Johnson family lived in a two-bedroom apartment in suburban Seattle, Washington. They loved their cozy neighborhood but struggled to find furniture that matched their modern aesthetic while also fitting their limited space. The dining room, in particular, felt incomplete. A sleek, stylish piece was needed—a solution that could blend with their mid-century modern sofa and yet stand out as a focal point.
The Johnsons’ apartment measured 85 square meters, with high ceilings and hardwood floors. Their kitchen had a small dining nook, barely 6 feet long, but they dreamed of a dining table that could accommodate their growing family of four. They visited several furniture stores but couldn’t find anything that felt both luxurious and practical.
‘We wanted something bold but not overwhelming,’ says Sarah Johnson, ‘something that would feel at home in a dry climate where wood can get brittle.’
Seattle’s climate, with its humidity and occasional rain, made material selection crucial. ‘We ruled out glass furniture—it would look great but wouldn’t hold up to spills,’ Sarah explains. ‘We also wanted something durable enough for kids.’
The Johnsons’ search led them to MIDHILL, an independent furniture store in their city known for high-quality, thoughtfully curated pieces. ‘They had a section of Art Deco-style furniture that stood out,’ Sarah recalls. ‘We weren’t sure at first—it felt a bit too ornate—but the salesperson helped us visualize it in our space.’
The Fluted Art Deco Sideboard with Curved Silhouette caught their eye. It measured 120 cm wide, 60 cm deep, and 180 cm tall, with a genuine marble top that would resist heat and scratches. The smoky charcoal blue finish was intriguing—softer than black, yet more grounded than grey. The champagne gold hardware added a touch of elegance without being gaudy.
‘The fluted doors and diamond quilting weren’t just decorative,’ Sarah says. ‘They’d hide fingerprints and scratches, which is perfect for households with young kids.’ The marble top, she notes, was ‘an unexpected gem—it feels cool to the touch but doesn’t retain heat, so drinks stay cold.’
The price tag of US$4,230 was significant for the Johnsons, who had a budget of US$2,000 for the dining room. However, they decided to prioritize this piece, viewing it as an investment in their home’s value and their quality of life.
‘We compared it to other options and found that while cheaper buffet tables looked dated fast, this one had the craftsmanship to last decades,’ Sarah says. ‘Plus, it would complement our home for years to come.’
The Johnsons’ home in Seattle’s suburbs had a mix of modern and traditional elements. The Art Deco buffet, they realized, could bridge that gap. ‘It feels sophisticated but approachable,’ Sarah notes. ‘It’s not intimidating like some statement pieces can be.’ The curved silhouette, she adds, ‘makes it feel softer and more inviting than it looks in the photos.’
The Johnsons ordered the buffet from MIDHILL and had it delivered in late June. Installation took two hours, and the next day, their dining room felt transformed. ‘It’s the centerpiece of the room now,’ Sarah says. ‘The marble top is a favorite for salads, and the doors keep everything tidy.’
‘We’ve had friends over and they can’t believe it cost as much as it did,’ Sarah adds. ‘It’s one of those pieces that makes people stop and stare, but in a good way.’
As the Johnsons’ family grows, they’re glad they chose a buffet with ample storage. ‘The diamond doors hide so much clutter,’ Sarah says. ‘We can fit plates, utensils, and even a few decorations inside.’ The smoky charcoal blue finish has held up well in Seattle’s climate, resisting moisture and fading.
For other families struggling to find the perfect statement piece, Sarah has advice: ‘Don’t be afraid to mix styles. You don’t have to choose between modern and traditional—just find something with quality craftsmanship.’
‘This buffet has been a game-changer for us,’ she concludes. ‘It’s stylish, durable, and fits our space perfectly. If you’re looking for something to elevate your dining room, it’s worth the investment.’