Gunkelmans Interior Design Blog

When it comes to a good value in the design world today, I believe it is an important mixture of style,quality, and service. All three elements matter to me as a designer.

I try to diligently pay attention to my clients in expressing and elevating their STYLE. While I, personally, always develop a definite viewpoint and concept of how their space will function best and look beautiful, it becomes a wonderful success when the process reveals their personal style. The nicest comment I have heard recently came when a client’s daughter said,” Mom, it’s cool; it looks just like you!” Ah..music to a designer’s (and mother’s) ears!

“Style”, Richard Eberhardt says, "is the perfection of a point of view.”

In considering the QUALITY of fabrics,furniture and indeed, the framework of a client’s space, I tend to “think up”. I get much teasing on that thought!

But the truth is…fine quality speaks volumes. Do you remember the jingle,”The touch, the feel of cotton..the fabric of our lives”? Natural fibers are pure luxury..the saturated color of an Osborne & Little emerald green linen, a nubby textured Donghia wool or a distinctively patterned silk Ikat weave by Jim Thompson. Seek the best of what you can afford,and great personal style will fulfill the rest! I guarantee you will feel thrilled each time you enter your room.

The final element which I speak to is SERVICE. At first, I think about the qualities of timeliness, being thorough, and good courteous communication. But I believe there is more meaning to the word. Anya Hindmarch, the reknowned British handbag and shoe designer, recently opened Bespoke, a service and shop division of her company.

“What we’ve done with this new service is included all the things I am passionate about”, she says. “That means having the customer’s own name on the piece rather than the designer’s name; owning things that are old-fashioned and are about the passing of time; and making things that people want to keep for ever.” (from the British edition of HARPER’S BAZAAR,October 2009)

Perhaps this designer’s words reflects a nostalgic return to another time.."an era in which service and personalization were everything ". ( Same article,British HARPER’S BAZAAR).

But I pose the questions..could this type of service bring a new value to the designs of today? And could a thoughtful designer enhance the quality of client’s lives by this very type of stylish and original service?

I think so.

Submitted by Mary Hickey

Are you frustrated trying to figure out what and how to plan for that upcoming holiday party?    Not sure what you want your table to look like, what flowers to use, or how to style your house in general?

Call us, we’d love to help you decorate your home for that special occasion or even set your table with that unique centerpiece.   We can help you make your event memorable and stress free with an extraordinary look. 

I was recently in a Restoration Hardware store and was impressed with their new collection of furniture made from reclaimed timbers from Great Britain; factory carts, brickmaker's tables, etc.   The French Upholstered Wing Chair upholstered in Belgian linen with nail head trim made me want to toss out all my furniture and start over, working around two of these great little wing chairs!

We are currently working on a mountain house in Utah, which is an architectural mix of "European industrial" with Rustic Contemporary (for lack of a better term).  Our furnishings reflect a mix as well, using vintage items with an industrial feel mixed with clean lined classic pieces and a bit of modern thrown in.   Below are a few source ideas for the industrial look for those who might want to try this, but would like to venture outside of Restoration Hardware – admittedly at a higher price, but with a more unique look.

Get Back Inc in Connecticut has a great website with lots of inventory including factory carts, cast iron and wood tables, and vintage lighting.

Or check out Retrouvius in London, who carries a diverse selection of items including these great little wood and tubular steel chairs.    Doulton ceramic fireplace surrounds in various colors (love these!), pendant lights made from glass funnels with your choice of cord color, and this beautiful metal chair based on Gio Ponti's "Superleggera" design.

For that great wing chair you might try 1st Dibs or your local antique/consignment store.  It will be hard to beat the Restoration Hardware price, but it will be yours alone!

And the great thing about all of this is it's unique and it's totally "green"!

Submitted by Donneen Torrey