Michele Dunker Interiors

Another Great Effort; Behind the Scenes at Michele Dunker Interiors

2012-02-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

Working hard on a proposal for a hotel project coming up

Having a conversation about a great plan

Another great shot behind the scenes

Thanks team!

WISHING YOU A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!

2011-12-05T10:50:00.001-08:00

Katie, Michele, Jessie and Shauna

The Cove Install

2011-11-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

Before each client installation, a preliminary set up is done in the cove out in our studio. We do this to make sure the set-up and scale of things are all working together. Here are some the the exciting new pieces we have been designing and decorating with lately. Enjoy!

Furnishings and fabrics available through Michele Dunker Interiors.

Why does Michele love a double island?

2011-09-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

1. Double Islands in the kitchen are the perfect solution for our hectic lives! They provide ample space for working, eating and creating. Kids can be doing homework on one island, while mom is cooking dinner on the next.

Dunker Home- Michele Dunker Interiors Visual Comfort Lighting, Tozai Accessories, Brian Kershisnik art, Chinese Chippendale railing, floral by Andi Saxton Event Planning and Floral Design.

2. Double Islands are ideal for parties and entertaining. Guests flock to kitchen's during parties; this makes ample counter space and seating crucial. Drinks and appetizers can be set on one island and party goers can sit at the other.

Dahle Home- Michele Dunker Interiors. Donghia Grass Wallcovering, Walker Zanger Backsplash, Tufenkian Runner by Barbara Barry with Caesarstone countertops. Florals by Andi Saxton Event and Floral Design.

3. Double Islands are fun! Character and function, what more can you ask for in a kitchen design?

Norman Home- Michele Dunker Interiors Visual Comfort Lighting

We think this quote captures perfectly the function our our kitchens.

"....We have to begin with a clear vision of what a kitchen should be. some of us dream of a workroom entertainment space designed for hands-on cooking whenever a crowd convenes. Others want a glamorous showplace filled with professional-quality appliances. For many families, the kitchen needs to be a "mission control room"-- A casual dining space, homework head-quarters, and meal-preparation area all rolled into one. And for those who do not cook , the kitchen may just be a place to chill champagne and make espresso. But whatever your personal kitchen fantasies and functional requirements are, we believe the kitchen design should fit in seamlessly with the style of the rest of your home."-Decorating Master Class, The Cullman & Kravis way

The Details

2011-08-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

Interior Design is one of the few professions where you are invited into peoples lives and invited to alter their personal spaces. The finishing touches that are added into these spaces are what make the design complete and the client feel at home.

Charlotte Moss said, "...People's live are expressed in little details....The soap in the bathroom, the flowers in the garden, the books on the bedside table are all strong symbols of a life in progress. You look at these details and a world unfolds - here are their books, the paintings they cherish, the music that soothes their souls."

Here are a few things we surround ourselves with daily to keep the design process flowing!

This vintage gold elephant was gifted to Jessie by her friends. It is something that makes you smile every time you look at!

I love fresh flowers! Since the probability of keeping flowers alive in the office is pretty low, I settle for these beautiful faux arrangements. They brighten up any space and keep things looking fresh.

What do you surround yourself with that makes you happy?

Would you wear it??

2011-06-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

One of the go-to questions we always ask clients when they are trying to decide if they like a certain color palette, pattern, etc. for their home is: would you wear it? Our clothes define our personal style probably better than anything else, and a good indication of what we feel comfortable in.

If you think colorful clothes are key...

You'll probably enjoy a room with a bit of boldness!

If you have a knack for neutrals...

You might prefer to settle into a softer palette.

And if you prefer patterns...

Some lovely lines may be to your liking.

Just like our homes, we spend a lot of time living in our clothes! It's no wonder fashion & interior design translate so easily!

Timeless Black and White

2011-06-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

Coco Chanel once said, "Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity." Coco was the queen of poise, simplicity and elegance. It is this attitude that we should adopt when viewing our interior spaces. Black and White are timeless and work in perfect contrast with one another. We have been seeing black and white everywhere. It is so "Coco". We love it!

