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The western stretch of Atlantic Avenue is well-known for its scores of antique emporiums, so when a modern-design pop-up filled with contemporary pieces punctured the zone, shoppers took notice. Architect Donald Rattner, who hatched the idea for the store after working on a West Virginia resort’s modular design project a decade ago, turned his temporary space into a permanent brick-and-mortar retailer in the winter of 2011. Offerings run the gamut from jewelry and toys to lighting and furniture and best of all, in this city of tiny and often oddly-shaped apartments, the majority of products can be customized or reconfigured in accordance with the purchaser’s needs. The creative furnishings, accessories, and home décor come from over 100 international, emerging, and established designers and include expandable wall screens, stackable shelving units, foldable seating, and modifiable lighting. Even standard kitchen gadgets, such as measuring cups, spatulas, and Tupperware, aren’t safe from innovative reimagining. — Anne Bauso

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Best of New York Awards

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