Colin Berry specializes in Mid Century Modern. His eye for style and attention to detail are flawless. He is a serious young man who is wise beyond his years but still carries himself with and air of effortless cool. When he saunters into River City, it wouldn’t surprise us to see The Rat Pack close behind.

Are you a native Tulsan and how did you meet your wife?

I grew up in Oklahoma City. I met my wife, Valerie, online. There was a blind date and then it was love. We dated for 5 years and were married in June of 2018 at Dresser Mansion.

You are a new Dad, how have your Saturday nights changed? What was your Saturday nights like three years ago?

We stayed up much later 3 years ago, ate out more often and the house was more in order. Today I have a larger storage unit and our cable bill has gone up. We are sitting more, cooking more and eating more left-overs. We have a little girl now! She is our bridge to communication. We talk about her growth and progress. We have been forced to slow down so we won’t miss these important moments. Audrey is a real treat for us.

Now that you are a Dad, is there a family tradition from your childhood that you would like to continue? Or a new one you would like to start?

My Dad recently died, so I have been very introspective lately. I know I want to be a strong male influence for my daughter and carry on the tradition of open communication, the freedom to share thoughts and feelings. I want to implement the tradition of family vacations. I love being on the road and meeting new people.

Who is your hero?

My Mother was my hero for most of my life. She has been the champion of everything I’ve done. She was also my biggest critic. When I look in the mirror, I see her values.

Do you have a go-to Karaoke song?

Um, well...I have a specific song. I was a daycare kid, La Petite. Steve Winwood’s ‘Higher Love’ on the Playskool microphone. I couldn’t sing the high notes, but I tried. I still love that song, but I think that experience scared me from public speaking.

If you could join any past or present music group, which would you want to join?

I am not a big fan of country music, but my Grandpa played guitar in the Oklahoma Night Riders, a Western Swing Band. Western Swing has Jazz undertones and is contagious; I have a soft spot for it.

Everyone hears discussions that they consider boring. What topic can put you to sleep more quickly than anything else?

The topics of healthcare and quality of life. I know they are valid topics that we have to deal with, but I think it takes away from the here and now. They bore me and make me want to exit the room.

How did you get into the re-sale business?

My Mom dragged me to Thrift Stores when I was a young child. I learned the value of the dollar. I was always curious about the things we couldn’t afford. When I moved out on my own, I started playing with space and color, design influences, etc...It was a history lesson.

Mid Century Modern is all the rage these days. When did you realize you were drawn to the MCM style?

For me, the Hollywood Regency style was my first passion. Mid Century Modern was accidental, I always appreciated it. It is the lines on a piece of furniture that let you know someone had an attention to detail. Then you find the designers and are inspired!

You seem to do a lot of restoration, how did you learn that process?

My Uncle was a cabinet maker. I spent a lot of time with him on job sites and learned about sanders and table saws. It nurtured my creative side. When I came across pieces that were well designed, lived in and need repair...it inspires me to restore it back to its potential. Restoration work has always been therapeutic for me as well.

Do you collect anything?

My Mother collected elephants, so I always look for them. I am influenced by and appreciate Scandinavian animal figurines.

Is there anything you wish would come back into fashion?

Classic Menswear. I don’t wish everyone would wear a suit, but for gentlemen. We can’t project strength and confidence when we are wearing sweats and a hoodie. We are meant for more.

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

1. Olive Oil, it’s amazing.

2. Road Trips

3. Consistency

4. Bourbon and Cigars

5. My favorite lamp. It’s a grandiose, big and chunky turquoise table lamp. I could let everything else in the house go.

What advice would you give someone just starting out in the resale business?

I would encourage new vendors to look at textbooks, vintage guides, and brochures for information and inspiration. There are many free reference materials that explain design, construction and materials. Also, when you are constantly out there looking for treasures and talking to people, you will learn. Don’t limit yourself.