I’m sure you’ll agree with us to Buy Mid-Century At Amsterdam Modern if you’re a hip and eclectic Angeleno! Silverlakeblog caught up with Ellen LeComte, owner of Amsterdam Modern, which is the place to be if you’re in the market for Dutch Mid-Century modern vintage furniture, lighting and more. We are huge fans of everything Mid-Century modern, so you can imagine how excited we were to check out a 10,000 square foot warehouse full of timeless designs on the Eastside.
Since 2009, Ellen and her Dutch husband have been exploring European flea markets and importing unique pieces back to LA. Good design combined with Louis, the Great Dane mascot…Sign us up!
Buy Mid-Century at Amsterdam Modern
How long have you lived in Los Angeles?
1988
What are your thoughts on how quickly the Eastside of Los Angeles neighborhoods are changing?
These are amazing neighborhoods and I think it’s really important for people who move here to acclimate and be respectful of the original neighbors and businesses that have made these places so special. Patronize the local businesses that were here first!
Do you own or rent your home?
Own
What are your favorite local spots for dining and relaxing in DTLA?
I love a good city view, DTLA’s resurgence makes me feel like you live in an actual city, so rooftop bars like the Ace is a nice place to stop for a drink.
What led you to interior design?
Love of furniture…although I’m not an interior designer.
Owner Ellen LeComte and Amsterdam Modern’s mascot, Louis
How would you describe Amsterdam Modern’s buying process?
A whirlwind. Out of control. Obsessive.. a borderline sickness
If you had a treasure map… what piece of furniture is worth an international crusade?
The Rietveld Pyramid Chair
What’s the culture behind Amsterdam Modern in your own words?
Good Design, Creative Thinking, Honest Goodness and Louie. Come for the furniture, stay for the dog. (Louis, our Great Dane mascot has become a real fixture at the store)
“Come for the furniture, stay for the dog,” says, Ellen LeComte.
If you could sum up Amsterdam Modern’s core values in one sentence what would that be?
Good design speaks for itself, oh, and honesty.
If we had the chance to peek at your schedule, what would an average day look like?Full sprint. Up early, walk the dog, calls on the way to the store, dealing with designers, and furniture restorers, and customers, and so many cool and interesting people drop in all day. Maybe I’ll stop by Shopclass, our other ventures in Highland Park. Usually I’m at the office pretty late until traffic dies down. Then home for a nice glass of wine on the terrace.
How do you see Modern furniture evolving or pushing social boundaries?
Modern Furniture has always broken boundaries…socially, not so sure, but some of the pieces are definitely conversation pieces 😉
What has been the most valuable nugget you’ve learned about business since working with Amsterdam Modern?
Stay small.
What do you think is the biggest business mistake Amsterdam Modern made so far?
Not buying everything I could have. Why was it a mistake? Lost opportunity, prices are so ridiculous now….if I woulda, coulda, shoulda….. Hind Sight!
Buy Mid-Century at Amsterdam Modern
What’s the next frontier?
We are launching our in-house design line this fall, inspired by my favorite vintage finds over the years. Very exciting times here.
What’s your professional endgame?
Set up our new line, sell to everyone in the world and make an impression in design.
Many small businesses struggle to turn their creative passions into careers. What specific advice does Amsterdam Modern offer them?
Baby Steps.
Buy Mid-Century at Amsterdam Modern
Buy Mid-Century at Amsterdam Modern
Amsterdam Modern
134 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Monday-Friday 9-5
Saturday 10-6
213-221-7380
Your Los Angeles Realtor
I’m a local real estate agent with The Shelhamer Real Estate Group, and It would be my pleasure to help you find the perfect property to call home in Echo Park CA, or if you’re thinking about selling a house, condo, or multi-family building in, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Mount Washington, or Downtown Los Angeles, it would be a privilege to help you get top dollar for the sale of your property.
Lets chat sometime. 310-913-9477 or contact me.
