We've been shopping at Nowell's since we moved to the area almost 10 yrs (and 2 houses) ago and continue to feel it's the best place in town for contemporary furniture. I'm not sure what's caused others to detect a ""we're too chic for you"" attitude, but this has definitely not been our experience. It is a small, local business so it does have limitations, but we've always been satisfied that we can find something within our price range. And the staff of designers has always been very considerate and helpful. While Cherry is cool and certainly expensive, it's probably great for single professionals who want that fashionable new high rise downtown. We've found we can get the same European styles for a lot less money at Nowells. It also carries furniture that is practical for every day living, with kids and dogs and all the other stuff of life. What we've appreciated about Nowells is being able to mix style and comfort, which is really important, I think. The only draw-back is sometimes having to wait for things that need to be imported (although that also has an upside as we have unique furniture that can't be found in every house in our neighborhood). I'm not saying we've never had a problem there -- it would be inevitable given the amount of furniture we've purchased there -- but iwhen there has been an issue, it has always been handled professionally and to our satisfaction.
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