Gunkelmans Interior Design

A Day Brightener

Now with the holidays behind us and the decorations stored for another year, it's time to think about ways to freshen up your home.  Adding color is a great way to get through the winter doldrums and make everything seem fresh and new again.

Here are some simple ways in which to add color.

 
  

 

Even though a Kindle might be the way you read books now, look at this simple way in which books can create a look of beautiful art with their colorful bindings.

 

 

 
Artwork is another simple way to add bold color and images to a room.  

 
Colorful lamps can add a splash of color.

 

 

  
 A bit of color everywhere, tastefully done.

  
 
Even something as easy as changing the pillows on your sofa.  

Have you found your cheer bright spot today?

 

 

Images:  House Beautiful, Dwell, Architectural Digest, Christopher Spitzmiller, Circa Gallery

Lower Level Re-do in Star Tribune

Congratulations to Marita Simmons for being featured in the Star Tribune on Sunday, December 26th. 

 

The Star Tribune was intrigued by her re-do of the Magee's unfinished basement.   Taking it from an untouched wide open room to a cozy, modern family space that everyone from little kids to the adults can enjoy.

You can read the story here at Star Tribune.com along with the "before" image of the bar area.

Below are additional "Before and After" images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field Trip

 
Remember the days in grade school when the whole class would go on a field trip?  You couldn't wait to get out of the daily routine of school and feel like you were playing "hooky".   Yet, when you got back from your field trip, you realized that you not only had fun, but you learned something as well. 

 
Recently we took a field trip, sort of.  Our office closed for the day and we ventured over to IMS (International Market Square) our local design center. 

 

We set up meetings with several showrooms so they could show us the best in new products and services.   

 
And we all fell in love with these Oscar de la Renta fabrics!

 

 

It's great to get rejuvenated and inspired by new fabrics, wallcoverings, carpet, furniture and more!

 

And to learn about the latest and greatest in product and services our vendors have to offer.  (Aren't we a studious class!)

  

Now that we've expanded our design minds, we'd love to show you the best of what design has to offer.  Give us a call, we promise there won't be a test afterwards.  612.333.0526 

Holiday Host Gift Ideas

 

With holiday parties in full swing, finding that perfect hostess gift can be a daunting task at times.    We've compiled some of our favorites to share with you.

• A nice bottle of wine is a great gift.   We're partial to the O'Shaughnessy line of wines - they're wonderful!
• English Toffee is a gift that isn't your ordinary box of chocolates.   This to-die-for, melt-in-your mouth English Toffee is a box of goodness from Cora Lee Candies in Chicago.  We only wish they were closer!
• An ornament to add to the host's holiday tree will remind them year after year of the party and the fun time everyone had.
• Candles are always popular and these are a special collaboration between Farrow and Ball and Jo Malone.   Every home will smell lovely with these!
• Holiday music always gets everyone in the spirit of things!   With the popularity of Glee, why not give the gift of a Glee CD.
• How about a bag of specialty coffee.  The aromas will fill the home and make them feel extraordinary.
• If the host or hostess likes to cook, a nice cook book by Barefoot Contessa is always a great gift.   If they don't like to cook, find their interests and give a book that pertains to their likes.
• A container of organic hot chocolate by Lake Champlain would be perfect by the crackling fire.

Enjoy the season!

 

Give the Gift of Design

Looking for a fabulous gift to surprise someone you love?  How about a Gunkelmans Interior Design gift certificate!   

Need help in sprucing up your home for the holidays?  Give someone the gift of design time.

Did your daughter or son recently get married?  What a nice holiday gift to give them to help get their new home off to a beautiful start.

Does mom's house need some freshening up?  How about a gift certificate towards getting her some new pillows or rug to make her room look new again!

Our gift certificates can be used for our DesignLink services as well.    Learn more here. 

We have certificates in any denomination and can be used toward design services or product.  Give us a call, we're happy to help!   612.333.0526