So you're redecorating your home – this time you have modern in mind.

But shopping? Trips to Boston and New York seem appealing. But not necessarily practical.

That’s the dilemma Shawn Hachey and Brian Latham faced when they began renovating their West End Victorian. Their solution? Start a store.

Light boxes that glow can be used as tables or seating, $285. The Rochelle sofa is a modern, comfortable option, $1,795.

The result was Addo Novo (“inspired change”), a four-month-old home furnishings store with low modern furniture, intriguing lighting and stainless accessories.

Shawn’s experience comes from his work at Williams-Sonoma and Urban Outfitters, where he was a buyer. Brian has a degree in architecture and is the creative director of an advertising agency.

Together they’ve transformed the 490 Congress St. location into an open, inviting industrial-style space with high black ceilings. Some days traffic is slow – lots of curious passers-by peek in for a look. The First Friday walks are another story – Shawn says he’s seen 80 people in the space, all the more reason to keep its open feel a priority.

The partners had two key goals when they launched Addo Novo – they wanted comfortable price points for Maine buyers, and they wanted well-made furnishings. Much of their furniture comes from Toronto and can be shipped in days.

But quick decisions aren’t what Shawn wants from customers – he encourages potential buyers to think about what they like, to take their time. He and Brian offer free consulting to people who are considering remodeling.

So how does such modern furniture fit into many of Maine’s older structures? Surprisingly well, says Shawn; many older homes have small rooms and high ceilings, and lower furniture makes a room look larger. Many modern furniture styles are inspired from designs of the ‘30s and ‘40s – almost 100 years ago, he notes. As a nod to older homes, however, they have included furniture designs with wooden bases that work well with antiques.

What’s in store for Addo Novo? Platform beds will soon be added to the inventory as well as more small items for the Christmas season and perhaps a catalog and online store.

Lado tealights, $35/$55.