boomerang for modern

There's More to Modernism than the Egg Chair

Whether you know close to everything or next to nothing, David Skelley is the person you want to talk to if you’re interested in mid-century furniture, architecture or design.

I first read about David when I was living in Tucson, some six or seven years ago. We were planning on making the move to southern California when I spotted an issue of Elle Decor that showcased San Diego.
They used to run a column every month wherein they would feature different cities and the stylish stores that inhabited them. Naturally, David’s mid-century store was included.

After moving to San Diego I made a point of searching out the store. At this time it had moved from its present address on Little Italy’s India Street from the location on Park Boulevard where it had originated more than 18 years ago.

There’s something about modern furniture that can be a little bit intimidating. I don’t mean the actual pieces themselves, but sometimes a person feels that they need to know something about the style before being comfortable going into a specialty shop like this and making an inquiry. The same could be said of going into a gallery that specializes in something you like the looks of but know nothing about. But you shouldn’t be. Intimated, that is. If you have a genuine interest, most people are more than happy to share their knowledge with you. Most folks like to give advice. This is especially true with David. He doesn’t give unsolicited advice, but what he does share is his incredible mid-century design acumen. I know this to be true because for almost one full year, I spent every Saturday at Boomerang trying to absorb all I could on the subject of mid-century furnishings.

Hanging out at Boomerang on a Saturday was a bit like what I imagine Dorothy Parker and her Algonquin group experienced at their round table. You probably think I’m kidding when I tell you that “regulars” would stop by and stay anywhere from one hour to four. Not everyone would come every week, though many did, some people would sort of rotate in and out depending on their schedule and when they were in town.

One day Vladimir Kagan, the famous furniture designer dropped by. He had just finished a custom commission for Gucci and his omnibus collection would be furnishing their stores worldwide. It was always very festive, social and informative, with lots of catching up going on. Coffee hour always came at three o’clock, at which point someone would break out the cookies or whatever the snack of the day was. I would pour.

David’s inventory changes constantly but it is not unusual for him to have a good selection of Eames, Nelson and Knoll pieces along with an eclectic but studied mix of quality designs. Boomerang for Modern is a licensed dealer for Vitra so new pieces of original design still being manufactured are available.

As you can imagine, I learned a lot in the way of design that year. Yes, it’s true. But even more than furniture and design, I got to experience the community that evolved around modern design and, Boomerang for Modern. David was, and is, an exceptional guide and very casual about his expertise, always ready to share. The first day I went to Boomerang I described a chair I had picked up at a flea market. I think I drew a bad sketch of it, but without hesitation David threw out a name, we looked it up in a reference book, and he was right. I’ve never heard anyone mention that somewhat obscure designer again. He just knows everything.

Recently, David has been involved in a number of projects in and around San Diego. From selecting and loaning furniture to the La Jolla Playhouse for their now running Eden Lane, to helping to organize the San Diego Modernism Weekend sponsored by Soho (Save Our Heritage Organization). The Modernism show will include dual cocktail parties at Craig Ellwood and Richard Neutra designed homes, a Modern Masters Forum, a Julius Schulman lecture and a vintage trailer show with vendors selling specialty mid-century wares, (see www.sohosandiego.org for more info) along with a Historic Homes tour.

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit David at his shop, next time you’re in Little Italy drop by. For anyone interested in design, his store is time well spent.

Boomerang for Modern is located at
2040 India Street, San Diego Ca. 92101