has some quality things and not so quality things.

Thanks GT. I guess I should note I've already been to Ikea, West Elm, and Plush Pod Furniture...so I'm hoping to hear about other sites.

has some nice not expensive pieces

CB2.COM

evleyva...
check this link http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/29970.htm

and one of those mentioned...whiteonwhite.com makes some
really nice knockoffs of designer furniture...if you're in nyc
you should check it out..they have a replica knoll sofa that
sells in soho for 2500 for 1000...the original design sells for 5k..

Oh . . . . uh. . . .. http://www.dwr.com/onsale.cfm

also have you tried bludot.com?

try bauhaus2yourhouse.com, they started a year ago and trying to outprice dwr- similar quality- made in italy etc.

I want to know how 'design within reach' is within reach. for whom?

If you are in the businness, try contacting your local reps...Herman Miller/Knoll...etc. I recently priced out the Noguchi table @ $800 on the A/D price schedule. To put it into perspective, the "friend" price if you specify alot of Herman Miller is $630, and the table on GSA schedule is sold @ $430. Nice Profit!

It's fake, but still a lot cheaper than the 'discount to the profession'.

if you have the time and resources, design and build your own. Affordable (depending on materials) and always make a great portfolio addition.