Echoing the glitzy sleekness of the neighborhood itself is SLU’s hub of mod home décor shops, ranging from the locally owned Inform Interiors (now located in a larger location at Dexter Avenue N and Thomas Street), with its wide array of funky chairs, stools and metal tables, to the much ballyhooed West Elm, beckoning with recycled glass jugs, graphic-print floor poufs and rectangular lacquer serving trays.

Last summer, Ligne Roset moved from Western Avenue into new Westlake digs, where bright splashes of teal, chartreuse and orange add punch to clean-lined furniture, while colorful lighting and rugs prevail throughout Seva Home.

Follow your nose to Maria Christofilis’ Anthousa boutique nearby, the headquarters for the local company’s crisp and clean bottled home fragrances ($40-$90) and candles ($16-$32). 

Extra incentive
Modern parents love Melissa Maffei and Melissa Van Flandern’s Tottini, which sits across from REI on Yale Avenue. In addition to pint-size clothing and toys, the Melissas carry modern, streamlined baby bassinets ($80 and up), high chairs ($150 and up) and rockers ($650 and up) suited for adult sensibilities.

Parking
Thomas and Harrison streets still offer something approaching urban legend: 10-hour parking meters and no fees after 6 p.m. (Don’t you dare alert the mayor!) Snag these spots on the blocks just east of Westlake Avenue N.