Community Building in the Washington, DC area!!

Modern Rust was created on the belief that with a little patience and creativity, an unwanted piece of lumber could be reborn as something functional, worthwhile and wonderful. Modern Rust originals are handcrafted in small batches from waste or rescued construction lumber. Our water-based stains and finishes are hand-applied, rendering each finished piece an exquisite individual. Modern Rust pieces are designed to accommodate those living in a small studio or a country estate alike. Troublesome assembly and transfers are a thing of the past and since green furniture remains at an unattainable price point for most, Modern Rust has been modeled to bridge the gap by offering an affordable green furniture line. Both modern and rustic, Modern Rust's style is Farmhouse, re-defined.

SFP Editor: What inspired you to start your company Modern Rust?
Shadi: We built our home in 2004 and were left with a considerable amount of waste lumber of different sorts and sizes. In most construction sites this lumber would easily find its way to the convenient trash container, but much to my horror, Bahram decided to hold on to them. Of course initially I didn't like the idea of the garage being turned into a storage space for recycled lumber. But Bahram strongly believed that with the right design, they could be put to good use. A few hundred pieces later, I certainly agree!

SFP Editor: How did you come up with the name?
Modern Rust: Our designs give a modern/polished finish to the rustic concept. Bahram came up with it and I think its explains our works perfectly.

SFP Editor: Describe the philosophy of your company and furniture design.
Modern Rust: Simple. Well-made. Eco-friendly. Versatile. Functional. Our pieces are designed to be transferred and assembled in a synch. And can be touched up in seconds if need be. Coffee tables and benches offer storage, dining tables allow for the benches to slide under. This is furniture you can live with. And you don't have to take out a loan to afford.

SFP Editor: What are the challenges in using recycled materials in creating your furniture?
Bahram: No two finished pieces are really the same (which actually makes the pieces rather unique). Finding materials is not always easy. Conditioning the materials for furniture use; structurally and aesthetically is sometimes challenging.

SFP Editor: What is the process of designing and completing a piece of furniture?
Bahram: There is a lot of trial and error, from concept on paper to the actual, final product. It involves both of us because we bring different aspects of design to the table.

SFP Editor: How would you like to expand your business?
Shadi: We are now offering shipping to 8 states {NY, NJ, CT, PA, MA, DE, IL, OH}, and with Etsy, get requests from all over America. What I would love is a Modern Rust store. A girl can dream. Bahram: I would like to have a large store, where we can present more ideas.

SFP Editor: Do you have any tips for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Shadi: "Believe and you shall receive." I have this sentence framed on the wall, right above my monitor. This "mantra" has kept me going through the uncertainties of starting and building a new business in a bad economy, with no staff and small children running underfoot. You need to show up everyday and push, like there is no tomorrow. And then when you see the fruits of your labor, you need to pause. Take inventory. Give yourself a pat on the back and then head straight back to work! Bahram: If you have an idea that you strongly believe in, put everything you have into it. You should train yourself to work hard now for a distant future.

SFP Editor: What brought you to Washington, DC and what do you enjoy the most about the area?
Shadi: I have always lived here. And aside from the weather and the traffic, love it here. It's an international city and you feel like you are part of the bigger picture. Bahram: Combination of beautiful nature and city life. The first time I saw the Potomac river and the surrounding area, I knew that I would want to live somewhere near it.

SFP Editor: What personal passion do you both bring to the business and furniture design?
Shadi: I am a designer by training and found that I enjoyed doing sales and marketing. I get to incorporate our client's needs and opinions into our design work and I love meeting new people. Bahram always has new ideas brewing, and a piece of paper and pencil is never far from his reach. We both also like to work which is a necessary trait specially if you own your own business!

SFP Editor: What is a typical day at Modern Rust or is there one?
Modern Rust: There is no typical day. The only constant is that there is a lot of juggling. Final thoughts: To create something that brings families together - at the start or end of a busy day - or for special occasions, is a wonderful feeling and what makes Modern Rust so rewarding for us. Our clients have built us to what we are today, and we are grateful for all of them, specially the ones that keep coming back for more! Every time we hear: "I love it", or "this is exactly what I have been looking for", it makes all the hard work truly worth while.