Ever-present Design – Mid-Century Danish Furniture by Modanest
Established by Head Designer and craftsman Adam Stewart, Modanest is the touchpoint for any person looking for mid-century modern Danish furniture. Be it by restoration or original creation, the company manufactures high-quality products that are both locally made and customisable.
Located in Brookvale, the Modanest workshop houses a flurry of activity. Within, chairs are rewoven with Danish cord, custom bench seats are crafted, and second-hand Danish style furniture is restored to its former glory, ready to be sent to some of Australia’s leading importers of mid-century furniture. Formed of the highest quality materials, the designs contribute to a sense of longevity in the Australian-made furniture market.
Each product within the Modanest range is adaptable to a wide range of interior styles. The Wovernest Counter Stool, Envelope Counter Stool and Wovernest Wide Bench Seat – three pieces that are designed and created in-house – can be chosen in either Solid White American Oak for a casual aesthetic, or American Walnut to introduce a richer tonal palette. The cord for the bench seat can be selected in black or the natural traditional Danish presentation; the two counter stools also entail both options, as well as a white variation.
Select Modanest pieces are the result of a successful design collaboration with David Muston. The Wovernest Bed – a lightweight, textural piece – utilises cane for the weave as opposed to paper cord, creating a distinctive tactile experience. A comparatively smaller item, the Nest Bedside, features an elegant, clean-lined structure made from wood that can be crafted from either oak or walnut. The choice between a cane and paper cord weave for the bedside table leaves space for visual nuance within a design scheme.
Whilst the history of Danish cord in furniture is captivating – stretching from hazy beginnings to invigorated application during World War II and continued relevance today – for Adam Stewart, the appeal of the durable material also lies with the talented individuals who use it. “I consider myself very lucky to do what I do, and even luckier to be able to create alongside all sorts of wonderful Australian craft persons,” he says. “There are so many wonderful makers in Australia, and I am always in awe at all the wonderful and innovative pieces that are forged in this place.”
Customers are welcome to visit the Modanest workshop to discuss the details of their bespoke pieces. “So here I am,” Adam concludes, “always happy to chat about anything to do with design.”
