THE CONFIDENTIAL

What is your claim to fame?:

Hobbs Modern is known for curating rare and exceptional pieces from the golden age of Mid-Century design. We focus on works that are historically significant — spanning from the late 1940's through1960's — by designers whose vision helped define modern living. Every piece is restored in-house to an impeccable standard, preserving both its craftsmanship and its soul. We ship internationally and have clients as far afield as Singapore, Monacco and the Greek Isles.  

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What inspired you to pursue your current path or launch your brand/business?:

Hobbs Modern began as a love story—ours, and one with the era itself. We started with nothing but curiosity and a shared passion for beautiful things, spending weekends hunting down forgotten pieces and giving them new life. What began with upcycled Craigslist finds slowly turned into an obsession with mid-century design—the lines, the craftsmanship, the vision of the designers who shaped it all. Somewhere between sanding, staining, and late nights dreaming about what could be, Hobbs Modern was born.

 

How does your background or personal experience influence the way you work or create?:

Our backgrounds couldn’t be more different, but that’s what makes Hobbs Modern work. Ryan spent years as an educator, which shows up in his curiosity and his constant drive to learn. Between his self-taught restoration skills and guidance from a mentor in the trade, he’s become a master at finding the hidden gems—those rare, forgotten pieces waiting to be brought back to life. Nicole brings the storytelling. She’s a natural conversationalist with an instinct for connection, which makes her the perfect face of the company. Whether she’s working with a client or a trade partner, she has a way of making people feel part of the story behind each piece.  

 

What’s one philosophy, habit, or mindset you live by—professionally or personally?:

We’ve learned that ideas don’t matter without action. Hobbs Modern exists because we acted—again and again—before we had it all figured out. We built our business on instinct—on saying yes before we had a plan and trusting that passion would carry us through. When something inspires us, we move. Whether it’s discovering a forgotten piece or taking on a restoration challenge that scares us a little, we believe momentum creates opportunity. It’s how we’ve grown, how we’ve learned, and how we’ve built everything we love. That rhythm of curiosity and courage has shaped everything we’ve created together. It’s about honoring the past and letting the love for what we do lead the way.  

 

What are three things you’re currently loving—whether it’s a product, place, or practice?:

We’re loving the little things right now—The shift in the air as fall approaches always brings a sense of calm and coziness. Whenever we can sneak away, the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs is our go-to for a quick family reset—sun, coke floats, and just the right amount of nostalgia. The mushroom flan at Ciccia Osteria in Bario Logan and the crazy perfect flavours of ice cream at Stella Jeans'.  

 

Any favorite local spots or hidden gems you swear by?:

Our local coffee shop, Scrimshaw, has the best vibes, coffee and delicious breakfast sandwiches. We love Izola, the bakery that always knocks us out with their sourdough, Bibimbap croissants, Swamis and La Jolla shores for endless summer days and perfect sunsets. No week in San Diego can begin without a spray of happy wild flowers at Native Poppy.  

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Follow Hobbs Modern on Instagram.

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