True Vintage

How to nd authentic mid-century modern artifacts for the home.

Words by Andrea Glinn |

Photos by Brynn Burns

Sourcing authentic mid-century modern furniture and accessories in Kansas City is not much of a challenge, thanks to the bounty of local vendors who do all the hard work of scouting and obtaining amazing artifacts for you! Because MCM relics are abundant, there are plenty of retail options at competitive prices and scouring Facebook Marketplace for deals might not be worth the hassle. Also, purchasing

Turn the page from legitimate dealers versus unverified individuals provides a level of accountability for the seller to be honest. If you are concerned with whether an item is a knock-off, new reproduction or an original antique and you canʼt tell by looking, just ask the seller. Collectors love the opportunity to talk about their goods!

Noguchi light sculptures are becoming increasingly popular because of their cool forms. A new Noguchi Akari 10A (pictured le ) retails for around $600, whereas a vintage one can sell for more than $10,000 on 1stDibs. Hare & Arrow was selling a pair of these authentic antiques for $1,250 each at the January market.

Donʼt pay high dollar for items without original tags or stickers; use online resources such as Chairish and 1stDibs as a pricing reference. There are a wide range of prices when shopping for antiques dependent not only on the condition of the item but on the notoriety of the manufacturer and designer. Typically, you should find local prices to be lower than what is online because sellers appreciate moving inventory without the hassle of shipping, and of course Midwestern prices are always lower than what you find on the coasts in larger urban markets where the demand is higher.

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MCM furnishings add charm and depth to a room by their inherently playful design, quality of materials and lively colors. Whether you are a purist or eclectic decorator, consider purchasing a cool, vintage treasure from one of these amazing resale shops found right here in KC!

Retro Inferno

By appointment and online inquiries at retroinferno.com

1500 Grand Blvd.

@retroinferno

Urban Mining Vintage Market

Open First Friday Weekends

3111 Gillham Road

@urbanminingvintagekc

Populuxe

Open weekends

3109 Gillham Road

@populuxekc

Hare and Arrow at Urban Mining

Pop-up and Artist Exhibits

@hareandarrow

Prize Warehouse Weekends and by appointment @prizekc

Le : A mid-century modern classic from the Broyhill Premier Brasilia line (product 6130-41). It is a walnut door chest also referred to as a gentlemen’s chest, made in the 1960s. Found at Populuxe.

Below: A vintage Peter Protzman armchair for Herman Miller, with flat tubular chrome frame and leather upholstery. Found at Urban Mining.

First impressions are everything, and the initial impressions that come to mind to describe this newly refreshed English Tudor lean more toward “modern charm” than perhaps “historic and handsome.” This is thanks to the dramatic change the designer made to the exterior.

Designer Mark Sudermann went for a monochromatic paint treatment in warm white, leaving the normally dark yet lavish half-timber work and detailed brickwork on the facade to feel subtly modernized, softened and alluring. He then accented it with a soft sage green front door, creating a more cheerful entrance.

With the help of Smith Brothers Lawn & Tree, two sweet cherry blossom trees were prominently placed in front of the main first floor windows, adding a feminine lightness. Round boxwoods line symmetrically curving walkways both to the left side patio entrance and the far right front entrance, all the while leading the eyes cleverly forward to the smart herringbone brick walkway and front steps.

“These changes are what made the 100-year-old Tudor sing,” Mark says.

He continued this lightness throughout the entire home, with exception of a few colorful abstract paintings and paint choices, creating a striking yet soothing contrast to the airy mood of the homeʼs overall interior. Scan the code above to see the magical transformation!