Great finds

 Anyone looking to feather their nest for fall will absolutely lose themselves at the newly opened Great Finds Gallery in Strongsville.

Darling seasonal home décor—pillows and pumpkins and wreaths, oh my—fine furniture, vintage collectibles, antiques, wall art, vases, sculptures, mirrors, tableware, wood signs, barware, jewelry and lighting are charmingly staged with those who have a devout reverence for their home in mind.

“We offer everything needed to create a home that’s harmonious, intentional and well-loved,” says owner Bill Brenner. “When it comes to furniture, we’re seeing younger buyers have an appreciation for vintage design and craftsmanship. These pieces are works of art with loads of character and built to last.”

What’s Trending?

“This time of year, we’re bringing in holiday pieces, nature-inspired elements, woodland motifs and luxury delights in metallics and jewel tones,” he says. “Right now, the trend with decorative pumpkins, made in cozy textural materials like felt and velvet, is to place them under cloches for an upscale touch.”

Gallery walls are trending, too. The shop has a room devoted to wall art where they can help you put together your own wall of fame that balances sophistication and eye-appeal.

“The style has evolved from matchy-matchy groupings to orchestrating an eclectic array of sizes, colors, shapes and styles that are reflective of the person,” he adds.

Another hot designer trend—live edge tables—are found here. Since Bill bought the woodworking equipment and wood to make them himself, the to-die-for tables are actually affordable.

Nothing says “come in and stay awhile” like an impossibly adorable greeter dog meeting you at the door. Six-year-old pug Otis checks that box with his tender tail wags and chipper demeanor.

Masters at Downsizing

Through his sister business, Great Finds Estate Liquidations, Bill and his longtime staff are wizards at helping clients transition through life, often due to one of the four Ds (debt, divorce, downsizing, death).

“We are a trusted and seasoned operation to simplify your next chapter in life,” he says. “We often act as a neutral buffer between children and their aging parents, who are emotionally attached to their things. Taking away the apprehension of divesting yourself of treasures you’ve taken a lifetime amassing, we assist from start to finish and handle all the details, which can be overwhelming for families. In the end, we maximize the value of their assets.”

They do everything from full or partial estates and online estate auctions to full service clean-outs and moving services.

“Through our auctions, we are able to get value for all sorts of things,” says Bill. “In fact, tonight we are taking final bids for a 1961 Corvette.”

And as a full-service company, he says it often helps seniors stage their new abodes.

“I spent the first part of my career in senior living and home care,” he adds. “It’s a natural for me to work with seniors through estate liquidation. I’ve always had a passion for helping others. My caring staff shares that feeling. We are like a crazy little family, having fun being invested in what we do.”

He reports the family is on the grow. Patrice Catan, designer, entrepreneur and CEO of Catan Fashions, is joining the operation to help clients with staging.

“She’s a creative genius when it comes to interior design,” says Bill. “Check our website or Facebook page for an announcement of classes she will be starting in January called ‘Downsizing with Patrice.’”

Great Finds Gallery is located within a shopping plaza next to Slim & Chubby’s restaurant at 12482 Prospect Road in Strongsville. For more information, call 440-638-4012 or visit GFEstateLiquidation.com or its Facebook page.