Here’s the Secret to Sourcing the Best Midcentury Furniture in the Country
Chicagoland, here you come!
As seen on episode 4 of our HGTV show
Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House?
Commit this name to memory: Modern Hill Furniture.
Early in the Cheap Old Houses team’s conversations for Lucy and Richard’s house in Cambridge, NY, there was a consensus: let’s stretch our mid-century muscles! Modern Hill Furniture, based outside Chicago in McCook, IL, was on our radar from our sister account, CIRCA Old Houses. Not only were co-owners Barry Louks and Mike Solan eager to support our design team, they upped the ante by proposing to outfit an entire room. How could we say no?!
Midcentury Dreamland
It started with a nightstand. After stumbling upon a beautiful single side table in a shop locally, we sent a reference image to Barry and Mike who, experts that they are, immediately knew the design and maker *and* recognized the piece from their own inventory. Our first success: reuniting two Cavalier-brand walnut nightstands. And complementing them, a pair of mid-century lamps.
To round out the bedroom, our team selected the Kent Coffey Perspecta Mid-Century walnut headboard and Jack Cartwright-style Ramseur Mid-Century walnut and brass highboy dresser.
Homeowners Richard and Lucy react to their primary bedroom with mid-century style courtesy of Modern Hill Furniture.
We knew each piece would arrive in New York in perfect condition—Modern Hill Furniture is not only a retailer, they have a comprehensive restoration practice. Before hitting the warehouse floor, their team cleaned and sanded down to remove chips, dents or scratches. Then, it’s checked to ensure all moving parts are functioning as they should, drawers and pulls alike, and repairs are completed. Next, a fresh coat of stains and final coat—shiny or flat, your choice. And that’s it, the piece is ready for the showroom.
As the bedroom was coming together, our team couldn’t help but spread the mid-century joy throughout the house, deciding to anchor the foyer with the striking Mid-Century acrylic high pile blue and beige rug. And in the dining room, a stunning highboy.
Photos: Stephanie Munguia for Cheap Old Houses.
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