When you think of the Golden Triangle, chances are you don’t exactly imagine a must-visit shopping district. But tucked between the museums, government buildings, and coffeeshops are some of the city’s best stores for home decor. Punctuate your next trip to the Clyfford Still Museum with visits to these three shops—two standbys and one new kid on the block—and you’ll leave inspired to nest.

1) Z Modern and Z Art Dept.

5280 Home Spring 2013
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Owner Randy Roberts has created a contemporary collectors’ mecca with his two Speer Boulevard stores. Z Modern’s source list reads like a who’s who of modernist furniture, lighting, and accessory designers (think Eames, Joe Colombo, and Gehry). We love that there’s a mix of vintage and new. Next door, Z Art Dept. could double as a museum gallery, featuring Colorado’s most beloved contemporary artists, including Herbert Bayer, Dale Chisman, Al Wynne, and Roland Detre.
1150 and 1136 N. Speer Blvd., 303-298-8432, zmodern.com and zartdept.com

2) 9th Avenue Collection

Meandering through this 15,000-square-foot store feels a bit like shopping the Paris flea markets. Furniture retailers and fine antique and art dealers manage small niches and booths, and the magic is in the mix: We spied a pair of whimsical monkey table lamps (the tails lit up) atop a fine-antique mahogany console. Owner Susan Hildebrand keeps things light and unintimidating in this treasure trove. Tip: Don’t miss longtime Cherry Creek North fave Djuna, which relocated here with its global luxe signature style. 899 Broadway, 303-623-4200, 9thavenuecollection.com

3) Creative Living Interior & Exterior Décor

We discovered this new outdoor furnishings store just in time for spring. Owners (and landscape architects) Will and Gita Hyde’s taste combines form and function—from solar-powered lanterns to Outback Company’s nestlike hanging chairs. And don’t miss Will’s original outdoor artwork: allium-plated, perforated floral designs that will enchant your outdoor spaces. It’s enough to make your living room jealous. 1101 Santa Fe Drive, 720-222-9509, clden.com