2021 ASID Awards: An Honor + A Win
We’re popping open the bubbly and clinking our glasses with cheer in celebration of not one but two 2021 ASID Awards; the Tom Gunkelman Legacy Award, given to Lucy, + First Place Residential – Multiple Rooms/Entire Residence that has us singing with exuberant excitement.
A SPECIAL DISTINCTION
On November 11th, ASID Minnesota held their annual Design Excellence Awards. What a wonderful surprise it was to receive the Tom Gunkelman Legacy Award for Mentorship. This award is given to someone who facilitates personal and professional growth of sharing knowledge and insights. It creates a one-of-a-kind opportunity for collaboration, goal achievement and problem-solving.
Tom Gunkelman was a true design icon in both Minneapolis, MN and in Fargo, ND. Classically rooted in architecture and design, Tom loved Knoll and everything modern. His clients were savvy art collectors and loved Tom’s design expertise. He was known for his charisma, style, and flair for fashion. And he was highly regarded by those who had the distinct pleasure of being a part of his personal and professional life. It’s safe to say that everyone fell in love with Tom.
I met Tom as a design student while interning at his Minneapolis firm, Gunkelman’s Interior Design. Glued to Tom’s side, I couldn’t get enough of his knowledge, style and commitment to excellence. Upon graduation, I jetted off to Boston, Chicago and New York City to gain experience and explore the world of design but returned to Minneapolis to rejoin Gunkelman’s and continue my mentorship under Tom’s wing. I loved watching him pull fabrics + schemes and work in our design library. Mostly I loved watching him work so comfortably with his clients. They LOVED him.
Tom was always supportive of his team and instilled great confidence in all of us. He had impeccable style and a big heart and encouraged all of us to be involved with ASID and the greater community. In 2005, I took a leap of faith by leaving Gunkelman’s to start my own firm; Tom was my biggest fan. I will always be grateful for his support.
It is a tremendous honor to be given the Tom Gunkelman Legacy Award for Mentorship. It is a tribute to the guidance and encouragement Tom gave to me and so many others.
AND THE WINNER IS…
ASID Awarding Winner Old Cabin Door
It was a delight to receive a First Place ASID award for our Old Cabin Door renovation; a project that Design Director Stephanie Lalley and her hubby Dan whipped into a masterpiece. At 200 year’s old, this 475 sq. ft cabin was in need of a refresh. One that accommodates a family of four and all the generations to follow.
There was a lot to be done, starting with the kitchen. Steph and Dan reworked the disjointed layout by relocating an original wood stove to the living space. This created room for a designated dining area + symmetrical cabinetry that was built from repurposed rough-cut pine, salvaged from the walls and ceilings.
Kitchen Before and After
Hopping on over to the living room, Steph and Dan optimized every inch to accommodate both socializing and bedtime. Games, reading, and listening to music by the fire moves seamlessly into sleepy time with a pull-out sofa for the kids. A custom platform bed is a space saver for the bedroom, which includes a headboard wall that’s used for additional storage, as well as displaying artwork.
Living Space Before and After
An existing half bath was given a happy upgrade to capture square footage from an awkward adjacent bunk space. This in turn made way for a new shower (yay!) and much needed storage.
With a refreshed interior palette, including all new white-oak floors, this old cabin became new again through simple yet intentional furnishings, modern and clean lines, and creamy white walls.
For the exterior, the original logs were carefully repaired and spruced up with an opaque forest green stain to harmonize with the surrounding environment. Plumbing and electrical were updated to meet code requirements. Additional upgrades were completed to insulate and protect overall. And as a special homage to this old cabin, the horseshoe that hung over the original door remains in place as a link to the past and good luck for the future.
Exterior Before and After
Maya Angelou once said, “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” These words hold true for us at Lucy Interiors. To give cheerfully is what we love most. And we accept gratefully these truly wonderful acknowledgements.