MODERNISM IN LOS ANGELES

Timeless Designs from the Past


In the postwar era, society was booming with innovation and optimism as people looked to the brighter future. The optimistic lifestyle of this time was materialized in the architecture and home furnishings from this era. Modernists created furnishings that projected what they believed would be like in the 21st Century. So isn’t it amazing that at the dawn of the next modernist furnishings are still as strong and relevant today as they were decades ago. This style brought us unique ways to use materials like fiberglass, metals and plastics in the home. It was the time when technology really started becoming an important element in designs to help "simplify life".

Listed below are some of the best places to find Modern furniture and accessories in Los Angeles today.

  1. Axel
    816 N. La Cienega Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90069
    310-360-5991
    20th Century design including furniture, lighting and decorative arts.
  2. Blackman-Cruz
    800 N. La Cienega Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90069
    310-657-9228
    Specializing in eclectic and dramatic 19th and 20th Century design, architectural pieces, lighting and art.
  3. Carla
    7466 Beverly Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90036
    323-932-6064
    50's, 60's and 70's furniture, decorative arts and rugs.
  4. Denmark 50
    7974 Melrose Ave.
    Los Angeles, California 90046
    323-650-5222
    Danish Modern furniture, lighting, ceramics and glass. 12,000 sq. ft. of showroom and warehouse, shipments direct from Denmark.
  5. Downtown
    719 N. La Cienega Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90069
    310-652-7461
    20th Century design.
  6. Dragonette Decorative Arts
    750 N. La Cienega Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90046
    310-855-9091
    A mid-century design shop featuring furniture, accessories, photography and art with an emphasis on "Hollywood Style".
  7. Emmerson Troop
    8111 Beverly Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90048
    323-653-9763
    From turn-of-the-century to mid-century, this store mixes Asian, modern, and French furnishings and objects with pieces from their own collection.
  8. Liz's Antique Hardware
    453 S. La Brea Ave.
    Los Angeles, California 90036
    323-939-4403
    Original antique hardware and lighting 1850-1970, contemporary hardware gallery.
  9. Modern One
    7956 Beverly Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90048
    323-651-5082
    The west coast's premier source for "high style" 20th Century furniture, lighting and decorative arts by noted architects and designers 1930-1970.
  10. Modernica
    7366 Beverly Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90036
    323-933-0383
    Vintage and new architectural furniture, lighting, accessories and art.
  11. OK
    8303 W. Third Street
    Los Angeles, California 90048
    323-653-3501
    Modern home furnishings, housewares, dinnerware, flatware, ceramics, glass, and design and architecture books
  12. Pat McGann
    748 N. La Cienega Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90069
    310-657-8708
    Art, antiques and 20th Century design, very eclectic.
  13. Sam Kaufman
    7965 Beverly Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90048
    323-857-1965
    www.samkaufman.com
    A gallery of widely varied vintage modernist objects, furniture, ceramics, sculpture and prints by names both famous and esoteric.
  14. Sonrisa
    7609 Beverly Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90069
    323-935-8438
    www.sonrisafurniture.com
    Specializes in mid-century steel furniture, desks, tables and chairs.
  15. Thanks for the Memories
    8319 Melrose Ave.
    Los Angeles, California 90069
    323-852-9407
    Art Deco, Streamline and mid-century furniture, lighting, accessories and jewelry by architects and designers.
  16. Twentieth
    8057 Beverly Blvd.
    Los Angeles, California 90048
    323-904-1200
    www.twentieth.net
    10,000 sq. ft. of elegance and style, blending both 20th and 21st Century designs, including the complete line of Vladimir Kagan furnishings.


Special Modernism Event!

What: The Los Angeles Modernism Show
A must for designers and collectors, admission includes all exhibits and repeat entry. Friday night gala includes hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer and repeat entry. Reservations requested. Presented by the Los Angeles Conservancy, which is dedicated to the recognition, preservation and revitalization of the architectural resources of greater Los Angeles. Tickets $10; $60 for gala preview.
When: May 10 - 12, 2002
Fri. preview gala 6 to 9 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
Main St. at Pico Blvd.
Information: Caskey-Lees & Olney: 310-455-2886
or www.caskeylees.com