Trevor's Modern Life - soft opening
Trevors Modern Life: Soft Opening of a Retro Wonderland
On a sunny weekday in July, a vibrant new venture, Trevors Modern Life, celebrated its soft opening at Antiques & Things on historic Route 66 in Albuquerque. This unique store is the latest project from CLAY+CODA, and it promises to transport visitors back to the groovy vibes of the 1960s and 70s.
A Retro Inspiration
Trevor's Modern Life is more than just an antique booth; it's a nostalgic trip inspired by a cherished photograph of Trevor's parents from the 1970s when they lived in Amarillo, TX. Trevor's dad is wearing a pearl-snap western shirt with several buttons undone and a shaggy wolf cut. His mom’s face is lit with a genuine smile and feathered shoulder-length hair. The image is perfectly sepia tones and shows the joy of life and love in a small town in the 1970s. “We never lived it, but we wish we did,” says Kimberli, CLAY+CODA founder and creative director. This image encapsulates the essence of a bygone era filled with warmth, color, and a sense of laid-back living. The store’s aesthetic and offerings reflect this inspiration, creating a space that feels both familiar and fresh.
Curated Vintage Selection
In a cozy 180-square-foot retail space, Trevors Modern Life offers an eclectic mix of vintage pieces. From furniture and lighting to coffee table books and unique decor items, every piece is carefully selected to bring a touch of retro charm into modern homes. Unlike CLAY+CODA's core offerings of classic high-end vintage design, Trevors Modern Life focuses on more accessible pieces and bohemian price points.
"We want to host pieces that you don't have to stress about ruining," Trevor explains. "It's hard for me to live hard and sink into a chair I know is worth $5,000. Some people can do it comfortably, but I'm a regular guy who's afraid to spill sh*t on the sofa."
The store carries vintage glass, brass, and wood pieces, with a particular emphasis on handmade items. The vibe is a little 70s funk meets boho, rooted in the Southwest with a cosmopolitan edge. Trevors Modern Life loves the mix of furniture and small items, creating an environment where it feels like you're walking into a completely new space. It feels analog, as if time slows down when you step inside, encouraging you to browse and discover the one-of-a-kind pieces that find their way onto the shelves.
The Perfect Home: Antiques & Things
Trevors Modern Life has found its perfect home within Antiques & Things, a renowned destination for antique lovers in Albuquerque. Situated against the back wall, Trevors Modern Life is easy to spot, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, creating an airy ambiance year-round. "I spent a lot of time scouting for a location, and I knew this was it when I saw the natural light," Trevor says. "I plan on recording YouTube videos here, so good lighting was essential. Plus, being next to the loading door makes moving bigger furniture pieces in and out easy."
Trevor adds, "This is an amazing place for someone just getting started, and I am very grateful to be alongside so many other great vendors and so much variety." With over 15,000 square feet of space and 75 of the city's finest vendors, Antiques & Things offers a diverse selection of merchandise. Once a Five & Dime store, the historic venue retains its original hardwood oak floors and old cases, adding to its charm. "This mall is a staple, and even though we are taking a different approach than your typical antique booth, they have really opened their arms to us, support our kookiness, and give us the freedom to do things our way, which is hard to come by."
Located on the iconic Route 66, Trevors Modern Life fits seamlessly into the historic and culturally rich environment of Antiques & Things, offering a unique blend of retro charm and modern convenience.
Looking Ahead
Trevors Modern Life is gearing up for its official ribbon-cutting event, which will be open to the public and will take place on September 14th from 4 to 5 p.m. This event marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the store.
Visitors to Trevor's Modern Life can expect a friendly and approachable atmosphere, where they can discover unique vintage treasures that evoke the spirit of the '60s and '70s. Whether you're a seasoned collector or someone looking to add a touch of retro flair to your home, Trevors Modern Life is a must-visit destination.
In addition to the store, Trevors Modern Life will launch a "Trevors Tell All" style YouTube series, hosted on the @claycoda channel. This series will offer an interesting look at what it takes to get a venture like this off the ground and running smoothly. "I want to help other people become vintage dealers; this is why we started," says Trevor. "I knew the shop and the YouTube series would be one package deal before I signed for the space."
Kimberli Roth adds, "We have been looking for an avenue to teach others where and how to start selling vintage, and it makes sense that we get our own hands dirty to show people what that looks like, starting from ground zero."
Stop by and enter a world where the past meets the present, and every item tells a story. Trevor's Modern Life is more than just a store; it's a celebration of an era and a lifestyle that continues to inspire and delight. Join us for the ribbon-cutting event and be part of this exciting new chapter, with many more exciting things to come and plenty of room for growth.