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

I recently Andrew and I attended the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in NYC.   Known as ICFF, it is a furniture show where new and innovative furniture designers show their exciting new goods. 

Many vendors have been around for several years, but at this show they showcase their exciting new products.  Such was the case with the Richard Schultz line of outdoor furniture.  

This newly styled addition to the 1966 Collection, which was originally created for Florence Knoll in 1966, is a beautiful addition to the collection.  The Richard Schultz line is one of my all time favorite outdoor furniture lines, and I have used it in many projects over the years.

At ICFF there was also new lighting that I was very drawn to.  Lighting can be like adding sculpture to a room.   Some of my favorites were the Branching Bubble Chandelier from Lindsey Adelman Studio

And the hand blown glass Happy Kiss lights from Caleb Siemon and Carmen Salazar

There were many quality new products shown this year, making it a worthwhile experience.   I take pleasure in attending these shows as it keeps GunkelmanFlesher at the forefront of new and creative design, allowing us to bring them into your life.  

By Tom Gunkelman

We recently completed this Fargo, ND project for a long time client of Tom Gunkelman.  They lived with his original design for about 30 years when they were ready for a change.

Our task was to completely rethink the color scheme, furnishings, floor coverings, fabrics and art while keeping a thought to the history of some of their current pieces.  The end result is a meld of the old and new, antiques, reproductions and a few new pieces with modern lines.

A new sleek wing chair and antique table we refinished espresso.

The Hall and Staircase were lined in a natural grasscloth wall covering above the chair rail to soften the large space.

The Dining Room was full of family heirlooms which we accentuated with a custom hand painted wall covering.

A painting by Randy Reeves was commissioned for the formal staircase.

submitted by Karen McKay

photography by John Borge