One of Costa Mesa‘s classiest corners is calling it quits after — *gasp* — 99 years in business.
Von Hemert Interiors has been a mainstay at 1595 Newport Blvd., on the southern edge of Westside en route to Newport Beach, since the late 1970s. However, the business itself dates to 1920 and founder Anna Martin von Hemert, an immigrant who came to America from Europe.
In an recent interview with I Heart Costa Mesa, Kelly von Hemert, the great-granddaughter of Anna, told us how Von Hemert Interiors spent many years outside the luxury furniture world, its current endeavor. It started with reupholstering, and even had a stall in L.A.‘s historic Farmers Market.
Anna’s son, Theodore “Ted” von Hemert, continued with the business, after some exciting stints as a set decorator for Hollywood films in the 1940s and a water polo Olympian in 1932.
Von Hemert Interiors has had O.C. locations in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Its last L.A.-area showroom is in Torrance, which will also be closing.
Photo: Bradley Zint
The Newport location was first in the Westcliff neighborhood before moving down the road – to Costa Mesa – to the 1595 Newport Blvd. spot today, where the family custom-built their 30,188-square-foot showroom in 1978.
The retirement sale, happening now, features $12 million worth of goods that must be sold. They are brands like Stickley, Century, Marge Carson, Hancock & Moore, Theodore Alexander, American Leather, Chaddock, Vanguard and Hickory White.
Kelly noted how the family business even used to import furniture from Italy and Spain, then re-sell it to other dealers. Now, while many items are made in the USA, they still sell exquisite Italian and Spanish items.
For example, Kelly said, instead of a plastic mirror you’ll find a hand-carved mirror from Italy that has Old World charm.
Photo: Bradley Zint
“People have always sought out our store for our reproduction pieces,” she said.
What has set Von Hemert Interiors apart from its competitors for many years starts with the company’s distinguished look, she added.
“Then you get up close and personal to really special things,” Kelly said. “Having them will make your home look different.”
The sales floor staff are also expert interior designers. Having them at your side is like having a personal tailor “to help you make your room look its best,” Kelly said. “It can be casual, Italian, Craftsman, whatever you want it to be.”
Photo: Bradley Zint
The future of the Von Hemert Interiors’ site hasn’t been decided. The retirement sale is open-ended.
Kelly said she has been grateful for Costa Mesa for its years of loyalty. It’s a city she spends most of her time in (she lives in Costa Mesa-adjacent Newport Beach, where she was also raised) and has long admired. As a student at Corona del Mar High School, her neck of the woods felt sleepy compared to Costa Mesa.
“Because Costa Mesa has everything,” she said. “It was fun. It’s a fun city. I’m constantly on 17th Street. I love the convenience. I love the eclectic nature of it. I always tell my children how lucky we are.”
Though Von Hemert Interiors has promoted itself as a fourth-generation family-run business – Kelly revealed it’s actually up to the fifth generation, with help from her own kids.
“I have them dust everything,” she said. “They like the idea of making a little pocket change.” Her daughter also helped make some filing folders.
Kelly said even though she’s traveled the world, and owns another home in Maine, they’re not leaving the area.
“It all feels right over here,” she said. ♥
