guess I need to get on the ball and get some of my photos on here, as well.
We would definitely be friends. Would love to have you over for an Atomic CockTail. JT
Well, I guess dragging you to all the flea markets and antique shows when you were a kid rubbed off. From collecting old keys to old swords, you finally settled on your niche: kitsch! Obviously, well-suited (as are you! You look great). So all the tolerance to your ‘junk’ collection shows how wrong I was. Happy nail holes when you move.
Love you,
Mom
Oh my, the memories that brought back. Would love to have the drapes, the lamps, the pink bathroom, the everything. I wouldn’t be able to leave for work every day though. So glad to hear the fifties are favored by some of the younger gen. I was afraid it would be lost when us boomers are gone. Congratulations Cullen on a job well done.
Oooooooooooooooooo My Great Aunt had ALL of her mid 50′s furniture in her basement rec room….when she sold the house in the late 80′s the family that bought the place talked her into including all the basement furniture for 500 dollars…….including the full sized pool table……..
SWANKY! Brother from another mother, I too am 27 and love that crazy 50s stuff, though my collection of stuff pales greatly in comparison to your museum of awesome. Haven’t been able to find much of what you (we’re) into here in my home state of WV, but I do have a few things here and there. By the way, you’re far more likely to get signed up as set designer for a theatrical production, and being in NYC there’s plenty of those going on at all times. I’ve done set design, on less than a shoestring, for some local theater (art deco streamline mainly). Keep up the great work, you have the coolest apartment I’ve seen yet.
Hey, Cullen–Love your place! My husband and I bought a house on Long Island two years ago, and we saw PLENTY of houses with original 50s interiors as the original inhabitants die off,or, as in the case of our house, move to live with relatives. Our house has a bad 80s kitchen, but two original baths (gray and yellow) and plenty of scalloped trim.
That sounds great. I’m sure there are some gems on Long Island!
I had to wipe the drool off my computer after looking at these pictures.
In two words, I. DIE.
- Dottie
Dottie, as I was trying to find the words to describe my feelings after seeing and reading this…well, you summed it up the best.
SO THRILLED this is here! When I saw the NY Times article online last week, I thought “I better send this to Pam”…but then megalife took over. I see that kindred souls always gravitate towards eachother. My collection is about 20% Cullen-worthy and I guess about 80% compromise, but I salute you, Cullen…for going the whole way. I do live, part-time, in NYC, and would love some day to come visit. Big cheers to you!
Wow! How inspiring! Just when I tell myself i’m not so kitsch, I see what Cullen has done in such an amazingly fun way and I say, “How totally fun and inspiring!”
As he says, “Nobody does kitsch like he does.” I really think his over the top, power of color makes his spaces awesomely unique. He doesn’t hold back, and that is what makes it so powerful. Thank you so much for sharing Cullen’s story and fun design, and as for you Cullen, the best of luck to you in all you aspire! Keep it up and you’ll do awesome!
Wow! I could hardly take it all in! I will need to go back and look again, and again for fear of missing something!! Thanks for sharing! This is AWESOME!
I have no words, except that I am in complete and utter awe. And jealousy.
Well, and what Dottie said.
Wow! Brings new meaning to ‘go big, or go home.’ What a talent to make everything meld together without looking like a cluttered mess. Well done, Cullen!
Cullen, what an amazing collection and so beautifully displayed! I see a very few of my own collectibles in there. Keep us posted with your work and upcoming collection. See you at Brimfield!
I have been coming back to these pictures all weekend. Every time I look, I spot a little something else. Thank you again Cullen and Pam for sharing.
Ok, new tactic (since I don’t have a Fountain lamp) so no hope of booking the chapel….LOL………
Cullen, can I just be your dusting and light bulb changing lady? Pleeeeeze?
Anytime.
Oh, one other question: Cullen, do you know who the manufacturer is of your condiment/menu rack that is over your kitchen table? That is just so cool, and I need one because the back of my stove will be above my breakfast bar…similar to how the back of your cabinet is exposed.
