Course

Logo Design

Instructor

Eric Karnes

Mode Moderne

Course

Logo Design

Instructor

Eric Karnes

This project challenged me to design three distinct logo systems: a pictorial mark, wordmark, and letterform for a local Philadelphia business. I was randomly assigned Mode Moderne, a high-end vintage mid-century modern furniture store located in Old City.

Founded in 1979 by Michael Wilson and Michael Glatfelter, Mode Moderne began as a passion for collecting, restoring, and living with beautifully crafted furniture. What started as personal collecting and antique reselling evolved into a carefully curated showroom known for its elevated presentation, a sharp contrast to the crowded and dusty atmosphere often associated with traditional antique stores.

Through research into the brand’s history, competitors, and audience, I identified Mode Moderne’s key differentiators: exceptional product quality, refined display tailored to knowledgeable, design-conscious clients and homeowners. The brand speaks to those who value timeless design, craftsmanship, and investment pieces rather than trend-driven decor.

Founded in 1979 by Michael Wilson and Michael Glatfelter, Mode Moderne began as a passion for collecting, restoring, and living with beautifully crafted furniture. What started as personal collecting and antique reselling evolved into a carefully curated showroom known for its elevated presentation, a sharp contrast to the crowded and dusty atmosphere often associated with traditional antique stores.

Through research into the brand’s history, competitors, and audience, I identified Mode Moderne’s key differentiators: exceptional product quality, refined display tailored to knowledgeable, design-conscious clients and homeowners. The brand speaks to those who value timeless design, craftsmanship, and investment pieces rather than trend-driven decor.

Founded in 1979 by Michael Wilson and Michael Glatfelter, Mode Moderne began as a passion for collecting, restoring, and living with beautifully crafted furniture. What started as personal collecting and antique reselling evolved into a carefully curated showroom known for its elevated presentation, a sharp contrast to the crowded and dusty atmosphere often associated with traditional antique stores.

Through research into the brand’s history, competitors, and audience, I identified Mode Moderne’s key differentiators: exceptional product quality, refined display tailored to knowledgeable, design-conscious clients and homeowners. The brand speaks to those who value timeless design, craftsmanship, and investment pieces rather than trend-driven decor.

My design goal was to translate this sense of modern elegance, longevity, and curated beauty into a cohesive logo system that feels organic and still connected to the mid-century modern era. Drawing inspiration from mid-century modern principles — clean geometry, balance, and restrained detail — the logos convey a sense of class, quality, and visual confidence while remaining adaptable across various applications, including storefront signage, tags, business cards, digital platforms, and promotional materials.

Ultimately, this identity positions Mode Moderne not just as a furniture store, but as a design solution to a bold and identifiable mark that relates to the brand's intention.

My design goal was to translate this sense of modern elegance, longevity, and curated beauty into a cohesive logo system that feels organic and still connected to the mid-century modern era. Drawing inspiration from mid-century modern principles — clean geometry, balance, and restrained detail — the logos convey a sense of class, quality, and visual confidence while remaining adaptable across various applications, including storefront signage, tags, business cards, digital platforms, and promotional materials.

Ultimately, this identity positions Mode Moderne not just as a furniture store, but as a design solution to a bold and identifiable mark that relates to the brand's intention.