The designs from Crate and Barrel usually aren't as good as those Ikea, even if the quality is up to snuff. CB2 is usually okay, as long as they haven't decided to make the piece you want only available in bright orange or something. They do that sometimes.

There is definitely a gulf between Ikea (bad quality, good design, $) and DWR-tier places (good quality, good design, $$$$). Muji maybe, if they happen to make something in the niche you're looking for.