Michele Sommerlath started her business with a 1000 square foot space and a concept. She wanted to offer mid-century modern furniture, art and lighting from Europe – mainly France, to potential clients in Venice, California. It was a success.  Years later, she now has four locations, including a warehouse. Her concept has expanded to include more eras and she now carries a collection that showcases internationally recognized design. Below, she shares her journey.

1998  January- Michele Sommerlath moves from Paris, France to Venice, California and opens Luxe, a tiny 500 square foot space on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. She is instantly regarded in the design community for her eclectic collection of mid-century furniture, lighting and art, mainly from France.

2001  January– Luxe ends and Michele Sommerlath expands and opens French 50’s 60’s in a 1000 square foot space. Shortly after, she added another 500 square foot space next door and eventually took over the back corner space, to create 2500 square feet.

2007 January – Michele Sommerlath opens her second store, Galerie Sommerlath, in the design and art focused Culver City neighborhood in Los Angeles. The space is larger than French 50’s 60’s and houses a broader collection from the international design community.

2008 January – Le Depot, Michele Sommerlath’s warehouse opens on Jefferson Boulevard in Los Angeles. The gigantic warehouse space is on the fringes of Culver City and is only on Saturday’s or by appointment only. 

2010  May– French 50’s 60’s closes for a short time while the trendy restaurant Gjelina is being built next door. It re-opens for some months in half the space and eventually expands and moves down the street, tripling the space and focusing on the more accessible part of the collection.

2010  July – Michele Sommerlath opens Michele Sommerlath Mid-Century Modern directly next door to Galerie Sommerlath to showcase her higher end pieces. The space is a new concept with the furniture arranged in vignettes. The space also allows small collections from one designer or artist to be highlighted.