In a world where trends quickly come and go, investing in quality, timeless furniture is more important than ever—not just for aesthetics, but for sustainability and lasting value.
Centro Modern Furnishings (4727 McPherson) in St. Louis has built a legacy around timeless furniture for the past 26 years, thanks to the team’s passion for Italian post-war and American mid-century modern design.
It’s not just about offering beautiful pieces—it’s about offering furniture that tells a story, stands the test of time, and reduces environmental impact.
Bring Home a Piece of the Cultural Renaissance
Centro’s team includes co-owners Ginny Stewart and Todd Lannom, as well as showroom manager Steve Schuepfer, whose design roots are all deeply embedded in post-WWII Italy. The era, Lannom explains, marks a time when designers and architects explored new materials and redefined craftsmanship, bringing about a modern identity in furniture design that challenged traditional construction methods.
Italian designers, known for their forward-thinking approach, were among the first to experiment with new materials such as foam, which revolutionized comfort and durability. Zanotta, for example, produced the first all-foam sofa with no internal frame in 1965.
“This era marks such a high level of craftsmanship, and there’s so much pride in the art and in the design with the companies we work with,” Lannom says. “The brands we sell have designs placed in museum collections all around the world. In the same way these institutions collect art, they also acquire pieces that have changed the way we look at furniture based on advances in materiality, technology, and production methods.”
When you invest in a piece from Centro, you’re bringing home more than just furniture; you’re acquiring a piece of history. But, that functionality and beauty must coexist. Every piece serves a purpose, whether it’s a sleek chaise longue with perfect balance or a sofa engineered for ultimate comfort and longevity. This furniture is not just for display; it’s designed to be used and enjoyed every day.
And at Centro, you don’t have to worry about knockoffs, as every item that the store sells is an authentic, licensed piece, produced with the original designer’s vision and quality standards in mind. Many designs are signed and/or numbered to further validate their authenticity.
This ensures that you’re not just getting a lookalike—you’re getting a piece of art designed to last a lifetime.
Find Furniture Built to Last, Responsibly
Beyond longevity, the brands that Centro works with are committed to sustainable practices. From responsible sourcing of materials to environmentally friendly production methods, Italian design leads the way in eco-conscious furniture.
Take the Zanotta Za:Za sofa, for example, which won the prestigious Compasso d’Oro award for its fully recyclable design. These innovations show that sustainability and high design can go hand in hand, offering customers peace of mind along with comfort and style.
This means that customers are not just buying a sofa; they’re investing in something that can last for generations and be easily refreshed, reducing the need for constant replacement and keeping items out of landfills.
Many of Centro’s upholstered pieces, for example, have steel frames that remain structurally sound for decades. “We often hear from clients who purchased a sofa 20–25 years ago and simply need a new cover—the structure itself is still in perfect condition,” Lannom says. “The most environmental thing we can all do is buy one piece of furniture that can last you for the rest of your life. Our products become family heirlooms, not landfill waste.”
When you choose quality, you’re not just buying for today; you’re investing in something that can be treasured by future generations. Investing in quality, timeless furniture isn’t just about making your home beautiful—it’s about making thoughtful choices that impact both the environment and your lifestyle. At Centro, the team believes that your furniture should tell a story, serve a purpose, and stand the test of time.
Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of American mid-century modern, the innovative spirit of Italian post-war design, or future classics produced in this century, you’ll find something truly remarkable in Centro’s showroom that can become a cherished part of your home for generations to come.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Centro Modern Furnishings LLC. To learn more, visit centro-inc.com.
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