TO MEET · 08/21/2013
Forage Modern Workshop
“We wanted to take the pressure off buying furniture and home goods, offer a curated collection of both new and vintage modern furnishings, as well as provide a place for local designers to show case their work,” Rebekah Cook of Forage Modern Workshop explained to us of their store concept. It’s a place that you can get lost in for hours—you may find all of your newest home decor, that perfect print for your wall, and thoughtful gifts. And after all of that shopping, you can refuel in the attached restaurant, Parka.
While taking the pressure off of people as they shop, owner Michael Smith and the rest of the Forage team simultaneously wants their customers to be aware of what they’re buying. “We want people to think twice about their stuff—where it came from, who made it, and how it tells their stories,” Rebekah told us.
They’re also hoping to catch the demographic of people who may be settling into their first home or long-term rental—the people that might be slightly hesitant to commit to quality pieces, but are ready to rid themselves of their college furniture. to the forage team, furniture should have more meaning.
“We like to say our aesthetic is Midwest Modern,” Rebekah told us. Think: an apartment with a new piece you’ve saved for or are really investing in, paired with a cool old photo you got from your grandparents and a rug woven by a friend.
Although Minneapolis has always had a strong community of designers and makers, they’ve only recently started to discover each other. Much of the credit for this goes to Northern Grade, a pop-up series that’s showcased local designers in one space. Rather than developing a competitive edge, designers are frequently talking up others. The conversations Rebekah often overhears begin with, “You know who you should check out?”
That being said, we highly recommend visiting for a unique souvenir from Minneapolis (or new piece of home decor, if you’re feeling ambitious). Make it a dual-purpose stop and have lunch at Parka too!
Michael is wearing the Winston in Lunar Fade and Rebekah is wearing the Crosby in Revolver Black
Photos by Collin Hughes