Designer Picks

2011-06-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

When we were in Denver on our design trip, we picked up a few rolls of these wonderful Romo fabrics. They are fresh, light and have the most amazing colors!

A duvet cover is currently being made for Michele's son's room in this fabric. We are so excited to see the finished product!

These fabrics are the perfect way to transform your house and get ready for summer!

A Recent Project: Upholstered Sofa Screen

2011-05-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

At Michele Dunker Interiors we are constantly being inspired by the work of other designers and the creativity that is out there in the world of design. Often when looking for a solution to a specific design problem we turn to the magazines. Recently we did just that when searching for a way to add height to a sofa and provide privacy in a space with a large window. We came across these photos and knew that an upholstered screen would work perfectly!

Here is our adaptation. A Michele Dunker Interiors custom designed upholstered sofa screen! Just like we planned, the screen made the sofa appear visually taller and provided a sleek alternative to window treatments. We were very pleased with how well this turned out and how much it added to the look and feel of the space.

Recent Design Trips

2011-05-13T14:11:00.001-07:00

Let's just stop the rumor right now; Michele Dunker Interiors is here to stay! Recently we have been flirting with the idea of opening a second Michele Dunker Interiors location in Park City,Utah; however, our current location will remain in Logan.

While the location of the company may be staying put, Michele Dunker Interiors has recently been busy traveling the United States! We have filled our minds with inspiring designs created by designers across the U.S. and are thrilled to bring them back to our clients.

Michele went on her yearly Art & Architecture Tour where she toured five private homes in the Beverly Hills area. Organized by Los Angeles County Museum of Arts and presented by the Art Museum Council, this exclusive tour features homes which have been chosen for their unique and exquisite art collections as well as for their architectural design. (losangelesrealestatevoice.com)

Next, the office shut down for a few days as everyone here at Michele Dunker Interiors traveled to Denver to Town Studios for their Designer Event. Frank Carfaro, Ted Boerner and Laura Kirar spoke about their design process from inspiration to realization.

The featured designers and us. (Picture left to right Shauna Spencer, Jessie Lambourne, Ted Boerner, Frank Carfaro, Laura Kirar and Michele Dunker)

Laura Kirar's Desing Inspiration Board

Michele chatting with Ted Boerner.

After the designer event we were invited to a private dinner at the owner of Town Studio’s residence. It was such a treat to mingle with the designers and see his beautiful home. His house was featured in the October 2010 issue of Elle Décor. Here are a few of our favorite parts of the Denver trip.

Outdoor pool and lounge area.

Living room, everything was so gorgeous we just had to have our own little photo shoot.

This was the front entry of his home, it had the most amazing accessories!

No closet is too big or too small to be custom. His closet was immaculate.

The trips were so fun and inspiring for all of us here at Michele Dunker Interiors!

2011-01-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

(Pictured above from left to right: Michele Dunker, Marguerite Henderson, Tamara Pluth, Marilyn Kalbach)

Recently Michele took a french cooking class from Marguerite Henderson. Michele was pleasantly surprised by the size of this successful chef's kitchen. This inspired us to think about our Kitchens and what purpose they have in our homes. Describing his friend's dining room, Mark Hampton said:

" Most important to the Kempners are the food and the guests, the real point of the room, after all. Here is where the talent of the host and hostess lies. We should all remember that dining

rooms are really stage sets. The decorating job isn't finished until there is a meal on the table and the people on hand to bring the whole thing to life. In order for a dining room to have any heartbeat at all, it has to be used. How often you use it and the variety of the table settings and menus you are capable of producing determines the true success of the room. "

You don't have to have an elaborate dining room or kitchen to create an atmosphere of luxurious dining. Make the kitchen a place to eat and a gathering area to relax and converse. Set out a variety cheese platter with a large bunch of grapes or tray filled with delectable breads before you serve the main meal.

