Inspiration often strikes in the most unexpected places. Such was the case for New York City resident Eric Jess.
While on a trip to Milan, Jess stayed in an apartment and immediately fell in love with its custom stainless steel shelving system. The clean lines, industrial feel, and functionality left a lasting impression. When he returned home, he couldn’t shake the idea—so he began researching similar options for his own apartment, which eventually led him to Modern Shelving.
Jess worked closely with the Modern Shelving team to design a setup tailored to his space and lifestyle. From the initial concept to the final layout, the collaboration focused on creating something both practical and visually striking.
“The experience was smooth,” says Jess. “The team really made my vision come to life.”
When the shelves arrived, Jess opted to hire an installer to ensure everything was set up seamlessly. The final result included two custom bookshelf systems in his living room and a fully built-out closet configuration designed to simplify his daily routine.
Beyond just storage, the shelving became an essential part of how Jess lives and works. His living room shelves now house a curated collection of books that serve as constant sources of inspiration and reference—materials he frequently reaches for in his creative work.
“My closet makes my life simple and functional every day,” says Jess. “And the bookshelves keep my collection of inspiration and reference books, which I use often with my work.”
The systems not only elevated the look of his space but also brought a sense of order and intention to it. Each item has its place, making his home feel both organized and inspiring.
Although Jess’s friends and family haven’t yet had the chance to visit his New York apartment in person, he’s shared photos of the transformation. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with loved ones appreciating both the aesthetic and functionality of his new setup.
For Jess, what started as a moment of inspiration abroad turned into a thoughtful upgrade to his everyday living—proof that the right design can truly change how a space feels and functions.
Eric Jess brought his vision to life with the help of Modern Shelving designer Ryan, whose expertise made the entire process seamless from start to finish. If you’re inspired by Eric’s transformation, you can work directly with Ryan to create a custom shelving solution tailored to your space and lifestyle. Book a free design consultation with Ryan today HERE.
