Alfred Jiao is an avid collector of vinyl records. According to his Discogs app, he currently has 1,218 vinyl records in his personal collection. When Jiao was seeking a storage solution for his collection, he turned to Modern Shelving.
Originally, Jiao ordered wood laminate shelves but found that they were bending under the weight of his records. He upgraded to aluminum shelving and discovered that they were the perfect solution for supporting his heavy collection. Here, Jiao shares how he first discovered Modern Shelving, his experience working with the design team, and the types of records he has in his collection.
How did you discover Modern Shelving?
I was initially introduced to Modern Shelving through earlier issues of Dwell magazine, and I've always been drawn to the concept of custom shelving and self-installation which they excel at providing. Their offerings align well with my vision for a customized solution for my mid-century ranch home.
What made you decide to go with Modern Shelving?
After careful consideration, I decided to proceed with Modern Shelving for my needs. While I initially explored options from George Nelson mid-century designs, USM Haller system, and Vitsoe, I found that Modern Shelving presented a more logical choice for my specific requirements, primarily due to its competitive pricing, impressive flexibility, and appealing style.
Did you order custom or stock shelves?
I ordered custom shelves. These shelves are primarily intended to house my vinyl record & CD collection, and a selection of my books, so ensuring their dimensions and structural integrity are suitable for these items is paramount.
To elaborate on the specific design requirements, I was looking for a solution that not only maximizes storage efficiency but also significantly enhances the aesthetic appeal of the living space around the fireplace. If you look closely, the layout was designed to accommodate 15 sections specifically for vinyl records and an additional six sections for compact discs. The turntable is positioned atop an enclosed storage compartment, designed to my preferred height.
What was your experience like working with the design team to design and order your shelves?
I have nothing but high praises for the team's dedication and professionalism.
For the initial shelving design, I had the pleasure of working with Tesoro. As an in-house designer, Tesoro was incredibly attentive to all my requests. I was particularly impressed with the detailed 3D rendering and technical drawings provided, which clearly illustrated how the shelving would integrate into the space. As a designer myself, I provided the initial sketches for the dimensions and layout, and Tesoro truly brought my vision to life.
The second phase of the project involved replacing the wood laminate shelves with aluminum, as the original material was bending under the weight of my vinyl records. During this stage, I was expertly assisted by Ezra [Gamboa]. Ezra was not only a pleasure to work with but also demonstrated an outstanding commitment to addressing my concerns. She went above and beyond by providing an additional 3D rendering that showcased an alternative aluminum option with a wood grain finish. Although I ultimately chose the white aluminum shelves, I greatly appreciated having those extra choices.
What problems were you having with your initial set of shelves?
Maxing out the capacity of the shelves with vinyl records caused some bending due to weight. Vinyl records can be surprisingly heavy in bulk. I was offered aluminum as a replacement since they can hold up to 110 pounds of weight. I initially ordered wood laminate then upgraded to aluminum.
Why is aluminum a good fit for your needs?
Not only that it can support a lot of the weight of the vinyl records, but the ribbing detail underneath looked really cool!
What types of records do you collect?
Majority of my collection are rare 80's new wave/post-punk singles and LPs. I also collect indie/alternative, italo-disco, gothic, cold/dark wave, dream pop, synth pop, and shoegaze.
According to my Discogs app, I currently have 1,218 vinyl records. Not all of them are stored in my Modern Shelving unit, a portion is kept near my DJ setup someplace else.
Do you store anything else on your shelves?
Aside from my vinyl records, I also have a collection of books spanning architecture, interior design, furniture, and autobiographies, as well as various pop art displays. As someone in the design field, I often replace these displays to bring in new sources of inspiration. The enclosed storage compartments in my space house some of my audio equipment and CDs.
Where in your home are your shelves?
The shelving units are located in my living room. To ensure a cohesive design throughout my living space, the enclosed storage sections of these shelves feature facades that match the cabinetry in both my kitchen and dedicated seating/DJ area. This consistency in material and finish helps to tie the different zones of my home together visually, creating a unified and harmonious aesthetic.
Are you happy with your shelves?
Yes! They consistently receives numerous compliments from friends and family, and it is often the first thing they notice when they enter my home.
Anything else?
Thank you once again for your outstanding service and for providing such high-quality products. I believe it will be a legacy piece in my home for many years to come and serve its purpose well.
Alfred’s collaboration with Ezra made the upgrade process effortless and enjoyable. Ezra’s attention to detail and dedication to finding the perfect aluminum solution ensured that Alfred’s shelves not only met his functional needs but also elevated the look of his living space. The result is a custom Modern Shelving® design that beautifully showcases his impressive vinyl collection while blending seamlessly with his home’s aesthetic. Alfred’s experience highlights how working with the right designer can make all the difference in achieving a truly personalized result. Ready to create your own custom design? Book a meeting with Ezra today and start your project here: Book a Free Design Consultation
