Located in historic Hudson, New York, The Modern Exchange was founded in the best possible way: out of a love for collecting. Owner Hannah Khachadourian started with an interest in vintage shopping and mid-century furniture, and transformed her passion into a business. Today, the company has a loyal customer base throughout the Hudson Valley and in New York City, as well as a wide-ranging virtual following that’s eager to see their next great finds. Below, learn more about The Modern Exchange, the design shows they’re attending this year, and the pieces they can’t keep in stock.
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Tell us about how you started The Modern Exchange. Did it begin with collecting that you were already doing yourself?
Growing up, my father and grandfather enjoyed “treasure hunting.” I spent much of my childhood at estate sales, garage sales, and all the local thrift shops. This instilled in me having a love for antiquing. After receiving my degree in nursing, my initial career choice, I ran into some unexpected health issues that unfortunately prevented me from working as a nurse. At that time, I found myself at home with a lot of time on my hands and quickly began collecting some amazing pieces. After quite a large stockpile, The Modern Exchange was born.
You’re based in Hudson, which has seen so much growth over the last few years. How has the city and overall area evolved, and what do you love most about it?
Because of its location, Hudson offers a very unique mix of scenic and outdoor activities as well as fine dining and some of the most unique shopping nationwide. Over the last two years we have seen such expansion to our community, with many people moving from all over—as far as California—as well as many city weekenders making it their permanent home base. And forming relationships with all the people that walk through our shop has been one of the things I love most. These relationships are invaluable to me.
How have you handled the last two years, with the pandemic? How has it affected your retail location in particular?
The grand opening of our brick-and-mortar store was exactly two years ago, the weekend before shutdown. Not knowing what to anticipate when opening a retail location in the middle of a global pandemic, our expectations were blown away. With all the relocating and renovations taking place in the Hudson Valley, all of our local Hudson shops could barely keep up with demand!
We know you’re attending this spring’s Round Top. Have you been participating in other in-person events, and how are those going?
This will be my second Round Top show, and I cannot wait. I attended in October 2021 and enjoyed every minute of it! Our first in-person show took place last July in Brimfield, Massachusetts, where we had an amazing turnout. Dealers, designers, and shoppers alike were so excited to get back to show season. It was greatly missed.
If you’re at Round Top, come find us for opening day in Marbuger, Tent AD10, March 29th to April 2nd. We’ll be celebrating Marburger’s 50th show, so come ready to have some fun!
Have more customers been coming in through virtual methods like Chairish in the last year? Do you see that having an effect on the way designers shop for vintage and antique pieces?
I would say in the height of the pandemic I noticed an increase in virtual shopping by designers through Chairish. This past year, we’ve also seen an influx of in-person shoppers who are excited to finally get out. What remains amazing about Chairish, and what I’m so grateful for, is the large audience we are able to reach through this platform.
You specialize particularly in mid-century items… how did that come about? Is the style a personal passion of yours?
I’ve always loved the clean lines that come with mid-century modern furniture. I had a few scores of a lifetime that really propelled me to begin collecting Danish furniture. To name a few: a dusty, dirty forgotten pair of Selig Z chairs, which I had restored; a handmade rocking chair in the style of Sam Maloof; my first set of eight Danish Møller chairs; as well as a Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair.
This was all part of my initial collection after a summer of hunting. They were such fun and epic scores and got me so excited to begin researching Danish modern furniture makers and the history behind them.
How do all the mid-century replicas out there affect your business (or do they?) Mid-century-inspired design is everywhere — how do you express the value of the real thing to customers? Or do they already get it?
We will always have the clients who prefer to save and go with the replicas. However, one can never fully replicate the quality and craftsmanship of these original pieces. They also hold a little piece of history that many clients find invaluable.
If you had to pick… who is your favorite mid-century designer?
Gosh this is so hard, I’m not sure I can pick one, but if I can narrow it down to three…. Hans Wegner, Gio Ponti, and George Nakashima. The list could go on!
What’s a dream piece you’d love to have for yourself?
I would love a full set of 12 Nakashima dining chairs.
What type of products have been moving in the recent months?
Practical pieces that combine functionality while also elevating the design of the space. Clients have also been wanting to mix in as much European furniture as possible. Dining chairs, swivel and club chairs, desks, primitive cabinets, and benches, just to name a few.
What kind of trends are you expecting for the rest of the year and beyond? And what are your plans for the rest of 2022?
I see many of my clients wanting to add in pattern, color, and texture as well as visually interesting shapes. Currently we are working on many different upholstery projects and I can’t get enough of all shades of green. More than ever, people want to have their homes feel welcoming, warm, and inviting, and we are excited to be a part of that journey.
In terms of our upcoming year, it will be quite busy. We have five upcoming shows, our Warren Street Shop, as well as prioritizing restocking our Chairish page with new inventory for all our loyal virtual shoppers.
Photos courtesy of The Modern Exchange
