(Welcome again to Leah, one of the finalists in our Blogger search. She's writing from Oakland. Comment away!)
Tucked amidst the cozy traditionalism of College Avenue in Oaklands Rockridge neighborhood is a store with a decidedly more modern bent: Form Vintage Modern. 
Classic teak, walnut, and rosewood furniture by Eames, Knoll, Wegner, and other design luminaries (as well as less-celebrated makers) comfortably rubs shoulders with newer items from the likes of Modernica, Flos, and Vitra in the showroom, owned by husband-and-wife team Joe and Lindsay Kunis.
Judiciously mixed in with the clean-lined Danish modern furnishings is a smattering of pieces with more elaborate Hollywood Regency styling: A pair of red lacquered nightstands (which may or may not be by James Mont) as well as Asian modern consoles and sideboards, a faux bamboo occasional table, and a pair of brass wheat-sheaf side tables.
The combination works because the items all have a simple elegance and sophistication. Though midcentury is the stores unifying theme, its more eclectic than you might expect. We specialize in things that are unusual and relatively accessible, Joe Kunis says.
Rounding out Forms offerings are reissues of George Nelsons iconic Bubble Lamps, new midcentury-style sofas and chairs from Bombast, and Alessi tableware. Delicate pottery by Emeryville ceramicist Sara Paloma as well as colorful blown glass and vintage ceramics grace many of the tables and shelves. Seventies Op-Art serigraphs share a bright exuberance with contemporary work by local artists such as Bethany Ayres and Justin ONeill.
Although roughly 90 percent of Forms wares are vintage, everything in the store is in pristine condition. If its not mint (and most of it is), then the Kunises have it refinished and reupholstered so that it shines like new. And unlike a lot of high-end showrooms with similarly pedigreed stock, the vibe at Form is laid-back and friendly, and Joe is happy to chat and to fill in his customers about each piece and its maker.
Prices for signed sideboards, chairs, tables, and dinette sets are not for budget shoppers -- they run several hundred to a few thousand dollars apiece -- but still compare favorably to similar stores in San Francisco, making an excursion across the Bay Bridge worth your while if youre on the hunt for classic, collectible furnishings. (Plus, Kunis says that prices for many vintage items are negotiable.) Most of the stores accessories cost under $100, and many can be had for less than $50. You can also snag relative bargains by keeping an eye out for the shops occasional eBay auctions.
Form Vintage Modern is located six blocks south of the Rockridge BART station and is open Wednesdays through Sundays from noon until 6 p.m.
-leah
I'm heading there this weekend! I've been searching for dining room chairs like those white ones for months now. thanks leah!
view sfwork's profile
I love the stuff at Form, but the owner is *really* aggressive in kind of a used car salesman way. My wife and I were really happy to find a couch that we liked there, and we were also happy to spend the several thousands of dollars on the couch, until we got too overwhelmed with an icky feeling of being sold something too hard.
view benben's profile
will definitely add this to my list of stores to check out.
view gigegy's profile
I love shopping at Form! I live up in Seattle and make a point of heading to the store every chance I get! Joe, the store owner, is honest and simple. He cuts directly to the chase and I've never regretted one purchase! His shipments are suberbly packed and always arrive in pristine shape. The store is a pleasure to peruse and their taste is impeccable.
view kiki86's profile
Intriguing. I'd love to spend a Saturday afternoon just browsing Form! Too bad I'm one of those budget shoppers (in the extreme). Thanks!
view mhgardener's profile
Am getting a bit tired of the whole "vintage modern" theme, but like this mix of stuff. Mixing it up is what it's all about.
view kemp's profile
you're making me homesick for oakland.
i loved skating up college ave from oakland to berkeley back.
better make a trip peek in the window.
view mod*mom's profile
I appreciate that the owners restore many of the items -- a refreshing alternative to worn, shabby chic. I like vintage, but I prefer it to be given a new life. Leah does a nice job conveying the store's slant; she makes it easy to decide if it's a good fit. (If I ever get to the west coast, I'll visit Form.)
view karen m's profile
Leah's writing really does a great job of capturing the appeal of this beautiful little store, and the photos show off the attractive design mix. I have several pieces from Form and hope to have more. The owners both have great ideas about decor, so I totally trust them to suggest fabrics and matching pieces, and Joe knows so much about each item, it's an education to spend time there. I love visiting Form.
view radical's profile
This is armchair shopping at its best. My only question is: If I hop over the Bay Bridge to check out this cool shop, can Leah help me shop? She clearly has a great eye and style!
view SharonSF's profile
Thanks for reminding me of this great store. I need to save my pennies to afford the stylish furniture but its good to know there are accessories for the more financially challenged!
view Bella B's profile