Those links are great, here's one more that may help:
copenhagen furniture - for home and office - serving the San Francisco Bay Area from Oakland and Northern California from Sacramento
Personally, I'm poor so I can live with Ikea furniture. I shopped at Ikea through college and I was really surprised at how well things held up. I'd say for the price it's a great option but if you have the money for something better then definitely go for it.
I've found some neat diy ideas on hgtv.com also.