Machine Age
Okay, so 20th-century goods aren't exactly antique. But if you're simply seeking exquisite items with a storied past, you'll find them at South Boston's Machine Age, a 9,000-square-foot warehouselike store overflowing with the most iconic furniture and lighting from the past century, plus rare Danish modern pieces that have never been stateside until now. 645 Summer St., Boston, MA 2210, machine-age.com.
Andover Bookstore
A working fireplace and mismatched, well-worn furniture make the Andover look more like a private library than a retail store. The atmosphere at this 200-year-old spot (the second-oldest bookshop in the country) is neither modern nor musty—just wonderfully comfortable. The selection, meanwhile, is something you'll never find on Amazon—an essential collection of both classic and contemporary work, enhanced by a highly educated staff with an enthusiasm for the written word that is nothing short of contagious. 89 Main St., Andover, MA 1810, andoverbookstore.com.
Colonial Drug
Still rubbing your wrist on that magazine fragrance strip? Quelle catastrophe! It's all too easy—and only civilized—to spend hours in this tiny wonder shop, sampling the world's most exclusive fragrances (including matching soaps, spray deodorants, and body creams). Experts behind the counter, including a nose-in-training, will help you distinguish between floral, Oriental, chypre, green, and modern blends. There's also a color-coded testing system on the wall—making the search for a signature scent a fun experience. 49 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA .
Brighton Music Hall
THE SCENE: A dive bar with a big stage and even bigger sound, this vestige of Allston Rock City’s glory days has a decidedly modern vibe that’s keeping a new generation jamming. THE LINEUP: Homegrown indie, rock, and hip-hop acts share space on the calendar with nationally touring acts and comedy legends, plus DJ and dance nights for all of your booty-shaking needs. 158 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 02134, crossroadspresents.com.
Monique's Bath Showroom
When we called Monique’s for help with our ancient bathroom, the sales associate listened carefully as we described our chipped fixtures and tiles — and immediately set aside time for a one-on-one appointment to browse the company’s showroom, where modern MTI Baths sinks mingle with Gatsby-esque Jaclo faucets in gold. The consultation felt so comfortable, it was like sinking into a warm bubble bath. 123 N Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472, moniquesbathshowroom.com.
Kochman Reidt & Haigh Cabinetmakers
Great kitchen cabinets need to accomplish a few things. They need to provide ample storage — that’s a given. They need to be convenient to use. They need to stand the test of time, deftly surviving the wear and tear of daily use. And, of course, they need to look good. Kochman Reidt + Haigh has this formula down to a science, offering custom cabinet design that checks all of those boxes and more, whether you’re looking for a rustic farmhouse kitchen or something sleek and ultra-modern. 471 Page St., Stoughton, MA 02072, cabinetmakers.com.
Baleia
Like spotting a majestic marine mammal in the ocean, it’s relatively rare to find modern Portuguese cuisine in Boston, but this year in particular, chefs throughout the city have been making salt cod cool again — particularly this restaurant from the team behind SRV, Gufo, and the Salty Pig. Named after the Portuguese word for “whale,” Baleia is ably and excitingly spotlighting the country’s ingredients and style, from spritzy drinks made with white port wine to grilled sardines and smoky homemade chouriço sausage. 264 E. Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02118, baleiaboston.com.
Sidney Thomas
A single Akoya pearl bordered by diamonds. A vintage solitaire set gracefully on a band of 14-karat white gold. A trio of emerald-cut sapphires, azure as the ocean blue. Whatever your style, you’ll find the selection at this Prudential Center jeweler sparkles. Choose from modern and traditional pieces by Mikimoto, Henri Daussi, and Simon G. Prudential Center, Boston, MA 02199, sidneythomas.com.
The Dance Complex
Based in an old Odd Fellows meeting hall in Central Square, this institution’s performances—from new modern works to traditional Indian dance to showcases of cutting-edge female choreographers—celebrate diversity and always, always give you something to think about. On top of it all, the Dance Complex hosts regular festivals and eclectic classes, including flamenco, hip-hop, tap, bhangra, and, of course, ballet. 536 Massachusetts Ave. , Cambridge, MA dancecomplex.org.
Lekker Home
You already know this South End boutique for its modern furnishings and home accessories. Now discover Lekker Home’s softer side, courtesy of a luxe linen collection with everything you need for a lifetime of pampering: Sasawashi scrub towels to keep your skin looking fresh, a super-soft Blacksaw throw for movie nights, and a crisp set of Area bed sheets to sink into later. 1313 Washington St., Boston, MA lekkerhome.com.
Rafanelli Events Management
Bryan Rafanelli is the Keith Lockhart of party planning: able to orchestrate a dizzying number of players to masterful effect. Even more impressive is his repertoire. He and design partner Billy Everse have personalized and pulled off nearly every memorable wedding modern-day Boston has seen, from the stately and elegant to the outrageous. With impeccable taste and a knack for details, the team provides everything from invitations and tunes to food and decorations. All you have to provide are the tears and hugs. 450 Harrison Ave., Suite 401, Boston, MA rafanellievents.com.
Long's Jewelers
A visit to any of our local high-end jewelers will render you an expert on the four Cs in no time. But on selection and service, Long's takes top honors, offering more than 500 styles in-store (from vintage-inspired numbers by Ritani to modern beauties by Furrer-Jacot) and guaranteeing that if a stone shakes loose long after you walk out the door, they'll fix it, gratis. 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 2110, longsjewelers.com.
Hudson
Jill Goldberg's four-year-old shop perfectly captures the new Boston aesthetic: a charming balance of country chic (whitewashed woods, salvaged signs), old-money signifiers (vintage French settees), and a touch of modern chrome. Few homeowners can nail the upscale-casual look without a pro's help—Goldberg offers styling services, too—but a couple of well-placed items from Hudson are an excellent start. 12 Union Park St., Boston, MA 2118, hudsonboston.com.
Waterworks
This is the temple of clean, with every element of the bathroom represented, from stylish faucets to plush bathrobes and towels. The shop specializes in handcrafted pieces ranging from traditional to modern, and offers impressively accessible design consultation. For touchy-feely types, there are in-store displays that provide truly interactive shopping. We watched as one couple tumbled into an oversized whirlpool to test the size. 103 Newbury St., Boston, MA waterworks.com.
Ecoluxe
With reports out almost daily about the dangers of chemical cleaning solvents (perchloroethylene, for example, has been linked to liver damage and cancer), the organic and biodegradable cleaning methods at owner Shelly Mars's Ecoluxe are literally a breath of fresh air. Crunchy ethos notwithstanding, this small Boston chain is also a modern and decidedly bourgeois establishment. The clean, streamlined storefronts are so pretty they could be mistaken for boutiques, the polite and efficient service (from cleaning to pressing) never wavers, and home delivery is available. 1018 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .