Modern world: Corazza

Don Draper and the rest of TV’s Mad Men would feel right at home at Corazza in Asbury Park (732-361-3179, www.corazzamodern.com), a mecca for classic mid-century furniture and accessories.

Don Draper and the rest of TV’s Mad Men would feel right at home at Corazza in Asbury Park (732-361-3179, www.corazzamodern.com), a mecca for classic mid-century furniture and accessories. Owner Kathleen Banks does all her own buying, always on the lookout for the perfect Herman Miller, Noguchi or Heywood-Wakefield piece. But she advises her customers not to fall in love with designer names alone.

“Buy what you like, live with it and use it,” she says. “When I hear someone say something is ‘too good to use,’ I say, ‘You’re worth it!’”

Banks moved her shop from downtown to the boardwalk two years ago—and has found the new spot has perks beyond spectacular ocean views.

“I have a pretty established customer base, but I was amazed at the number of impulse buys from people coming in from the beach!” she says.

Corazza is also a favorite go-to for art directors and designers from Manhattan. “Set decorators from Warner Brothers just left,” Banks says. “They’re shooting a remake of the movie Arthur.”

Customers who like period flair but are afraid of overdoing the look, take heart—Banks has a tip: try some generational juxtaposition, like pairing an 18th century chandelier with a one of Corazza’s dining tables. “Modern furniture is direct, clean and can go with almost anything!” she says.