We would need to know where do you live to recommend retail stores?  Or you could always look for print ads of stuff you like then go the the  manufacturers web site and see where a local retailer is, unfortunally most of the big advertisers are the high end manufactures which are out of most of our reaches.

Having shopped both C&B and R&B, I'd have to say R&B is top notch, but yet with a strange level of affordability for those upper middleclass shoppers. I don't think you can lose with R&B. They may not have the bold styles of some Italian makes, but they don't have the perverse markups either.

C&B is good stuff, but not as good as R&B. The prices generally reflect this also.

I think the next step lower would be a WestElm and then below them are IKEA.

I like Dania Furniture, AKA Scandanavian Design, AKA Plumers Furniture.  I'll bet you'll find something you love there.  The only problem is they have limited locations.   I'm going to drive 350 miles to pick up a sofa from them. 

www.daniafurniture.com

http://www.scandinaviandesigns.com/

http://www.plummersfurniture.com/