We've noticed San Diego store Boomerang For Modern mentioned a few times by our readers as a favourite shopping destination, so we thought we'd get in touch with owner, David Skelley, for a store tour from afar (we'll be sure to drop by next time we're down in SD). He was kind enough to send us some snapshots of his swank 23 year old business...
San Diego Store: Boomerang For Modern
We asked David what inspired him to open Boomerang For Modern, and he gave us an insightful background of his own view of modernist furnishings:
"Twenty three years ago I opened my business, Boomerang for Modern. I was introduced to 20th Century modern design in the late 70's and was hooked. The incredibly fertile post - war years were fascinating. Such world class designers such as the Eames', Florence Knoll, Isamu Noguchi, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia and Greta Grossman just to mention a few, were experimenting with new materials and techniques developed during war time.
The talent and brilliance at that time was unparalleled. I believe there will never be such an era of world class design again. These fresh new designers and architects were creating ground breaking furniture; molded plywood that now could be formed into compound curves, as well as fiberglass and resistance-welded steel. These pieces were strong, light and beautiful in an architectural sense. They turned their back on phony applied decoration which would often disguise sloppy craftsmanship and was deemed dishonest design by the new breed.
This is not to say that the new designs were uncomfortable. There was a huge emphasis on ergonomics. Although these pieces were often thin of profile, they were wonderfully supportive rather than the old technique of overstuffing which would bunch and shift. They were also easy to clean as well as clean under because they were raised off the ground, further giving then visual lightness.
They work well in small rooms because they take up little visual space and fewer pieces are necessary in a room as the designs are very bold and sculptural. Keeping space around them is a plus. These pieces are just as valid today as they were 50 years ago because they work -and are fascinating just to look at. They can work with other "styles" if well chosen. One does not have to do an entire period room. The new, purpose-designed shop now has more space…on three floors! Boomerang offers personally selected vintage original and some authorized re-issues of quality, cutting edge mid-20th century seating, lighting art and accessories."
Boomerang For Modern
| Location: |
2475 Kettner Street
San Diego,
CA
92101
|
|---|---|
| Phone: |
619.239.2040
|
| Website: | www.boomerangformodern.com |
| Categories: | vintage, media, office & storage, sofas & armchairs, decorative accessories, lighting & fans, lighting & fans |
|---|
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San Diego, San Diego, Boomerang For ModernRelated Links
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I like what David has to say about Mid Century design philosophy, but what about the rest of it-that good design should be accessible?
This is the most expensive, museum-like MCM store in San Diego. I've just recently visited most of the others, too, and it's pretty outrageous. A small, no-name vintage lamp for $950, an unsigned, unattributed vintage vase for $475??
These stores are suffering from 1st Dibs syndrome-everyone thinks they have top-shelf items and deserve to charge accordingly, even though most are sourcing from garage sales and thrift stores (Boomerang excluded)
view aweekinparis's profile
Very inspiring store, I could probably look around for a while. But yeah, never buy anything.
view Lizzykewl's profile
I have not been to San Diego since the new store opened, but looking at these amazing pictures I would say on a scale of 1 to 10.....this is a 99 !!! Fantastic architecture, a great inventory, all put together with style and verve.
I have been a BFM customer and friend of David's for 22 years, and I have to say this resorce for vintage pieces, etc. only keeps getting better and better. Thanks for setting the "gold standard" for modern shopping in Southern California.
ZIZZIXX
view zizzixx's profile
I mentioned Boomerang for Modern as a favorite in our own house tour today. It's an amazing shop and the owner, David, has a real knack for finding incredible pieces. There's always something new and interesting in there whenever we stop by. David is also a friend of ours and is such a nice guy, it's fun to stop by and hang out or say hi, even when not in the market for anything. David's shop is a bit of an unofficial headquarters and social center for a lot of the modernists in San Diego.
view DarrenB's profile
Has anyone thought about doing an actual social center with those types of furnishings? Sort of a lounge and light fare thing?
Serving many beverages, both alcoholic and not, and maybe some freshly made daily breads? Something easy that doesn't require a huge kitchen or vast menu.
A place that serves good coffee but isn't a Starbucks. You know what I mean? Or someplace that offers local winery offerings that isn't the winery.
view TRUE BLUE's profile
The storefront looks amazing. Thanks for the advice, look forward to checking it out.
Tom
SD
view sieveboat's profile