We are so lucky in Atlanta. We have the largest Pottery Barn in the United States, IKEA, West Elm, DWR, Crate and Barrel, Ballard's Design Outlet, and soon CB2. I am sure you have heard of CB2...they are the younger, hipper version of Crate and Barrel. I am pretty traditional at heart, but occasionally I like to throw something slightly modern in a room. It keeps it from looking so predictable. Same with adding a rustic piece in a contemporary setting. The most interesting rooms will keep you guessing, pushing the boundary on the style of a room.
Here are just a few pictures of throwing in that modern element to add a spark of interest to a room. In the last picture, the green floor lamps are from CB2!!! Love them!