Sunburst adds contemporary flair to Springfield interiors

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

Barry and Cynthia Hammond opened the doors on Sunburst Contemporary Furniture at 426 S. Jefferson 14 years ago. The idea for the business was an outgrowth of the couple's passion for the sleek, modern look of contemporary home furnishings and their lack of availability in the Springfield area.

The Hammonds both worked in advertising prior to opening the business. A blend of his design background and her experience in sales made the perfect combination for the venture.

Over the years, the Hammonds have built a clientele of repeat customers and referral business, according to Barry Hammond.

"We don't do much advertising," he said.

Contemporary design is more than just furniture and accessories, he said, it is a whole concept. People who are interested in this mode of decorating are up on the latest trends.

"It's the kind of thing you have to stay on top of to keep up with the constant and subtle changes," he added.

The Hammonds keep up on the latest through various trade publications and through trade shows held in the United States and Europe. Barry Hammond estimated about 40 percent of the products Sunburst carries are imported, mostly from Italy and Denmark. They try to make at least one foreign trade show every two years and as many American shows as they can fit into their schedules.

Although they occasionally have people fill in while they go to market, with only one regular employee, it is often impossible for both of them to get away together and one has to stay behind, Hammond said.

"Some amazing designs are coming into the U.S. now, not like anything seen before," he said.

Many new furnishings are sleeker and more streamlined, using vibrant colors and lots of metal, glass and leather.

Some people with traditional-style homes have incorporated the modern look to blend with what they have, but more often the contemporary fan seeks the total look, Hammond said.

"It's more of a lifestyle than just a type of decor," he added.

The Hammonds buy from local craftsmen whenever possible. Barry Hammond said there are several skilled furniture makers in this area who can custom build a piece to the buyer's specifications and deliver on a faster turnaround than companies who have to ship the merchandise from afar.

Contemporary furnishings generally cost more than traditional pieces because they are not mass produced, Hammond said.

He also buys accent pieces and art work from local artisans. Periodically he submits designs to Freddie Flores, a stone sculptor from Ash Grove, who creates tables and stands from the phenix marble produced at the Ash Grove quarry.

The distinctive artwork of local artist Robert E. Smith is also available at Sunburst. Often Hammond will pick the theme for a painting and Smith adds his unique interpretation.

Most pieces in the showroom are for display, although everything is available for sale if the customer wants it immediately. Usually buyers select from the display or choose from a whole library of catalogs, picking the colors and textures they want, then ordering the piece to their own specifications, Hammond said.

People up on contemporary trends are willing to wait the six- to eight-week delivery time to get exactly what they want.

Personal service is another characteristic of Sunburst. The Hammonds work with customers at their homes or businesses. They also work with a number of local architects and contractors on both new construction and rehabilitation projects.

Exciting new trends are moving the contemporary design industry swiftly toward the millennium. Resurrection of the '50s look has caught on, and interest is growing, Barry Hammond said. Designs from the '40s, '50s and even the '60s are being reproduced in the more streamlined style of the '90s. Cylinder light globes and chrome-plated tube chairs are among the pieces coming back, he said.

The industry catch phrase that refers to the resurgence of these periods is retro design. Some connoisseurs recognize the various designs or designers and ask for them by name, while others scurry to the attic to retrieve and refurbish that brass pole lamp from the '50s.

Wood mixed with aluminum is becoming popular on some accent pieces, and lacquered inlay pieces are always in demand, Hammond said.

Most stuffed contemporary furniture is upholstered in solid colors. Lots of neutral colors and primary colors are used to make the pieces blend easily with accessories.

Area rugs are also increasingly popular. Intricate designs and rich colors can pick up the tones and hues of the room and pull the furnishings together for an eye-pleasing, yet livable setting, he added.

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