Next time you entertain, try a new recipe, stage your kitchen as a place to gather and enjoy the opportunity to explore your creative instincts. Pictured below from left to right: Thyme Honey Mustard Slow Roasted Pork Loin on Bed of Cannellini Beans, Kale and Tomatoes, Roquefort Walnut Apple Salad with Caramelized Shallot Dressing and Vichyssoise (warmed potato leek soup)
Marguerite's classes and times can be found at http://www.margueritehenderson.com/classes. Sign up today!

2010-12-10T15:22:00.001-08:00

Holiday Design Workshop 2010!

2010-11-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

This year's holiday design workshop will be held at Acalade, the new event center at Hamilton's. Come enjoy a night filled with fun holiday tips presented by Michele Dunker Interiors, Andi Saxton Florals, and Justin Hamilton.
The program for the evening will include rotating workshops on the following:
Easy Entertaining by Justin Hamilton
All Things Ribbon by Andi Saxton
Heartfelt Gifts by Michele Dunker Interiors
Holiday Decorating/Signature Color by Michele Dunker Interiors

Appetizers and drinks will be served throughout the night.

Come join us and bring a friend! Pre-registration dates and admission prices are as follows:
$45 per person if registered by Nov. 13th
$50 per person registration Nov. 14th-17th
Register by calling 435.713.0561
Space is limited so register soon!

Designer Picks!

2010-09-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Our Designer Pick for this month is pillows! Constantly being exposed to what is new and fresh in the design world I find myself wanting to change things around my house ALL the time. Pillows are something that can change an entire space without breaking your budget. Pillows from Chooty & Co. are offered in a wide variety of colors and patterns. These pleasing pillows will be sure to add a touch of flair to any room and keep you coming back for more!

Call or come in today for pricing and ordering information!435.713.0561

Giveaway Winner!

2010-09-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

And our winner for the September Giveaway is... SHALA!
Congratulations!

Come by our office at 656 N 600 W, or call anytime between 9-5 to arrange shipping. 435.713.0561

Our next giveaway will be October 4th so tell your friends!

Monthly Giveaway!

2010-08-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Mark Hampton said of flowers, "Even the most hardened philistine seems to love flowers. They are what we present as tokens of our love. We wear them. We ornament our houses with them. They are fitting decorations for our most august occasions-weddings and funerals. So it is extremely rewarding to be able to grow and possess the tangible beauty of flowers". As fall approaches and the last of your summer flowers die, this faux flower arrangement won't! It is the perfect accent to any bedside table. Good luck!

Giveaway closes Friday, September 10th. Winner will be announced Monday, September 13th.

Getting out in the Community: Bear River Charter School Service Project

2010-08-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

When Cache Valley Learning Center went from a private school to Bear River Charter School , they decided they needed to make the students environment more conducive to learning and give the school a face lift. Upon hearing this, Michele decided to donate her and her staff’s time to making this new look come to life.

Drawing inspiration from the exciting colors in a crayon box, we used splashes of blue, purple and green to transform the walls into exciting visual points. Large frame borders were painted around juvenile art boards to clean up the space and make the boxes pop off the wall. Black accents on trimming and heat registers added a refined sophisticated look that tied everything together. Bear River Charter School’s mission statement states that they will “provide a positive, dynamic, social and educational environment everyday.” The end result is a wonderful place that will aid in doing all those things!

BEFORE

AFTER

This project was a great way to get out in the community and give back to those who make it so we can keep doing what we love! Thanks everyone!

The Inside Scoop of Interior Designers

2010-08-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

We read this in Mark Hampton's book on decorating and had to laugh because it is SO true. Here is a beautifully written insight into interior designers jobs - the not so glamorous side.

"The telephone rings. "We would like to talk to you about decorating our apartment." What does a decorator think? First, you wish you could see the person and the apartment at the other end of the line, because sometimes a decorator and a client can never achieve rapport in the realm of taste. After that, you wonder whether the caller is interviewing dozens of other decorators and whether she has just had a falling out wither her current decorator. In any case, the first phone call is not a point at which you are filled with cheerful anticipation. You usually rely on that very uncertain realm of impressions made by a voice, then consult your calendar and either make or not make an appointment."

