Out of the Past 

Eureka's historic Old Town is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, independent bookshops and quirky locals. In recent years, several of Eureka's lumbering old hotels and redwood office buildings have been restored, breathing fresh life into the city.

Amid this makeover, the northern end of Eureka has quietly carved out space for high-end furniture and home design, like Mid Century Humboldt, buttressed by an imported rug store and art gallery. Stepping inside is a heuristic break from everyday life into a highly stylized world that soothes the busy mind.  

"Mid-century can mean everything from space-age to Danish modern," explains shop owner, Zach Zinsmann. A self-taught enthusiast of the refined style of America's mid-century, Zinsmann owns and operates Mid Century Humboldt with his wife, Betsie. After running an online store for two years, the couple opened shop in Eureka in 2016, relocating to their current location last April. The showroom is set to move again by mid-Novemeber ­— just a stone's throw to 520 Second St. Both originally from southern California, the Zinsmanns have called Humboldt home for more than 10 years. While renovating their Craftsman bungalow in Eureka, close friends turned them onto the mid-century modern style and they were hooked. Quickly going from casual collectors to scouring estate sales down the West Coast, today, the Zinsmanns are experts on mid-century modern furniture.

"We focus on making all our products turnkey, reupholstered and refinished," says Zinsmann. While he'll spend days on the road hunting down new pieces for the shop, nothing goes on the floor without a serious upgrade. Zinsmann refurbishes most pieces himself but occasionally collaborates with local woodworkers Anthony Kahn and Joseph Amaral, who build custom tables and bars to compliment the retro pieces on the showroom floor.

"This furniture was made to stay forever," explains Zinsmann. Mid-century modern furniture comes from an era when Americans bought a sofa once, expecting it to last a lifetime. In today's consumer culture, the marketplace is flooded with cheap commodities made overseas, furniture included. For those conscientious about their eco-footprint, purchasing up-cycled furniture is a great option for a long-term investment. Many of Mid Century Humboldt's customers start by purchasing a collector's piece and shaping their home's design around it. And the Zinsmann's are happy to help Humboldt County bring more unique and sustainable style into everyday life.

Mid Century Humboldt
212 G St., Eureka
(707) 499-5559
11 am to 5 pm Tuesday-Saturday and by appointment

Editor's Note: Mid Century Humboldt is has reopened at 520 2nd St., in Eureka as House of Humboldt.