Luxury Home: Design Elements

Robin Lee

03/01/2008

Poets Society Unlike traditional ornate tassels and tiebacks, the new Ioko collection from Houlès bears a minimalist design. Inspired by the purity of Japanese haiku poems, each piece mimics planetary shapes of spheres and saucers and can be adorned with medallions and pearls. The collection of four designs is offered in a dozen colors, from tranquil grays and blues to vibrant orange, rose, turquoise and black. Ioko is available through Houlès’ Nicodecor division, the French company’s more affordable line of decorative elements for the home. Available to the trade. Houlès, 310.652.6171, www.houles.com

On the Edge Olivari’s sleek hardware has embellished doors and cabinets for almost a century. Lately, the Italian company has partnered with several well-known designers and architects, including Ferdinand Porsche, Oscar Tusquets and, most recently, Peter Marino. While Edge, part of Marino’s collection, includes brass handles that reflect Olivari’s minimalist designs, the inserts—available in leather, wood or glass—give doors a subtle finesse. Edge is plated in BioChrome bright , $234 per set, or BioChrome satined, $250 per set. Olivari, +44.1.27.722.2615, www.olivari.co.uk

Mesh Together Meshglass offers a new twist on tiling for kitchen counters, walls, pools and any other interior or exterior surface that begs to be finished with bold patterns and bright hues. Made from pieces of stained glass and mirror, the custom tiles are linked by fiberglass mesh, which enables them to conform to irregular surfaces. Offered in 36 colors, 20 patterns and a selection of Swarovski crystals, Meshglass is also fade-free, fire- and water-resistant and eco-friendly. Starting at $500 per square yard. Meshglass, 636.486.4410, www.meshglass.com

Cloth Couture Cloth and Paper, the latest endeavor by Los Angeles interior and textile designer Marcie Bronkar, is an innovative design studio focusing on high-end fabric and wallpaper. Debuting at Donghia showrooms nationwide, the collection will include fine Italian silks, handmade French papers and Belgian linens in a variety of prints and hues, from simple patterns such as Organdy to the intricate Camelot . As Bronkar explains, "While based on classic and historical design elements, there is a modern sensibility to this collection." Available to the trade. Cloth and Paper, 877.313.0313, www.clothandpaper.net; Donghia, www.donghia.com