Modernaire

The box with my gorgeous glass water jugs arrived in perfect condition yesterday after being shipped by Bruce.
We had an excellent experience at the store and found Bruce to be friendly, knowledgeable and very honest with his pricing. Although the store was busy on the Sunday morning when we were there, Bruce patiently helped everyone and was was packing up a big order but still attended to us. Very satisfied!

My wife and I were in yesterday and came out with a gorgeous piece of Italian glass and an eye-​popping print. Bruce is a connoisseur of the best in midcentury style, and he’s a friendly, engaging man as well, which makes stepping into Modernaire a deluxe experience. Pass up the over-​priced, boring, and conformist offerings from DWR, and check out Modernaire, where you’ll get a good sense of design as art and the origins of modern style.
I’ve followed him since he was in a collective in San Francisco. His prices have always been fair. He has always been helpful. My wife and I are mixed-​race, so ignore the ridiculous rant of Brian K’s review. It’s disappointing that others have written reactionary and defensive reviews of this store. He is not a baby sitter or a therapist. If you want fawning sales people, go to Pottery Barn or DWR. If he hasn’t approached you already, ask Bruce a question, and he will be right there with you, present with you and your needs.

I had a similar experience to other 1 star review.
I got off work early on Friday and was excited to finally have a chance to check this place out without my kids.
I walked in (I think I was the only customer as this point) and there were three people who seemed to either work there or have personally connections to the place. They were all having very animated conversations with each other, they didn’t acknowledge me even though I was in there about 5 minutes and most of it trying to figure out the price of a set of china that wasn’t marked. I felt uncomfortable interrupting them since I was a few feet away and completely ignored, so I decided to leave. An adult mother and daughter came in shortly before I was leaving and the moment they arrived they were greeted warmly by all.
I think they have cool stuff but if they are going to be so snotty about their customers I can’t see them lasting.

Incredibly rude. My wife and I walked in on a Saturday afternoon while my twins were in kickboxing nearby. We at first didn’t see anyone in the store, until the male gay couple who came in after us and were looking at a dining set right next to ours were being buttered up by a salesman. Even after they left, he still did not offer a hello or any offers to help us. The gay couple were Caucasian, we are a mixed race couple, I will never return to this store, and was tempted to plant a Confederate flag outside to warn people away, but decided Unilocal was a more appropriate venue. I think the other reviews on this page were written by the owners friends. Do not trust them. I have lived in Oakland for over twenty five years, and have never been treated this way since I moved here from Chicago in 1988.

Bruce is the bomb. He made me comfortable and worked out an excellent deal on my Peter Hvidt credenza. Bruce is helpful, knowledgeable and DOWN to EARTH. He’s not a furniture snob and he didn’t judge me because I walked in wearing sweat pants and a t-​shrit. He is truly passionate about mid century or art deco design. I will be back in search of more modern coolness. Please support this locally owned and owner operated gem of a store.

Incredible.
Apparently everyone wants this place to be their secret.

Bruce is an impeccable businessman: totally honest and trustworthy and incredibly knowledgeable. I would trust him with the PIN to my debit card – seriously. I have done business with him on several occasions (buying and selling) and have consistently walked away happy. He has amazing taste and his store is like walking through a time capsule that is filled with eye-​popping treasures that are very reasonably priced If you are ever in the Temescal area, it is totally worth it to experience this amazing store. FIVE STARS!!!