There are many reasons to visit River North (aka RiNo), a rapidly transforming neighborhood on the outskirts of downtown. But our latest excuse is that low rents for gritty, charming spaces have attracted working artists and furniture outlets, making RiNo an enticing design destination—the perfect place to track down Tolix chairs for your bistro table or to watch a sculptor in an outdoor studio. Our favorite spots aren’t walkable, but parking is a breeze. Better yet, grab your bike and go on a shopping safari.

Studio Como

Brad Fentress opened Studio Como on Walnut Street nearly seven years ago, which makes him (we think) a de-facto patriarch of the RiNo neighborhood. His stunning home showroom continues to deliver the best in modern design. We’re talking burnt orange Linge Roset sofas, sparkling Bocci pendants, and sleek Varenna cabinets. The collection is always relevant, thanks to Fentress’ yearly pilgrimages to global design centers such as Milan and Cologne, Germany, to sniff out what’s next.

5280 Home Summer 2014
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2590 Walnut St., Denver, 303-296-1495, studiocomo.com

Svper Ordinary

Part art gallery, part boutique, Svper Ordinary (in the Source) is the place to find conversation-worthy accessories. Co-owner Tran Wills fills the retail space with goods from artists across the globe that correspond with each gallery show: Recently, wood toys and bowls (right) accompanied an exhibit of art on skateboard decks.

3350 Brighton Blvd., Denver, 303-802-7044, svperordinary.com

Ironton Studios

Enter via the public sculpture garden and feel like you’ve been invited to hang with the cool kids. Housed in a former garage, Ironton hosts a thriving artists’ community and sells work by these and other local artists at its 11 annual shows.

3636 Chestnut Place, Denver, 303-297-8626, irontonstudios.com

Re For Your Home

Fans of midcentury design will find a lot to love in this furniture consignment boutique. (We’re still coveting a mint-condition Ello mirrored cabinet we spied on a recent visit.) Bonus: The designers are upholstery wizards, so give your mom’s old wingback a hip new life.

2845 Walnut St., Denver, 720-398-6200, re-foryourhome.com

Eclectic Hive

You can’t just saunter into this event-design and furniture-rental house—the showroom is by appointment only—but on some First Fridays, the shop sells discounted pieces from its gently used collection. Arrive early for first dibs on scores of upholstered benches, chic mirrored tables, and sparkly accents.

4120 Brighton Blvd., A-10, Denver, 303-295-0519, eclectichive.com