Photography by Werner Segarra

Owners: Chris (pictured) and Bodil Jorgensen and Mark Schwartz
Opened: December 2007
Location: 7550 E. Greenway Road, Suite 110, Scottsdale
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Phone: (480) 483-9988
Web site: centerofmoderndesign.com
History: Several years ago, Bodil and Chris Jorgensen were wondering what direction the second half of their lives would take. After successful careers in international business, the Scandinavian couple decided to start an e-commerce company that offers furnishings imported from Denmark. A positive public response led the Jorgensens to partner with Mark Schwartz to launch Center of Modern Design—a retail store in Scottsdale specializing in high-end Scandinavian and Italian design products. 
Philosophy: The showroom features works by icons of modern European design, including Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner. Chris explains that the owners chose to showcase timeless pieces that can be passed from generation to generation, and to offer them in a “destination” setting. “The kind of product we wanted to put in the marketplace wasn’t available here,” Chris says of the decision to open the retailer in the Phoenix area.
What’s in store: Find such classics as Hans Wegner’s Peacock chair, Arne Jacobsen’s Swan chair, and Finn Juhl’s Pelican chair in this 8,500-square-foot showroom. Handcrafted silver and stainless steel flatware, tea sets, and table and serveware by Georg Jensen also are displayed, along with Bang & Olufsen sound systems, speakers and cell phones. One section of the store is dedicated to beds by Hästens, a Swedish manufacturer that produces exclusive all-natural, craftsmen-made mattresses filled with horse hair. Rounding out the experience is an Artemide lighting shop. Here, Modern light fixtures, including handblown glass wall sconces, minimalist chandeliers and an array of table and floor lamps, are showcased.