Thanks!
Tami
Awesome!!!!! I love love love it!! To start out so young and have all that already! Of course one of my favourites is the pink bathroom! I can see you having such a wonderful house in the future! What a great job you have also to find things! I think I would end up spending my paycheque whilst doing my work! Excellent post and pictures!
I have a pair of chalk ware oriental style lamps he would love. They even have the original aluminum tiered shades. Everyone says they are ugly. They just want me to sell them the shades, but I wont separate them. They are perfect the way they are.
OK, WTF??? Cullen’s previous life was obviously in the ’50s, as that’s where his soul is, and what a soul it must be. I sure wish I could visit this apartment and meet Cullen in person. Where, on earth, does he find all this stuff? And there’s just as much in storage? Hey, Cullen, why don’t you offer some of that unused stuff for sale to those of us who would really appreciate it? I know Pam doesn’t allow people to sell on here, but you could show it, and then link the pics to ads on craigslist, couldn’t you? While I admire the apartment, it’s a bit too crowded and junky for me, but that’s just my own personality, so that’s not an indictment. There are several pieces I wish I had, though. Cullen, I think you are a rarity. Most mid-century connoisseurs are fogies like me, who actually lived during the time, and who remember how happy and innocent they were, completely different from today. I think we hearken to those simpler times, when America was great. I’ve not met people of Cullen’s generation who could give a hoot about what our country used to be like. And don’t get me started on the music! “Hey, Mister Bass Man. . . ” Lucille, let’s rock!
There are so many great pieces in this collection that I am blown away. The design is fantastic for sure… but… the abundance of it all really takes away from the quality.
I drooled over these photos yesterday, and last night I dreamed I was at a party at Cullen’s place – and I never wanted to leave! What an amazing, fantastic collection!
Cullen is a testament to figuring out what you enjoy doing and success will follow. I am thankful his parents were supportive (and posted sweet comments) as seemingly have been his landlord(s). I adore any style of living that reflects an intellectual curiosity and personality. No stark hotel-like soulless vanilla boxes intrigue me. I hope there’s dramatic consumer backlash against the taint of mentally ill hoarding to accumulator collectors who enjoy having “stuff”. Upcycle, repurpose, save the planet.
If I witnessed a rescued pet enjoying his home too I’d be in daydreamland. I too understand the pang of revisiting items that are in waiting to be displayed, especially my fabrics. I am impressed most of all that Cullen has followed through on his projects. Inspired. Now on to find the NY Times article.
Wow…just, wow! Love the little poodle clock! (And everything else, of course!).
Are the draperies shown original to the apartment or are they old curtains in really great condition? Or, were they made to “look” like the perfect match for the space? Where in the heck do you find the time to look for these things? I’ve searched it seems like forever and I can’t find anything that looks like these items, let alone in good condition. It seems like resalers are getting more and more saavy about any kind of item that may be “vintage.” Cullen’s apartment is a beautiful thing…thank you for sharing!
If I make the trip to Brooklyn, will he give me a tour?
I cried when I saw your Apt Cullen. Absolutely amazing, breath taking. I had no idea there was another person on this planet who loves ’50s as much as I DO!!
In the words of Liz Lemon “I want to go to there” Such an inspiration, a beautiful time capsule of mid century design and retro keepsakes! Thank you so much Cullen, for showing us your treasures!!! This will be forever bookmarked as an inspiration tool for me, truly gorgeous!
OMG – This is absolutely wonderful! Love, love LOVE your home! Your collections are beyond awesome. We are not worthy.
Well, the uniqueness of color choices from room to room make the space look larger. Also, the fridge, although new haws its advantages in that it will be reliable and vastly more efficient. Those old compressors have a nasty habit of being loud, hot and expensive. Besides, all those magnetic letters mask any appliance newness.
Hey! We have that very same nursery rhyme and game linoleum “rug”. We found ours hidden under h****** [edited] wall to wall carpeting when we bought our house in South Philadelphia About 12 years ago. I guess it’s a good thing the rug covered it, because it kept it in good shape and from getting tossed out over the years. I carefully cleaned and sealed it, and now it serves to cover the floor of our kids’ room – in the exact same spot where we found it.
