Top Interior Design Stores

Moss is so museum-like in its look and feel, and spectacular collection of red-hot designer home wares and accessories, that it's become a bit of a New York tourist attraction in its own right. Located on Soho's fashionable Greene Street, the store and adjacent Moss Gallery are an almost blank canvas of white walls, staff in dark monotone clothing and pulsating music which provides a dramatic backdrop to the stunning array of designer furnishings. A striking amalgam of industrial design and the decorative arts, Moss gives contemporary home wares a razor-sharp edge with everything from furniture to tables and chairs, crystal, porcelain and cutlery, lighting, watches, jewelry, gadgets and books, as well as a collection of specially commissioned limited edition pieces. Launched in 1994 by former fashion hotshot Murray Moss, the company now has a second store on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, as well as an online service.

While Portland, Oregon may not be the design capital of the world, that's not to say it doesn't have its little gems. Located in the Pearl District, one of Portland's funky urban neighborhoods, Hive Modern is a fabulous showcase of furnishings. Established in 2002, Hive is a honey pot for savvy and sophisticated design enthusiasts and its online arm is simply an extension of the company's passion for contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories. With 26 of the best manufacturers on its books, from Alessi to Fritz Hansen, Herman Miller, Knoll and Vitra, as well as a collection of top-name designers, the Hive portfolio is available in-store or online.

Authenticity is the name of the game with Design Within Reach, which prides itself on sourcing and selling furniture made by the company holding the license to the original design. That means authorized classics from leading furniture houses such as Herman Miller, Knoll, Cassina, Objekto, Artek and Cherner Chair Company, among a host of others, which can be purchased in any of 65 stores across the US (there's also one in Toronto, Canada) or online. The furniture choices range from the bedroom to outdoor living, as well as solutions to small spaces, and much of the product is in stock and ready to ship—great design within easy reach.

You need look no further than the Charlotte Moss Townhouse to discover the essence of one of America's most respected interior designers. Located at 20 East 63rd Street, on Manhattan's well-heeled Upper East Side, the store is a magnificent five-story landmark building which is decorated and arranged as if it were Charlotte's own home. Each salon is stuffed with exquisite items—furniture, vintage books, antiques, crystal, china, jewelry, artworks, hand-embroidered linens and throws, and a whole treasure chest of fabulous must-haves. Charlotte's style is decidedly classic, and many pieces are sourced from her extensive travels during more than 20 years in the business. A visit to the townhouse is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon; you won't leave empty-handed.