In an era defined by convenience and mass production, it's rare to find a business that moves at the pace of thoughtfulness. But on a quiet stretch of King Street in Old Town Alexandria, one such business continues a legacy that began over a century ago.
Michelbach’s, a furniture store that was once a cornerstone of Alexandria’s commercial life, has returned to its roots — this time under the stewardship of husband-and-wife team Justin and MaryKim Bernhardt. Locals may remember the space by its more recent name, Creative Classics, but in reclaiming the Michelbach name, the couple has honored a family tradition dating back to 1904. “We didn’t even think twice,” MaryKim shares with a smile, recalling the moment they heard the original store was for sale. “This is in Justin’s blood. It just felt right.”
For Justin, it’s more than a name, it’s a lineage. His great-great-great grandfather, Frank Michelbach, opened the original store in the same location, and archival ads from the 1920s reflect values that still resonate: “The Spirit of Fair Dealing… Dependable Merchandise… Companionable Furniture.” These weren’t catchphrases, but guiding principles for how a small business could serve a community.
In today’s fast-moving retail landscape, that sense of purpose feels quietly radical. It’s not just about offering well-made pieces — it’s about helping people shape a home that reflects their values and way of life.
The restored 10,000-square-foot showroom blends Old Town’s historic charm with a more contemporary feel. Inside, the focus is on American-made, custom-order furniture, chosen for its craftsmanship and longevity. The store’s free design center offers a relaxed, low-pressure environment where visitors can explore different styles, materials, and layouts that suit everything from urban condos to larger homes throughout Northern Virginia. “If a customer has a knack for designing, they can pick their own fabric, their own wood species, their own leather, their own rugs to match,” MaryKim says.
The couple has infused the space with their signature warmth and vision, blending clean, modern aesthetics with timeless comfort. “We wanted people to walk in and feel at home, but also feel like they were discovering something truly special,” says Michael. And that’s exactly what their customers experience: an intimate, concierge-style service that transforms furniture shopping into an act of storytelling.
The couple’s commitment to small-scale craftsmanship and sustainability sets Michelbach’s apart. Many of their makers are based in the U.S., and the emphasis is on enduring quality — hardwoods, hand-applied finishes, and furniture that grows more beautiful with time.
Rather than chasing trends, they’ve built a business model rooted in long-term relationships — both with clients and with the artisans whose work fills the showroom. Many of their pieces are sourced from local artisans who share their commitment to quality and sustainability; and whom the couple have been able to build lifelong relationships with that ensure the continuation of well-built goods. “We do the research for our customers and hand select [designers] that make quality furniture and stand behind their product,” Justin says. It’s about offering thoughtful, lasting pieces that complement individual homes and reflect the distinct character of those who live in them.
“We always start with the customer,” the couple emphasizes. “Their lifestyle, their space, their needs — we listen first.”
While Michelbach’s sits in Old Town Alexandria, its story reaches well beyond the neighborhood. For families in McLean, Great Falls, and surrounding communities, it's a reminder of the kind of business that still thrives on craftsmanship, relationships, and reputation — not mass production or rapid turnover.
In many ways, Michelbach’s is less about furniture and more about what it means to carry forward a family legacy in a modern world. At a time when retail can often feel impersonal, it’s a rare example of how a small business can remain both deeply rooted and forward-thinking.
And that, in itself, is worth celebrating.
Michelbach's is “The Spirit of Fair Dealing… Dependable Merchandise… Companionable Furniture.”