SIOUX CITY | Mod House Interiors stands out on the corner of Fifth and Pearl.
It’s a hybrid of historic architecture and a urban, minimalist storefront. A peek inside the front window and you’ll catch glimpses of abstract decorations and clean, slim furniture.
Owner Lisa Kalaher and store manager Donna Behrens saw a gap in Sioux City’s interior design market. There just weren’t any options for minimalist, mid-century-modern furniture designs, so they decided to fill that gap.
What they noticed in their six months of business is that many traditionally-minded people find themselves adapting to contemporary interior design ideas if they are exposed to it.
“Even people who always consider themselves traditional can probably come in and find something that they like,” Behrens said. “And whenever contrast two styles that kind of brings out the best of both styles, so we like that.”
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It has been a challenge to get their brand out, especially with a city that isn’t used to such modern designs. They’ve used a combination of word-of-mouth, ads and social media campaigns to spread the word. But overall business has been good and feedback positive.
“It’s a process, but we’ve filled the [contemporary furniture] gap quickly and we’re still kind of finding our way, said Behrens. “A lot happens to a business in the first year before you can really look back and assess what your strengths are and weaknesses are.”
One of their goals is to let the public know they offer many cheaper-priced furniture pieces, too.
“Don’t be scared to walk in because I think everybody will find something that will meet their budget,” Behrens said.
Previously, the lower level of the building that houses Mod House Interiors was a heated parking garage. After a complete renovation it no longer has room for cars, but it still has a garage door that Behrens said they plan to open in the spring and summer for a fun atmosphere and sidewalk sales.
The concept of the store fits along with Kalaher’s other business, PLaN Architecture, which is a modern architectural design firm. PLaN has designed many local businesses, including the interior of Pearl’s Wine and Booze and Goosman Law Firm.
“I love mixing vintage, industrial, modern – all of it together – because I’m a big believer that everyone’s got a unique style and there’s no right answer,” Kalaher said in a previous article for the Sioux City Journal. “It’s all what makes you comfortable and what makes a place home for you.”
They are looking forward to the upcoming summer RAGBRAI hype, which will bring an estimated 20,000 guests in town for the annual Iowan bike ride tradition. Sioux City officials just announced that they will be focusing the majority of the celebrations from Pearl Street to the Tyson Events Center.
“We’ll take that to our advantage and do some fun things,” Behrens said.