Hi James, those rugs sure are beautiful. As with all vintage materials you put into use – you may want to have the rug tested to ensure you know what materials are in it – consult with a properly licensed professional.
27 is a babe? Psssh. The majority of the mid century collectors we’ve met have been under 30.
It’s a babe to ME… and I say that in an “I am a mom, so I can” sort of way. Cullen didn’t object.
That said, I don’t know anyone’s age here on the blog. I think it’s all ages!
Right on, Pam!
What an awesome display of vintage decor!!!!! Bravo!!!
I have the same Nursery Linoleum Rug/Carpet, what year was it produced, I can not find a date on mine only the lot #20067. What would it be worth today???
Congrats and Thanks,
Sheri
WOW! What an excellent collection. I’m really impressed by all the little vignettes used throughout.
Oh Great Rah of All-Things Retro, I bought a 1950′s motel in Brevard NC in April of 2011 and am smack dab in the middle of taking ‘er back to mid-century
eclectic. Everything I do is left-of-center and has a sense of humor (right down to the herd of flamingoes in the front lawn). I have scoured the lands looking for ideas and ran across this and am just bowled over with your sense of style. How you managed to cram 1000 kitschy pieces into 20 sq ft and make it look super fab is beyond comprehension. If you are interested in a bigger challenge, check out my website http://www.thesunsetmotel.com and shoot me an email ‘cuz I need a retro wiz like you to take us to the next level.
Lori. The Old Above on ebay is great for vintage lighting. Ross is awesome knows his stuff and is happy to share his knowledge with you.
I just built a 1920 to 1930 house and am now remodeling my in laws lake cabin built in the late 50′s early 60′s. Ross also has lighting in storage so you can shoot him an email for what you are looking for. He may have it. Your project sounds like a blast!
The lighting comes cleaned, rewired and ready to install.
I know this seller. His stuff is super duper expensive. But, yes, comes rewired. That said, I think you can get stuff WAY WAY cheaper if you find it yourself and have it rewired by someone locally.
He’s a hell of a looker too, I wonder if he would like a roommate?
We can merge our collection into an even more awesome mega collection.
Cullen,old man,a friend turned me on to your website and it is amazing what you collected beinf so young and indeed gifted what with the combination of both color and your perchance for choosing th e”right”vintage piece for each of your rooms in your Brooklyn apartment,which I dare say must be quite a large place to decorate,but,you seem to efforlessly place each piece in it right setting or “erA’,cool hope to see more and I love all the cool lamps!
I still say that Cullen is a reincarnation of a ’50′s soul. He does it all so effortlessly, as if he had done it all before. That is a gift, just like being able to paint, draw, write poetry and compose music. The rest of us can only dream of being half as gifted in that department. When I put all my junk together, it just never quite looks like the “kitsch” that I envision. LOL I once had a friend who worked in the display department of the May Co. (now Macy’s here in Colorado), and he could take things discarded from old window displays and decorate an entire home like it was done for Better Homes and Gardens! (Didn’t have HGTV mag in those days!) And he did it in a half hour. That was the amazing part.
I cannot believe my eyes. I have never seen a more magical place. I want to live here. Cullen, you are wonderful.
Really cool that such a young man has amassed such a huge collection. But honestly, I think I’d get a headache if I had to spend any length of time in his place!
hi Pam, Cullen,
Very cool collection, lot’s of amazing items. Cullen you’re obviously in love many times over with your items – a good place to be.
I got very excited when I saw that we have exactly the same blue Amstrong 4596 linoleum rug in our bedroom in Albany, New York.
We’d love to get more information about the ‘rug’, and some other cool 50′s items.
Unfortunately, we are actually in the process of closing the house since our Dad passed, and may have to part with the items.
Hey Jack,
You can get my email from Pam, or from my facebook page, and I’d be happy to do my best about answering your questions.
Best,
Cullen