Fancy Faucets
The beauty of fine porcelain dinnerware has been extended into the powder room. To create this incomparable aesthetic of luxury and elegance, THG Paris offers a new line of faucetry featuring beloved Bernardaud porcelain. The line that debuted this past spring is available in four fanciful patterns –– Capucine, Passion, Ithaque and Marquise –– all boasting the ornate sculpting and fine detailing that Bernardaud is known for and the craftsmanship that is unique to THG. THG Paris, 954/425-8225, or go to www.thgusa.com.
Safekeeping
When space is scarce, fragile crystal stemware is often boxed away on a top shelf where it can become chipped in between special occasions. For this reason, Studio Becker created its innovative stemware-storage system that features convenient and safe pullout “cassettes” with felt-lined scoops that individually protect and separate delicate glasses –– all while allowing an unobstructed view of additional items that can be stored below. As an added perk, each system comes with your choice of hand-blown glasses for cocktails, champagne, water or white or red wine. Studio Becker, 510/865-1616, or go to www.studiobecker.com.
A Reason to Celebrate
Christened the “it” champagne by the Los Angeles Times, Armand de Brignac cuvées have become the toast of the town for such celeb couples as Tom and Katie and Will and Jada, as well as entertaining extraordinaires Rachael Ray and Martha Stewart. The new blanc de blancs champagne not only tantalizes taste buds but also turns heads with its breathtaking antique silver bottle and its pewter paperless label applied by hand. Dorignac’s Food Center, 710 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 834-8216, or go to www.dorignacs.com.
A Switch from Stainless
La Cornue has long been known for bringing the flavors of France into America’s most exquisite kitchens. Today the company’s CornuFé collection maintains the rich tradition of La Cornue’s original Château collection but at a price that’s much more palatable. Comparable to the cost of a professional series range, CornuFé breaks the stylistic boundaries set by stainless steel to offer a variety of designer colors that can be paired with custom trims in brass or chrome. Bella Cucina, 1200 W. Causeway Approach, Suite 12, Mandeville, 985/626-7886, or go to www.lacornueusa.com.
Well-Contained
Lush greens look picture-perfect in colorful Pompeii pots. Unlike upright urns, these Tuscan-inspired jugs won’t tip or topple over. Their bottom-heavy design anchors them in even the stormiest weather –– keeping the ceramic planters in one piece and fragile foliage looking perky. Verdigris Container Gardening, 522 Tchoupitoulas St., 899-5771, or go to www.verdigrisgardening.com.
Elle Decor So Chic: Glamorous Lives, Stylish Spaces (Filipacchi, $40)
From the sophisticated Milan duplex of Donatella Versace to the rustic Montauk retreat of Ralph Lauren, So Chic: Glamorous Lives, Stylish Spaces opens the door to the private worlds of today’s most fashionable people. So Chic is a guided tour of the homes of these tastemakers and trendsetters whose styles are everything from timelessly classic to downright funky. Additionally, So Chic has a compendium of style tips from star homeowners that offers advice on everything from hanging pictures to planning parties to living with antiques.
Go Fish
Oversize and overtly extravagant, a Hermès beach towel is just as luxurious as its sister –– the classic Hermès silk scarf. Made of the plushest cotton terry that money can buy, each towel measures 3 feet by 5 feet and boasts vivid imagery of marine life in tropical hues. Hermès Paris, 800/441-4488, or go to www.hermes.com.
All Cooped Up
Who would have guessed that a pigeon coop could transform into such a fabulous coffee table? A glass topper gives this vintage wicker piece a provincial look while creating the perfect spot for curios. Mounted on casters, it offers easy access for everyone in the seating arrangement. The Porch at Agora Galleries, 2240 Magazine St., 525-2240.
