Consigning Seattle’s Furniture Since 1995: An Interview with Deb Bluestein of Modele’s Home Furnishings

With a passion for timeless design, sustainability, and community, Deb Bluestein has been at the helm of Modele’s Home Furnishings for the past three decades. Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Deb to talk about the origins of her beloved Seattle shop, her curatorial eye, and how secondhand design continues to shape stylish and sustainable interiors.

Deb, Rob & shop dog Freddy— the team behind Modele’s Home Furnishings

TSD: Modele’s Home Furnishings has become a beloved Seattle institution, known for its beautifully curated consigned furniture. Can you believe this year marks the store’s 30th anniversary? What inspired you to open its doors back in 1995?

DB: It really is hard to believe! Back in 1994, I was downsizing from a three-bedroom, three-bath home in Kirkland to a much smaller one-bedroom apartment in downtown Seattle. At the time, there was no Craigslist or online marketplace to sell furniture, and the existing options felt very limited. I ended up giving most of my pieces away to friends and realized there was a real gap—a need for a thoughtfully curated place where people could sell and shop for quality furnishings.

That realization sparked the idea for Modele’s. About a year later, I opened the store on Western Avenue, which was then part of what locals called "furniture row." We spent 13 years there before relocating to South Lake Union, and eventually settled in Magnolia, where we’ve been happily based for the past nine years.

TSD: What do you look for when deciding which pieces to consign?

DB: We’re best known for high-end contemporary and modern pieces, as well as select transitional styles—so that’s typically what I’m drawn to. That said, I absolutely love when vintage or antique pieces come in. They bring so much soul and character to a space. I believe those pieces are essential to creating a well-balanced, layered room. It’s all about the mix.

TSD: For someone new to high-end consignment, what can they expect when visiting your store?

DB: A casual and comfortable atmosphere. We have a lot of regulars, and we’re proud to create a space that’s welcoming, not intimidating. We’re always eager to help and provide as much information as possible—tear sheets included when we have access to them!

TSD: How do you guide customers in selecting pieces that suit their home and lifestyle?

DB: While I’m not a professional designer, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned. Rob, who works with us, is a professional designer and brings deep design knowledge. Often, customers already know what they’re looking for, so we focus on guiding and informing. We also keep a "requests book" to help track specific pieces people are seeking. When people are actively looking, they will come in regularly as there is usually a noticeable change in inventory from one week to the next in our store.

Modele’s Storefront in Magnolia Village

TSD: Are there any favorite designers or brands that you gravitate toward?

DB: Definitely! I love high-end European lines like B&B Italia, Minotti, Cassina, and Roche Bobois. We also get a lot of pieces from Design Within Reach, Knoll, and Herman Miller—modern classics that stand the test of time.

TSD: You have such a fun, interesting and eclectic mix of furnishings. Can you share a favorite piece (or two) that has come through your doors over the years?

DB: Oh, there have been so many memorable pieces over the years! Vintage Vladimir Kagan designs always get me excited—there’s something so sculptural and timeless about his work. I also love seeing Alvar Aalto pieces come through; his clean lines and organic forms are just iconic. And we’ve had some beautifully crafted custom furniture as well—those one-of-a-kind pieces with incredible attention to detail are always a treat.

TSD: One of the most charming features of Modele’s is your storefront window display. Regulars know it’s always changing—there’s always something new and fun to see. How do you keep your store consistently stocked?

DB: Believe it or not, we’ve never had to actively seek out furniture. Just six weeks after opening, we started receiving a steady flow of inventory—and it’s continued ever since. We’re incredibly fortunate in that way. In fact, we maintain a waiting list to manage incoming pieces and ensure each item gets its proper moment on the floor.

The ever-evolving storefront window display at Modele’s—showcasing the store’s latest and most unique finds

TSD: At TSD, we’re mindful of the environmental impact our industry has and how critical it is to keep quality furniture out of landfills. What role do you think consignment plays in supporting sustainable interior design?

DB: It plays a huge role! When I opened Modele’s back in 1995, sustainability wasn’t the buzzword it is today—but I often joke that we’ve been “green” since the beginning. The entire premise of consignment is built on giving beautiful, well-made pieces a second (or third!) life. Rather than ending up in a landfill, these furnishings find new homes where they continue to be appreciated and used. Consignment really is one of the most sustainable models in the furniture industry—it reduces waste and promotes reuse. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that cycle.

TSD: Have you seen a shift in how people think about secondhand or vintage furniture in recent years?

DB: Absolutely. As sustainability becomes a bigger part of our collective consciousness, more people are embracing secondhand and vintage furniture as a smart and stylish choice. People are more educated about the environmental impact of fast furniture and are looking for ways to furnish their homes more responsibly. At the same time, there’s a growing appreciation for the craftsmanship and character found in older pieces—something you just don’t get from mass-produced items.

A peek at Modele’s eclectic inventory over the years

TSD: How has being a part of the Seattle (and specifically Magnolia Village) community influenced your business?

DB: I live in Magnolia and serve on the board of the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce, so I’m deeply rooted in the community. It’s a wonderfully supportive neighborhood—home to both local storefronts and a thriving network of home-based businesses. I feel incredibly fortunate to live just three blocks from the shop. It’s a lifestyle I truly cherish.

TSD: What’s on the horizon for Modele’s?

DB: I’d love to see us expand our presence online—more social media, more digital content, and maybe some web-based features. I’ve always prioritized personal connection, but I recognize how important technology will be to the future of the business.

TSD: Any upcoming events or collaborations you’re excited about?

DB: Yes! Magnolia’s Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Home Expo on October 18th where local home-service vendors can connect with the community. While Modele’s will be out of town that weekend, we’re thrilled about the event. We also host registration for Magnolia’s annual Vino in the Village where people can stroll through Modele’s prior to registration—just one of the many fun community events we love being part of.

Interested in shopping or consigning with Modele’s?

Visit their showroom to discover one-of-a-kind pieces, and follow them on Instagram @modelesfurnitureseattle for the latest arrivals and design inspiration.