For the modern look: CB2

The Twin Cities may be overrun with furniture retailers, but contemporary furniture fans can count their choices on one hand. That's why the landing of CB2 last year brought a sigh of relief -- and a host of mod, brightly colored furnishings. Crate & Barrel's hipper spinoff can take a simple butterfly chair and move it from the dorm to the apartment with a leather sling cover ($399). But traditionalists need not stay away. Anyone can appreciate the whimsy (and the price) of $3 Oliver appetizer plates decorated with stick figures who play volleyball or roast marshmallows. Sales and clearance events are frequent.