When you’ve finally decided it’s time to remodel or redecorate your space, make sure to set aside funds in your budget for some amazing accessories. 

A few well-placed, quality pieces can take a room from finished to ‘fabulous’ in no time.  They breathe life into the space, and provide the extra layer of interest that’s needed to make the room feel collected over time.

But, you shouldn’t feel overwhelmed by taking on the challenge yourself.  Many of our clients feel a bit lost when it comes to this step, and we’re always happy to guide them through the process.  You may rely on the experience of industry professionals to aide you in determining where your selections will give you the most return.   

Recently, we had the opportunity to accompany a favorite client of ours to New York City to do some accessories purchasing.  This is a service we have offered in the past to many of our GunkelmanFlesher clients.  As projects near completion, we reach the point where we need to start working on that final layer of "finishing touches", and there's no better place than the wealth of treasures available in New York City.

New York is such an invigorating place…the urban pulse is unmatched anywhere else in the world, and the whole city just oozes with style.  While there, we were introduced to some of the most extraordinary shops, and unique showrooms in the country.  They have one-of-a-kind pieces that you just can’t find in some of the other larger Midwest cities.  But, you have to have an eye for sorting through the mountains of items to spot the true gems hidden everywhere.  New York is just packed with amazing, good quality, found objects. 

Here is just a small sample of a few special "finds" from the trip…

Pair of Antique Nickel Andirons- Masculine and yet elegant

Pair of decorative bronze antelope heads – I can’t explain it, I just love these!

Original collage by Roy Slamm titled ‘Hidden A’ – I love the colors and the composition.

It was such a gift to experience that trip.  Not only did we get the chance to forge many new relationships with storewoners and shop managers in New York, but we were re-energized by the chic style  and unmatched creativity that thrives there.   We plan to continue using these amazing resources for years to come, and our projects will truly benefit from the stylish selections that are available to us.

But, alas… of course not all great accessories must come from New York City.  There are an abundance of resources available both locally and in other nearby cities that have some wonderful objects as well.  Not to mention, some of the best accessories from projects past, are items that a client has found or collected over time, and we will often try to find a new location or original use for.  (Those are my personal favorite!).  

So keep this little tip in mind next time you tackle a renovation project, be sure to budget for accessories…because well-placed and well-selected objects really do make a world of difference in the end. 

Submitted by Marita Simmons