Let's forget about the false starts and the misfires because this is about the sort of experience that makes the business of interior decorating worth all the headaches that seem to be part of the job. You do know about the headaches: horrible delivery lags, dye lots that are wrong, orders that are lost and never processed, worse still, orders that are incorrectly filled. And this short list does not include one's own mistakes, those self induced headaches."

And the list goes on... we were just glad to hear that even the most well known designers have the same ordering issues we do:)

Top 5 things to spend your money on

2010-07-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

Where should you splurge? (In no particular order)

Flooring - Invest in a good carpet, we love wool! And if you are going the vinyl route, there are some great products out there that are just pennies more than the cheap linoleum that will make all the difference.

Upholstery - If you have a stellar sofa and chairs, you can really find inexpensive casegoods and have a really good looking living room.

Countertops - Having a good countertop makes all the difference. Something that is durable and lasts forever and looks beautiful will really make your cabinets look amazing.

Finish Work - Can make a house look like a million dollar home if you spend just a little more adding in the crown molding, doing a little shadowboxing, and beefing up your headers.

Lighting - People walk into a home and notice the light fixtures. You can set your house apart just by the lighting you choose to put in it.

Giveaway Winner

2010-06-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

And the winner for our June Giveaway is Heidi!!!!
Congratulations!

Come by our office at 656 N. 600 W. anytime between 9-5 or call to arrange shipping. 435.713.0561

Our next giveaway will be July 12th!

June Giveaway!

2010-06-17T12:06:00.001-07:00

It is time again for our monthly giveaway! This month we are so excited to give away this beautiful leaf bowl. It is the perfect white accessory for any room, and will surely add some glam to your space.
Giveaway closes Friday June, 25 Winner Announced Monday June, 28

Blue Houses

2010-05-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love this blue house?! This house is in Salt Lake City and it is a showstopper! The blue, white and green together is so stunning! We love blue houses!

And the Giveaway Winner Is. . .

2010-05-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

Kate from Kate's Online Space!!!
Come by anytime from 9-5 to pick up your fun new tray! Or call to arrange shipping. 435.713.0561
Address: 656 N. 600 W. Logan, UT

Our Next giveaway will be on June 14th!

May Giveaway!

2010-05-10T15:23:00.001-07:00

We are beginning a series of monthly giveaways that is beginning this month! You won't want to miss out. Each month we will be giving away an accessory. All you have to do to win is go to the blog and leave a comment. A winner will be chosen at random!

Don't you just love this white tray! It is so fresh and would look great in any space! Trays are perfect for bathrooms to hold soaps or perfumes. They are also great on nightstands to set your jewelry and accessories in. We love to keep a tray by the back door for a perfect spot to keep your keys. The options are limitless! Make a comment on this post for a chance to win!

Who doesn't love a good BEFORE & AFTER!!

2010-05-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

FAMILY ROOM

LAUNDRY ROOM

WOW! What a difference! This is one of our big house remodels that is happening right now. We can't wait to have a photo shoot and show you the finished product!! We have had so much fun working on this house, the clients are GREAT! They have allowed us some freedom in design and in turn have received an amazing project!

Bring Spring Inside Early

2010-03-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

By Jake Young: Landscape Architect
Forcing flowering plants to bloom early inside your home is a fantastic way to kick-start Spring into action. By cutting branches from flowering trees and shrubs and bringing them inside you can force them to bloom earlier (February to March) than normal. This is a good antidote to the Winter blues while you wait for Spring to come. The most common residential and commercial plants for forcing blooms are: Forsythia (Forsythia spp.), Crab apple (Malus spp.), Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana), Lilac (Syringa spp.), Flowering Almond or Cherry (Prunus spp.), Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Spirea (Spiraea spp.), and fruit trees.

