|
|
|
Panache for the People
Richmond Retailers Take Decor and Development Personally from Brick Weekly, February 6, 2008 by Cesca Janece Waterfield Richmond is becoming increasingly hip to what David and Sally Ramert have known for thirty years: when it comes to furniture and fine art, clean lines and enduring quality appeal to most everyone. But until recently, local collectors had to travel to D.C. or New York for American and European Modern artifacts. When the Ramerts swung open the doors to Metro Modern, their store at the intersection of Meadow and Cary Streets, all that, and a few things more, changed. Metro Modern features mid-century artifacts from the U.S., Europe, and Japan, and is unique for the breadth and unspoiled condition of its inventory. It's a destination for anyone looking to inject their space with stylish value. While there's no doubt that David and Sally are knowledgeable, they don't serve their expertise with snobbery, and they radiate approachability. "We love knowing that people in Richmond are buying [mid-modern artifacts] and they love what they buy. These are the kind of testimonials we want; to have people feel really good about a purchase, to have a special place in their home for it." Sally says. As newlyweds in seventies era Chicago, Sally and David began to buy select furniture, and little else. "Occasionally we bought socks and groceries," Dave jokes. But the young grad students agreed on their priorities: Design, art, and travel. Before settling in California, they hit the road in a '68 Volkswagen. Halfway in their return from a trip to Mexico, they realized they had only ten dollars left. "We were in that Winn Dixie," Sally remembers, when in the middle of the aisle, she saw a fifty dollar bill folded in half. It was a lucky break for sure, and Sally tucked it away, should they meet trouble on the long ride that remained. Though she tells the story with a laugh, she still questions the honor of her decision, and to this day, they haven't unfolded that bill. In addition to illustrating a stout, if flexible virtue, the story illustrates the preservationist tendency of this amiable couple who've embraced Richmond as home, as well the wit and style that glisten throughout their store. "People should keep what they buy. But to do that, they should buy only what they love. Sally emphasizes. "And we find it perpetually distressful to buy things and throw [them] away." Their dedication to preservation goes beyond materials. Metro Modern shares space with upscale residences and Irvin's Salon in a new brick building at the edge of the Fan. Families with strollers pause to look in the shop’s windows. Design students from VCU, sketchbooks underarm, are frequent visitors, and the Ramerts encourage meetings in the store. But it's an area with a troubled past, and many residents questioned the Ramerts' decision to settle here. That choice, Sally says, "was deliberate. We wanted to be part of the transition and change. It was a serious attempt to be part of mixed development. Cities are vital." The Ramerts believe Richmond is among the best. "This town is very flexible," Sally says. “There are a million opportunities to find common interests in this town." Dave follows, "We truly want and are committed to supporting local artists." Currently featured are iron artisan Christina Stratman, Nanda Soderberg and Rebecca Saunders of Solos Glass, and textile artist Danielle Grinnon. A few weeks ago, Fan resident Chris Stringer dropped by and saw a George Nelson rolltop desk. He was smitten. After researching and comparing the one at Metro Modern with the two others available nationwide, he made his purchase. Stringer says, "We'll be long-time customers. You feel like you’re buying something genuine. [Dave and Sally] clearly have a passion for it. They know their stuff." "We really want people to know that they can buy for a hundred dollars or they can buy for several thousand," Sally says. "Millionaires own it and college students like it. Children love it. It's furniture for all people." Back
|
|
|
Site design by .
|
Contact
|