Steven King Decorative Carpets
Only the finest manufacturers have the privilege of working with this Design Center standout. Known for its discerning eye, Steven King deals in both the classic and the contemporary: The store is just as likely to stock stunning period pieces as it is plush, handtufted rugs in a variety of modern patterns. Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Ste. 405, Boston, MA 02210, skcarpets.com.
Heartwood Kitchens
Clients love Nancy Hanson for her made-to-order, expertly configured kitchens and baths—new construction as well as total overhauls of existing spaces—that range in style and scale from a cherry-wood traditional cabinet redo to a brand-new, floor-to-ceiling modern-in-concrete masterpiece. Danvers, MA heartwoodkitchens.net.
Lakeview Pavilion
When the sisters behind this Foxboro venue lost the building to a fire two years ago, they vowed to rebuild. In September 2015 they unveiled their stunningly modern interpretation of the traditional ballroom: a white-on-white dream world featuring cathedral ceilings, sleek crystal chandeliers, flowy curtains, and windows overlooking a lake and pine trees. 45 Lakeview Rd., Foxboro, MA lakeviewpavilion.com.
Max & The Goldsmith
The artisans at Max & The Goldsmith will transform "inherited" (read: gaudy) brooch into something sleek and sophisticated. They're also adept at copying both modern an antique jewelry designs to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Plus, shoppers can choose from their extensive selection of handmade rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. 214 Sumner Street, Newton Centre, MA .
Yates and Kennedy
Provincetown is a rather long way to travel for ultrahip vintage and modern accessories, but Yates and Kennedy is a true destination for the antler-hunting, owl-coveting, woodblock-pillow-desiring crowd. Bonus: After working up a shopper's sweat in the delightful store, you can skip down to the beach for an ocean dip. 368 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA 2657, .
Beyond Gorgeosity
Forget staid Knoll or uptight George Nelson. In Peter Levis's world, midcentury modern is an absolutely exuberant period full of whimsy. Offering everything from Ico Parisi consoles to FontanaArte chandeliers, the mastermind behind this wonderfully chaotic Hingham emporium has inspired a cultlike following among the area's in-the-know designers. 15 Shipyard Dr., Hingham, MA 2043, beyondgorgeosity.com.
Adamas Fine Jewelry
Anto Aboyan and Veronica Sagherian create bespoke pieces withdeep personal meaning. The brother-and-sister team is especially adept at reimagining heirlooms in modern settings; trust us, you’ll be wowed by their inspiring transformation of the dated sapphire ring you inherited from Great Aunt Betty. 22 Lincoln St., Newton, MA, 02461, adamasfinejewelry.com.
Table & Tulip
Owner Andrea Halliday and her team create pieces ranging from fragrant, fresh strung garlands to mossy terrariums with carefully perched succulents. Simple and modern or baroque and traditional, Table & Tulip's arrangements come packaged in a range of beautiful vessels—or you can bring in one of your own for an even more personal touch. 461 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, tableandtulip.com.
Montage
Warm and beautifully curated, Montage’s showroom defies the perception that modern can be off-putting. A celebration of color and craftsmanship, its two floors showcase all the excitement of the finest European brands. Do know, however, that cutting-edge furnishings from Italy come neither cheap nor fast. 75 Arlington St., Boston, MA 2116, montageweb.com.
Danish Country Antiques
The Swedish and Danish pieces at this Beacon Hill shop tend to be smaller, lighter, and more modern in spirit than much of the 19th-century stuff you find elsewhere. And with reproductions of Gustavian design flooding the marketplace these days, it's refreshing to find the real thing. 138 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, europeanstyleantiques.com.
Judy McKie
McKie's exquisitely made furniture combines the of ancient and modern design. She crafts tables, chests and chairs in wood, and adorns them with magical carved animals that almost seem alive. She also makes lamps and fountains using bronze and other metals, wrought and painted to pale blue-green hues. Gallery NAGA, 67 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Adamas Fine Jewelry
Sibling-owners Anto Aboyan and Veronica Sagherian are well known for their team's fresh designs and ability to turn vintage gems and family heirlooms into wearable modern pieces (the ladies from Desperate Housewives wore their jewelry onscreen). Take, for example, the store's new bezel-set diamond slice necklaces—like snowflakes, no two are alike. 23 Lincoln St., Newton, MA 2461, adamasfinejewelry.com.
Cohasset
Ah, the “town green,” one of New England’s oldest institutions. Cohasset’s version continues to thrive as a community center. Holiday parades and farmers’ markets play out on Cohasset Common, and on nearby South Main Street, you’ll find a decidedly modern stretch of shops and restaurants.
Joanne Langione Dance Center
A star among dance schools for four decades, Joanne Langione raised the bar even higher last year by opening a 10,000-square-foot facility complete with four modern studios. Many alums have gone on to careers in professional dance companies. 38 Border St., Newton, MA 02465, jldancecenter.com.
Harvard Club of Boston
Recent renovations to this Back Bay social club may have added a few modern-day creature comforts, but Harvard Hall remains, blessedly, unchanged: You'll still find the same English oak paneling, Spanish silver chandeliers, and roaring fireplace that have graced the dramatic space since 1913. 374 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02115, harvardclub.com.