In general cut branches in late February or March. Choose branches with character such as curves, twists, and shoots with lots of flowering buds, this will provide for an interesting show. Flowering buds are more plump than leaf buds. Most people like cut stems that are 24-36 inches in length, but this will depend on the type of vase and arrangement you have planned. Start with longer branches, you can cut them to a size you need when arranging them in the container. Cut a few more than you think you might need. Cut branches and bring them inside the home, a second slit cut will need to be made just above the previous cut. If the outside temperature is below freezing it is a good idea to place the branches in slightly warm water for a few hours. Place the branches in a container with water and move to a non-sunny location inside the home (temperature should be 60-70 degrees). Floral preservatives can be added to lengthen bloom duration and quality. When buds start to show (1-8 weeks) move to a sunny location and enjoy!

- Jake Young

Jake Young is a Landscape Architect with Three Men & A Shovel Landscaping LLC. He does residential and commercial landscape design, site-design, and land-use planning. He can be reached at 435.232.8615 or Jake@ThreeMenLandscaping.com
Pictures source: www.GardenDesign.com

Chapel Hill Homes

2010-03-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

There is something to be said about a home with character. A recent trip to Chapel Hill, NC proved to be an inspirational adventure. Walking around the quaint little neighborhoods that are tucked behind Franklin Street and neighbor the beautiful grounds of UNC was a treat indeed. Here are some of those inspirational photos.

Item of the Week

2010-03-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

Item of the Week - We love this mirror! We have used this bamboo framed mirror for many projects. It always seems to give any space just the right touch. It can become traditional, transitional, and even looks good in a contemporary space. It is a great vertical mirror that makes a fantastic vanity mirror.

Dimensions: 29" W X 42" H
Price: $299.00 + shipping
To order: call 435.713.0561 or email info@micheledunkerinteriors.com

2010-02-11T15:51:00.000-08:00

BEFORE

AFTER

We are lovin' the new bathroom remodel!!! Construction just finished on one of our client's bathrooms. We kept the tile in the tub and on the floor the same and just did a little sprucing up with a new vanity, new paint and a new light fixture. What a difference!!

Fun Fabrics!

2010-02-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

Around here we love a good link fabric! Whether it be a Kelly Wearstler or a Barbara Berry, we are in love with pattern and color. Recently we did a clubhouse in Salt Lake where we used Kelly Wearstler's Imperial Trellis fabric as Roman Shades.

New Logo

2010-01-08T09:28:00.001-08:00

A new logo for a brand new year! We are now officially using the name Michele Dunker Interiors.

Sneak Preview

2010-01-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

Just a small sneak peak at our nearly completed Dental Office! We had the awesome opportunity to start this project before construction - the best time to hire a designer. We did all the cabinetry design, the lighting design, specified the paint, carpet, tile, wallpaper and are excited to install furniture on Friday!

A Huge Success

2009-12-15T10:29:00.001-08:00

Our Holiday Night of Design was a huge success. We had a wonderful dinner catered by Hamilton's Steakhouse followed by design workshops given by many companies in the Logan community. The decor was beautiful with all the sparkling ornaments hanging from the ceiling and the over sized sheer drapes hanging through out the space. Thank you for all those who attended, we look forward to hosting the event next year!

2009-11-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

To help Logan get into the Holiday Spirit, The Medici Company is putting on a Holiday Evening of Workshops all about Home Decor for the Holidays, Festive arrangements and of course, Holiday cooking! We are excited about the event and hope to have you join us!

LasVegas World Market

2009-09-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

We had the awesome opportunity to head down to sunny Vegas and attend the World Market for Interior Designers. We were so inspired looking at all the beautiful showrooms! We came back with a hand full of new vendors and an eagerness to order in all the beautiful new furniture that was presented!!

Another inspiring aspect of market was meeting all the famous designers! We were able to attend panels and lectures from some of the worlds leading designers and were left ready to conquer the world of design. One of our favorites was the British designer Nina Campbell. www.ninacampbell.com
Spunky and southern, Charlotte Moss sat on a panel about the changing world of design. She gave some great advice talking about passing trends that may be less than perfect. She stated, "if it is not good design. . . don't do it." www. charlottemoss.com

We went to a breakfast and met Jamie Drake and David Easton. We were the first ones there and got to chat about design and take a quick picture.

That's us!

2009-09-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

A lot of people may not know, that we are a design firm that does exteriors too! Michele Dunker Interiors is responsible for the unique classic style of homes that continue to populate Logan and the Salt Lake area. We like to design and build classic homes that don't date themselves. A good exterior with architectural details will catch anyone's eye as they drive past. Take a look!

A few good lamps

2009-08-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

Picking out a good lamp can be tricky - - but when you find the perfect lamp, your room becomes an amazing space. These are some of our favorites that have proved themselves time and time again.
Ooh. . . We love a shiny nickel or chrome to add some glam!

You can never go wrong with a celadon gourd lamp.An awesome lamp that can go contemporary or transitional!

Lamps available through Michele Dunker Interiors

Tip of the Day

2009-07-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

Moving on from all that Ivy

A trend that began sometime in the nineties for some unknown reason was to drape your home with as much ivy as possible. If you could possibly make your home look like your ivy trellised exterior, you had succeeded in Design. We had our ivy coming off our kitchen cupboards, on every bookshelf and nightstand and on any open ledge you could find. Thankfully we have moved on. Eliminating all plantlife and greenery would be a mistake, but there are a lot of plants that can add that fresh feeling to your home. We love to use orchids and little julip jars with a pot of rosemary or basil in the kitchen. Using plants and flowers will complete your space, for there is just something inviting about bringing the outside in.

What's the project this week?

2009-07-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

An ED HARDY expo booth?! That's right, this week we are designing and overseeing construction of an Ed Hardy expo booth . . . which will ship out to an expo in two weeks (talk about a deadline). We are super excited about the opportunity to let our creativity run wild and create something eye catching and extreme - a project that's let's us step out of the ordinary and take a walk on the Ed Hardy side. We would love to hear any of your awesome ideas!

Recent Photo Shoot - Sam's House

2009-07-02T10:05:00.001-07:00

There is just something beautiful about a home where there is attention to detail. Sam's House is defiantly a project where we made sure each detail was perfect. The tile patterns, the interior railings, the light fixtures and cabinet designs were all carefully chosen and custom designed for this house. We loved how it turned out and hope you enjoy the pictures!

Tip of the Day

2009-06-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Use more art and less mirrors

I think that a lot of us fall into a rut when picking the decor for our homes. We don't know what color will go best with what furniture and so the easy answer. . . a mirror. So often we walk into homes and see the walls covered in mirrors and the walls are barren of art. An occasional mirror can be a powerful piece, making a room feel larger or accenting a color or creating a feeling, but too much of a good thing can easily go wrong. Our suggestion. . . fill more of your walls with art and use mirrors sparingly. Art adds so much to a room and can bring in so much color and energy to a neutral room.

Showcase Home Sneak Peak

2009-06-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

Just a little sneak peak at one of our two 2009 showcase homes located in Millville, Utah. It has been a long time coming from the time we started working on this beautifully tiled home. With imported tile from China we designed each space in the home with a unique tile feature-- from the kitchen and the bathroom floors and backsplashes to the outdoor tile decks and the entertaining stage in the downstairs theater.

It is refreshing to walk into this home greeted with an elegant feeling created from the light walls and glistening tile work. The kitchen is our favorite color--white. It is so invited with it's clean lines and glass panels, peaking into the treasures behind the cupboards. We love the ceiling detail in the kitchen framing the large polished nickel lights.

What is this Blog About?!

2009-06-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

Our blog here at Michele Dunker Interiors is all about design. From the latest and greatest furniture, fabrics and textures to our latest and greatest projects. We also will share tips and design advice that we have found to be helpful through out our many years in the industry. We hope that you will enjoy our stories and find a passion for good design.