Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Zizzo.
Robert, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I launched my business in 2004 in a small storefront in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago. The catalyst was my love of the hunt – finding gems, great furniture, art and accessories that possessed a history. While shopping for furniture for a new townhouse I purchased in Lakeview, I found it difficult to acquire well-made pieces through furniture stores that truly looked one-of-a-kind. I became drawn to the simplicity and functionality of Danish and mid-century modern designs. Back then, modern designs were not as accessible as they are today so I identified a need in the marketplace for well curated vintage modern home furnishings. Within a few short years my need to expand the showroom became apparent and by 2007, Modlife moved to a new showroom in Lakeview on Lincoln Avenue.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
During the financial crisis of 2008, it became somewhat limited to sell furniture solely through the decreased traffic in furniture showrooms, however with the increase of online sales, modlifehome.com was born and found its new clientele in the global marketplace. Through online channels I was able to purchase and sell online, while along the way finding it necessary to keep a unique approach to the buy-and-sell business platform. That is where the design aspect of the business was born.
Through the “reinvention” of furnishings, I began to reupholster, restore, rewire and refresh the pieces I acquired to give them a complete make-over.
Modlife Home – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Today, Modlife Home is a 20th century modern furniture retailer and interior design firm serving Chicago area residences and business. We specialize in curating unique modern furniture for the home and office be it vintage, antique or new showroom pieces. We sell our line of authentic mid-century modern seating, case goods, lighting, art and accessories through our on-line channels that reach global markets. And, we provide interior design services on small to large projects for home owners and businesses striving to obtain a fresh modern look for their new or existing spaces.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Modlife Home has been great source for set-designers in television and film productions. Over the years our pieces have appeared in major motion pictures including The Break-Up, Stranger than Fiction, The Merry Gentleman, Nightmare On Elm Street, and more. Many of our pieces also appeared on the sets of television shows including MadMen, The Playboy Club, Betrayal, The Boss, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D., just to name a few.
Contact Info:
- Address: Warehouse Open by Appointment Only
2145 W. Grand Avenue
Chicago, Illinois - Website: www.modlifehome.com
- Phone: 7734258338
- Email: modlifechicago@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modlifehome/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modlifehome/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/modlifehome
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/modlife-home-chicago
- Other: https://www.1stdibs.com/dealers/modlife-inc/
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