Dallas Design District Interview Spotlight: Circa20c

Any Dallas-area homeowner or designer who loves modern classic and mid-century vintage style is missing out if they haven’t checked out circa20c. This five-year-old Design District staple on Riverfront Boulevard offers a number of design services for their clients.

We took a moment to ask the team at circa20c some questions to learn a little more about what and why they do what they do.

Tell us about the background of circa20c and how you came to be in the Dallas Design District.

We opened in the Dallas Design District over five years ago as a new business venture for our owner, Jean Nelson. Without a doubt, the Design District was the place to be. Luckily, we secured a Riverfront showroom with a great window to showcase our products.

What do you enjoy most about having a showroom located in the DDD?

The variety of customers and projects. We have great relationships with numerous top-quality designers who understand and value classic vintage pieces and how they add a sophisticated, layered look to any room. In addition, we serve many homeowners who love finding their own pieces.

If someone has yet to visit circa20c, what can they expect when they walk in?

We have a huge assortment of iconic mid-century and modern pieces. Many are ready to go off the floor and others are ready for the designer or client to select their preference. Our showroom is always evolving, and we are upgrading our look in our main showroom. We’re also expanding with a second warehouse for storage and to take clients to. In total, we have over 11,000 square feet.

If you had to describe circa20c’s showroom style in one word, what would it be and why?

Magnificent! We are a leader in the classic mid-century and modern vintage market.

Other than beautiful furniture, what other offerings are you able to provide for customers and/or clients?

Many of the pieces we acquire need to be refinished or reupholstered. We take on many of these projects ourselves, so we have a significant number of ready-to-buy pieces.

However, we also have a number of pieces that are waiting for the customer to select, so we offer a reupholstery service, including sourcing fabrics and refinishing services. We also will source specific items if we don’t have them available. And we deliver!

How do you go about sourcing the designers and different pieces you carry?

We definitely have our favorites, so we are constantly searching for those items. We spend an immense amount of time hunting for items all over the country, and we have a vast and established network of sources. This is not a job for a novice — it’s full-time, seven days a week.

What would you say sets circa20c apart from other local design showrooms?

We source iconic pieces that are hard to find. Vladimir Kagan sofas, Paul Evans tables and consoles, Milo Baughman chairs, Warren Platner pieces, Hans Wegner chairs… and the list goes on.

These pieces add depth to any environment as they have a history, and they are important. They reflect an owner’s sophisticated knowledge base with regard to design. New designer pieces can do that to an extent, but they haven’t yet stood the test of time.

Tell us about the interior design trends you’re loving for fall.

Our pieces are not trendy, so I don’t see much variation there. However, colors do tend to be trendy. I am loving deep jewel tones such as rich burgundy, deep forest greens, teals and golds. Oh, and I am loving houndstooth for fall!

Any current favorite or must-have pieces in the showroom?

Any classic home needs an Eero Saarinen tulip dining table, my absolute favorite dining table of all time. It’s endlessly elegant.

The Mies van der Rohe Brno chair is another favorite, whether for dining or a home office. And we have a vintage Lorin Marsh solid brass triangular coffee table that is stunning. The quality in this table is unsurpassed and it transcends any period.

Complete this sentence: “No home is complete without…”

Excellent quality art! 

When you’re ready to add a touch of sophisticated vintage style your home, don’t forget to check out the ready-to-buy pieces at circa20c in the Dallas Design District. Or let their staff source and reupholster a piece to your specifications!