After spending 15 years in the heart of New York City, Brian Wong recently relocated to the suburbs. A father of two, Wong felt the timing was right to trade up for a house in order to have more space for his family. Additionally, Wong is an active reefer and has an assortment of tanks in his home, so space is essential.
When Wong made the move, he found himself in the market for a solid shelving unit that served as functional storage, as well as a space that could showcase the art, books, and personal pieces he’s collected over the years. Once he stumbled upon Modern Shelving®, he knew he found his match. Here, Wong shares more about his reefing hobby, what attracted him to Modern Shelving®, and what he loves about his new shelves.
How did you get into reefing?
My passion for reef tanks actually started back in high school. A cousin introduced me to his setup, and I was instantly hooked. Since then, I've kept multiple tanks—both freshwater and saltwater—but saltwater aquariums have always had a special place in my heart. One of my proudest moments was having my tanks featured in The New York Historical Society’s Pet and the City exhibit.
Right now, I’ve got a 180-gallon saltwater tank, a 3-gallon betta tank, and I’m in the process of setting up another in my office. At one point, I had over seven tanks running simultaneously. It’s safe to say this is more than a hobby—it’s a full-blown passion.
What were you in the market for when you were first looking for shelves?I was looking for more than just functional storage—I wanted shelving that could showcase the art, books, and personal pieces I’ve collected over the years. Something modern and clean, but still warm enough to fit into a home filled with personality.
How did you discover Modern Shelving®?
Like many great discoveries these days, it started on Instagram. My feed is filled with interior inspiration, and I kept coming across beautifully designed shelving that aligned with my aesthetic. After diving deeper, I landed on Modern Shelving®. I loved the modular approach and the flexibility in customization — it felt like the perfect fit for the vision I had.
Did you opt for custom or stock shelves?
I ended up customizing my shelves using the stock measurements available on the site. It was a great balance — tailored to my needs while still keeping the process straightforward.
How did your ordering process go?
The experience was seamless from start to finish. Ryan Casenillo, the designer I worked with on both of my orders, was incredibly helpful. The renderings he created completely exceeded my expectations and helped bring my vision to life.
Did you do the install yourself?
Yes, I handled the install myself. There’s a bit of a learning curve initially, figuring out how the components connect, but once you get through one bay, the rest is smooth sailing. I’d say anyone with a bit of DIY experience can handle it. I’m pretty seasoned when it comes to furniture assembly, so for me, it was a breeze.
What are you storing on your shelves?
In the living room, the shelves now house a curated mix of books, artwork, and plants. Everything is displayed exactly how I imagined, and it really helps tie the space together.
I couldn’t be happier with the final result. We recently hosted a housewarming party, and the shelves were a hit — everyone had something to say about how great they looked.
How do Modern Shelving® shelves compare to other systems you've tried?I’ve experimented with several big-box shelving systems over the years, and while they serve their purpose, the quality tends to vary. What really sets Modern Shelving apart is the use of aluminum — it gives a sleek, industrial look while offering serious longevity. These shelves aren’t just beautiful, they’re built to last.
