Dara Modern

Address: 939 South West Temple Street

Telephone: 801-891-9632

Website: daramodern.com

District: Central Ninth

“My parents both immigrated to the U.S. and worked in the fields of design and architecture. My dad was a lighting designer and electrical engineer, while my mom worked in architectural software,” recalls Dustin Matinkah, the visionary behind Dara Modern.

Growing up in Salt Lake City, Dustin was steeped in a world that valued aesthetics and structural beauty. His parents, who often pointed out architectural features during family trips, instilled in him an appreciation for unique, well-crafted spaces. Early on, Dustin dreamed of becoming an architect, but conversations with his mother and friends led him to realize his true calling was elsewhere within the creative world.

After earning a business and marketing degree from the University of Oregon, Dustin returned to Salt Lake and explored various roles, from hotel management to project management for a lighting manufacturer. But the moment that truly shaped his future came in 2014 when he decided to build a modern home on a piece of land his family owned. “My parents suggested I could build something unique rather than just buy a home. With their help, I created something I loved,” he explains. Designing his own home sparked a new vision; he wanted to bring contemporary, well-crafted furniture and décor to his hometown. “When I was looking for furniture locally, no one sold the brands I loved here in Salt Lake,” he says. This realization planted the seed for Dara Modern.

“Wherever I went, I found myself thinking, ‘Why not here?’ Salt Lake City deserved a place where people could find truly modern pieces that were both affordable and unique, and that’s how Dara Modern came to be.” Dustin’s journey began with a small pop-up shop in 2016, where he showcased a thoughtfully curated selection of home goods. His goal was simple but ambitious - to offer Salt Lake access to sophisticated, unique furnishings that catered to different budgets. Over the years, Dara Modern evolved, moving from a small downtown space to the 9th and 9th neighborhood in 2019 before finally settling into a larger, more permanent location in 2022. 

Today, Dara Modern has become a destination for both professional decorators and locals who share Dustin’s love for stylish, functional furniture. The showroom boasts standout pieces from celebrated brands like Blu Dot, Gus Modern, and Ethnicraft - names synonymous with clean lines, innovative craftsmanship, and functional elegance. Among the highlights are Blu Dot’s copper chairs, designed to patina over time and create a lived-in look that customers find intriguing. Another favorite is a sectional inspired by European cobblestone streets, crafted with memory foam that retains its shape while offering comfort - a perfect blend of style and practicality.

Beyond furniture, Dara Modern also features home goods and gift items, carefully selected by Dustin to elevate everyday essentials. Beautiful pieces like saltshakers and tea kettles become stylish statements, while brands like Alessi add a touch of international flair, turning functional objects into art. “We’re the closest thing to a MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) store that Salt Lake has ever had,” Dustin says with pride, referencing the minimalist, design-forward vibe he has curated.

Dara Modern has its share of challenges. The shop’s current location lacks organic foot traffic, so Dustin relies heavily on word-of-mouth to attract customers. “We’re more of a destination,” he notes. And as the store’s sole employee, he balances the demands of managing client visits, handling orders, and running the retail space. “Sometimes I wonder how long I can keep going,” he admits, but his commitment to bringing accessible, quality furnishings to Salt Lake keeps him motivated.

A common misconception Dustin wants to dispel is that Dara Modern is only for high-end shoppers. Many of his pieces, he explains, are comparable in price to brands like Crate & Barrel, but they offer superior quality and a unique aesthetic that big-box stores cannot match. “People sometimes think, ‘Oh, it’s a design showroom—I could never afford anything in there,’” he says. But Dara Modern has something for everyone, with pieces that cater to a range of budgets and tastes.

Reflecting on his journey, Dustin shares, “Most days, I feel like I’m right where I’m meant to be. It’s a slow journey, but I believe that one day, more and more people will discover us. For now, I’m holding on to that dream.”