Before there was DWR, before there was Design Public, there was The Magazine.
Founded in 1990 to supply its clients, both in the Bay Area and online, with the hottest modern furniture, rumor has it that The Magazine blew through millions of dollars setting up their business. It has since earned the distinction -- over a decade later -- of being one of many modern shops (and, unfortunately, the one with the ugliest website). However...
...they have forged relationships with some of the biggest design houses: Cappellini, Herman Miller, Alessi, etc., and they have a remarkably broad collection of classic mid-century design and contemporary pieces. They're worth a stop on any modern shopping tour.
Cappellini Juli Chairs
Artifort Isabel sofa
Alessi Blow Up Table
Hansine Pedersen Goran Tsunami Carpet
(Edited from this post originally published 06.01.06)
09/08 Update: Please see this post.
Veronica & Keith's Handmade Chic 
The World's Ugliest Condo: The Big Bathroom Reveal 
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Hunslet Dinner Plate
A Beginner's Guide to Superb Stir-Fry: Quick, Healthy Meals from a Wok
Homesteaders' Cocktail Recipe: Lovage Simple Syrup
Comments (4)
I have purchased a number of pieces from The Magazine and I recall their prices beating those of DWR. They are a great company with, as you point out, a horrible website that does not do justice to their company or their helpful staff.
I've also made purchases at The Magazine and have only good things to say. It is worth seeking out. They've got great taste, they have things you can't get very easily elsewhere, and they're super nice. Plus, their delivery guys are so professional, careful, clean, and nice.
somethings going on there they are constantly closed with no sign and the number is disconnected....does anybody know?
This company is out of business. I would STRONGLY caution not to enter any confidential credit card information into their website, (which still appears to be working)