Drawing on a wealth of experience and knowledge gathered during many years of collecting, restoring and retailing Danish and Australian made vintage pieces, a dedicated design team are now channelling their passion into Dan Moderne.
Since 2008, the emerging furniture company has been designing, retailing and distributing its own mid-century inspired pieces from their Brisbane-based showroom.
The company was conceived by Bob & Mila Floro who are also the Directors of AddVintage) which had become the largest vintage/retro/Danish Modern retail outlet in Queensland since its founding in 2007.
They were looking for a way to improve and promote the image of Scandinavian Modern furniture. Unfortunately, supply from Europe, America and Australia was drying up and the costs associated with the procurement, storage, transport and restoration of the vintage pieces they were sourcing was becoming unsustainable.
Not only that, many vintage pieces were mass-produced and their quality could be greatly improved using the latest technology, better woods and more labour inputs (instead of machines) to produce pieces worthy of the great masters of the past.
So they started designing furniture pieces based on their knowledge of furniture making, fine woods and Scandinavian Modern design. They then set about sourcing a manufacturer who could share their passion and vision.
This was no easy process but by 2010 the first shipments arrived in Brisbane and the reception of the public exceeded expectations despite the GFC. There was definitely a market niche for fine furniture that could be considered “future antiques” due to their quality, fine craftsmanship and timeless design.
Their furniture is hand made both locally and overseas by experienced craftsmen and their timbers sourced from government certified sustainable plantations. The Dan Moderne team understand the social and environmental responsibility that corporations must have and proudly conduct all of their business in a sustainable manner. They are a member of The Nature Conservancy who are actively involved in the conservation of Indonesian rainforests.
The pieces Dan Moderne produces are timeless, bespoke and very affordable, something that rarely exists in any market. With the passion, love, talent and resources that AddVintage bought to bear with Dan Moderne, this small Brisbane enterprise is doing something very special in the furniture and furnishings industry.
We spoke with the design duo recently to talk inspiration, materials they work with, and the importance of sustainability before they debut the collection at Decoration + Design, co-located with Furnitex from 18-21 July at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
What is the best part working with the interiors/furniture/design industry?
The best part about working in the furniture/design/interiors industry is the chance and opportunity to leave this world a better place than when we found it. Honduras Mahogany, Asian Teak and East Indian Rosewood have effective life spans as furniture up to 500+ years, given love and care. Current Teak and Rosewood chairs, restored, look almost brand new after 60+ years of effective service.
With timeless design (minimal embellishments), great craftsmanship and use of the latest technology, these pieces will outlast many mass produced pieces that will end up in the rubbish tip and worsen our environmental landscape. Locking carbon, wooden furniture is also carbon positive versus metal and plastic pieces that releases massive amounts of carbon with their use of high energy inputs and chemical processes.
Sustainability is the key to our survival in this planet and if we use less energy, more human capital and less waste, we will live on this planet a little bit longer and with better lifestyles.
What inspires you? How does this influence the design?
Dan Moderne is inspired by Mother Nature, past Scandinavian, American and Australian woodworking masters and sustainability.
To this end, we aim to manufacture the best wooden furniture at the most affordable price so that many people can enjoy the comfort and beauty of finely made furniture that can be handed down to generation upon generation.
What kind of materials do you source for your product range? Why?
Dan Moderne sources the best woods for fine furniture from certified tropical plantations. Tropical woods such as Honduras Mahogany, Asian Teak, Indian Walnut and East Indian Rosewood are very durable, beautiful in colour and uniquely figured showing the work of Mother Nature, like fine Marble.
As such, Dan Modern does not paint their pieces nor use false stains to disguise their woods. Only “Clear” or “Natural” colored varnishes and oils are used to promote the individuality and beauty of the woods mentioned. We love our woods!
Are you working on any special projects/ranges/collections at the moment?
Dan Moderne has many special pieces lined up for the future and currently working to expand their model range with about 95 designs for 2014.
Your are about to showcase at Decoration + Design Melbourne, why did you chose this event? What can we expect to see when visiting your stand?
Dan Moderne’s team has been going to D+D Melbourne since 2008 to see what the competition is up to and the quality and quantity of its visitors. Since that time, D+D Melbourne has held its reputation as the premier venue for sourcing some of the best pieces and ideas the country has to offer.
Dan Moderne has decided to take the plunge to go to D+D Melbourne so as to reach the widest possible audience that can remotely be interested in what we are doing, whether they are Architects, Retailers, Interior Designers, Wholesalers, etc.
After 5 years since its conception, Dan Moderne is ready to surprise the public with “Timeless design, bespoke, affordable” fine furniture and furnishings.
View the Dan Moderne range on stand AD2 during Decoration + Design from 18-21 July at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
For more information or to register, visit decorationdesign.com.au
