You might say that Ryan and Kylie Durkin, co-owners of Phoenix furniture boutique, Modern Manor, are crazy about interior design.
"Design is a passion," both admit.
That's an understatement.
Finding cool furnishings is their job (they own the store), their hobby, what they do for fun -- in essence, their life.The couple loves trolling estate sales, auctions, and the Internet for an interesting vintage find. A fun date, they say, is camping out in their Scion before a promising estate sale.
Even before they met, they had design on the brain. Ryan worked in fashion. Kylie had aspirations to be an interior decorator. Together, they channel that love into one of Phoenix's coolest mid-century modern furniture stores and an eclectic home with loads of personality.
Read more after the jump.
Looking at their well-appointed house, it's difficult to believe the couple moved into their two-story townhouse more than two years ago with virtually nothing. No bed. No coffee table. The only piece of furniture they owned was a small cabinet they used as a prop at their wedding (and still resides in the hallway).
Ryan admits, "Two and a half years ago, I didn't even know what mid-century modern was ... but when I get into something, I get into it."
No kidding.
Now their home is now a medley of vintage pieces, kitschy finds and interesting art that fits both of their aesthetics. Ryan's beloved glass collection is featured in just about every room (except the master bathroom, but it's just a matter of time). Kylie's love of interesting antique objects are peppered in vignettes around the house.
Each piece in the house is unique, and the Durkins know the story behind each one: Where they got it, how much they paid, the back story.
The result is a comfy, warm-yet-really-cool home the couple consider their haven. "We both love being here," Kylie explained. In fact, garage is is the only place in the house that is more function than form, housing their furniture finds they they love, but won't fit in their current home.
Sounds like another design project. Check out the full slideshow of the Durkins' home here.
