As I approached Kasala’s gleaming storefront on Western Avenue last month for a party celebrating its newly renovated interior space, I caught a glimpse of the sleek, colorful offerings that would later sweep me, quite literally, off my feet.

Kasala, an upscale furniture retailer specializing in eclectic, modern pieces, has been open since 1987. The store underwent an interior facelift from Paper Scissors Stone architects that kept its doors closed for three weeks in March. There’s nothing of the previously sterile atmosphere left, nor will you find any intimidating, unfriendly abstract furniture. According to store manager Deborah Crump, the appeal of modern furnishings is “not just the clean lines, but the fresh look.” And because they’re constantly being reinvented, she explained, modern furnishings never go out of style.

For their re-opening celebration, hors d’oevres were strategically placed on crystal coffee tables and sable credenzas. Bubbly drinks were appropriately served near the barstools, which were a skip away from an assortment of minimalist office furniture. Copper banisters were arranged in a branch-like pattern near the front door. On the far wall, kitschy ladybug night lights ($26) glowed warmly. A glass of champagne and a few chocolate-dipped strawberries later I surrendered to an obscenely purple but oh-so-luxurious sofa ($2,020). For the briefest of moments I wondered whether I was, in fact, at home, the hostess of this extravagant soiree. As I munched an oatmeal cookie and rested my cheek on a couple of furry, grape-green pillows ($195), I contemplated purchasing the executive desk behind me, perfect for power meetings ($3,399). By the party’s close, I had fallen in love with several pieces, especially a red leather couch ($2,594) made for a night of stiletto heels and a black cocktail dress.

I was clearly not alone in my fantasies: The other guests ran their fingers enviously across the backs of plush couches, or they staked their claim to overstuffed armchairs, noshing and chuckling from their perches like professional partygoers. None of us were ever really guests, I realized; we had transformed the gleaming wood floors and rubber place mats ($20-$24 each) into our own collection of high-end creature comforts. And, needless to say, none of us seemed to want the fantasy to end.

Kasala can be found at 1505 Western, 623-7795; 1014 116th NE, Bellevue, 425-453-2823.

Jaime Lin is a Seattle writer who is still contemplating those stilettos.