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For founder Brian Hygge, his business Music City Modern began as a true passion project and remains a labor of love. Alongside his wife and business partner, Adrian Hygge, Music City Modern is restoring gorgeous midcentury modern pieces, and no detail is overlooked in the comprehensive process. Read on for more about the business and how to bring these timeless pieces into your own home.
Nashville Lifestyles: How did you discover your interest in midcentury modern furniture?
Brian Hygge: I grew up spending summers in my grandfather’s furniture factory back home in Arkansas, where I witnessed craftsmanship at every stage, from design to upholstery and final sale. T hose early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for quality furniture built to last. Today, at Music City Modern, we continue that tradition by sourcing and restoring MCM furniture with the same dedication and attention to detail that I witnessed as a child.
NL: What inspired you to restore and resell these pieces in Nashville?
BH: Honestly, it started as a bit of a happy accident! Eleven years ago, my business partner Adrian and I loved collecting midcentury modern furniture. But once our home was full, and I was looking to stay busy while she was in grad school at Vanderbilt, I began restoring and reselling the pieces we didn’t have room for. What began as a side project quickly grew into something much bigger. Recognizing how rare and special these pieces had become, I built Music City Modern to bring beautifully restored midcentury furniture back into people’s homes. We focus on expert refinishing — sanding to bare wood, fixing any imperfections, enhancing the grain with pigment-based stains, and applying commercial-grade lacquer — to offer pieces that look as beautiful as the day they were made.
NL: What kind of pieces are your favorite?
BH: I have a soft spot for the showstoppers; the big pieces that turn heads and anchor a room. Credenzas, hutches, dresser sets, and doublesided desks are always at the top of my list, especially if they’re from iconic lines like G-Plan, Kent Coffey, Drexel Declaration, or Broyhill Brasilia. Our own home is filled with pieces from our all-time favorite line, Dania by American of Martinsville. And anytime we come across matching bedside tables or a complete dining set in great shape? That’s a good day.
NL: If someone is not familiar with MCM, how would you describe it?
BH: Midcentury modern is a design aesthetic that was popular in the ‘50s and ‘60s. In the furniture world, you will commonly see clean lines, geometric shapes, sculptural wood grain, and functional design elements. It’s refined without feeling formal; balanced, simple, and built to last.
NL: How can people find your work?
BH: Everything is by appointment only at our warehouse in Nashville; no retail storefront, which allows for a more personal, curated shopping experience. You can schedule your visit via our website, or message us through Instagram (@musiccitymodern) or shoot me a text at 615-715-4055. We also offer nationwide shipping on most pieces through professional insured shippers. Plus, our new website now lets you browse and purchase online with ease. (mcmfurnishings.com)