Glancing at Modern One’s dealer page, one immediately notices that all the items for sale have exquisite modern lines and curves, but with surprising details that make each piece unique. Modern One’s proprietor Benjamin Storck began the gallery and showroom in 1994 to have a place to display what he calls “obsessive collecting habits and interest in 20th century design.”
While 14 years is impressive for any business, Storck’s love of antiques and vintage finery began much earlier than 1994. Considering himself “blessed with an eye for beautiful and valuable objects,” Storck claims that around age seven he began making money by choosing for jewelers and antique dealers around town. Soon after, Storck says it turned into a full out passion, and at age 14 he began collecting and dealing in 20th century art and design objects. Even more surprising than a 14-year-old antiques dealer is perhaps a 17-year-old vintage store owner, which is the age at which he opened his first store. Recently graduated from high school, he was so young he had to have his parents cosign the lease. On his experience since the first store: “It has been a wondrous and continual learning process.”
Few can argue that Storck wasn’t absolutely born to deal with gorgeous furniture, and in viewing Modern One’s wares, one can also get a taste of Storck’s own personal style, which he describes as a “range from late 19th century folk art to 21st century contemporary design.” He says his favorite style and period is 1940's French, citing designers Jean Royère, Jacques Adnet, and Jean Prouvé as favorite designers. “I love the romance and beauty…I find the work to be modern yet transitional. It bridged a gap from some of the harder Deco lines and stuffy Victorian styles to more streamlined and organic form with elegance.”
Storck, along with his stylish and knowledgeable manager Marty Sabo, manage two of Modern One’s physical showrooms, which reside in two different cities. The original location is in Los Angeles and is over 6000 square feet, and a second location of 4500 square feet calls Lambertville, New Jersey its home. If you think Storck’s love of design could fit into just two stores, you’d be wrong! Modern One can also claim a 6000 square foot warehouse, a primary residence in Palm Springs and a house in New Jersey. “Every painting, sculpture, furniture, objet, is mine. It can be tiresome and foreboding at times, but I love it and wouldn't have it any other way!”
He says both of his homes are Mid-Century Modernist houses, and feature great stories themselves. The primary residence in Palm Springs was custom designed by William Krisel and constructed by the Alexander Company for Peter Lawford and Patricia Kennedy in 1960. A single level house, he says it’s very typical of modernist case study houses of that time period. His home in New Jersey was designed by the famed architect Jules Gregory, and features an interesting double conoid roof made of pine slats and over 100 windows. Storck believes the roof on his New Jersey home may have been either designed by or at least influenced by George Nakashima, who was apparently friends with Gregory. Storck suggests checking out Nakashima's Conoid Studio for inspiration.
Spoken like a true lover of design, Storck says there’s no one style or design period he could do without: “I really don't have objection to any periods or designs. I appreciate them all as they each have their distinct nuances and contributions of import to the art and design world.”
Storck’s design philosophy, as well as that of Modern One, is simple: he loves beautiful things! His philosophy also affects his advice for homeowner’s trying to get into antiques or vintage furniture: “Look for rarity and quality first! Ultimately, you have to love it. But if you're going to make an investment, why have what everyone else does? Get something more unique, less produced and highly sought after. It certainly adds to the allure and prestige of the piece.” And while the question of where Storck finds all the gorgeous pieces was asked (hey, we had to try), his mouth is shut! Though he did promise (or tease) to reveal his secrets one day in a book!In the meantime, check out Modern One on 1stdibs to get great ideas and inspiration for your own home!
