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By Tracy Bulla -- Home Accents Today, 10/1/2005

Be Jeweled

Jewelry designer Alexis Bittar, known for his savvy, artsy creations crafted of Lucite and semi-precious stones, launched his first home collection in New York this summer. Bittar, whose jewelry collections have been sold at the MoMA design stores since 1994, has turned out a collection that feels rare, as in precious and unique, and seriously sculptural. Inspired by Art Nouveau and Mid-Century Modern, the collection boasts organically shaped platters and candle holders embellished with sparkling accents of sapphires; coral with South Sea pearls; or 24K gold-plated butterflies, grasshoppers and dragonflies. "Historically, the Art Nouveau period focused on elements of nature that were incorporated into functional things but in such an artful and sophisticated way," Bittar said. "The collection is like a fantasy that reflects nature and brings it indoors to be appreciated." Retail prices range from $100 to $1,600. eLink 714


Nomad's Land

Stile BK, an Italian brand of Tibetan carpets recently launched in the United States, seamlessly blends various cultural horizons to infuse the overall collection with nomadic style. The contemporary rug patterns are lush with innovative and ornamental textural treatments, blending nettle fiber and wool with silk pile. The result is a three-dimensional experience as the texture pops out of the rug, said Ali Nikrooz, vice president of sales, USA. "There wasn't anything that resembled our rugs here. It was the right time design-wise to enter the market." Stile BK debuted in 2004 in Europe; the rugs utilize only natural fibers and colors and combine kilim, sumac and knotting techniques. Geometric forms and abstracts are prominent themes in the elegant, modern collection, ranging from the neutral, yet powerful Cobra and Marocco to the sly, witty Nasdaq and SP-500. A collection of coordinating pillows is also available. Retail prices range from $56 to $98. eLink 712

Vintage Nouveau

If hand-blown and hand-painted glass, 22K gold or platinum gilding, and Murano glass embellishments plus great style weren't enough, there's more. Shine, a new lamp line set to headline in High Point this market, has an "authentic vintage" hook, according to husband-and-wife partners, Russ and Susan Ortiz. "The lamps are the actual molds used from the turn of the century through mid-century," Susan explained. "We are also employing techniques stylistically from mid-century, such as hand-painting on glass." The feisty and downright charming designs come in the form of sassily striped Lucille; elegantly chic Audrey and sleekly seductive Veronica, among other sultry sirens. Shade choices range from solid raffia and linen to mod-ish, eye-popping prints, finished with the piece de resistance, diminutive finials in the shape of a Diamond, Pineapple, or retro Goddess ($875 to $1,150, lamps; $70 to $95, additional shade options; $15 to $45, finials). eLink 636


Brazilian Benchmark

Rotsen Design debuts its first collection of artisan-designed and crafted accents from all across Brazil in High Point this month. Leonardo Rotsen, a Brazilian architect and furniture designer, and entrepreneur Denis Lacerda formed the company to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Brazil while preserving and working with the raw materials that their country has to offer. "We also want to show that pieces made of recycyled materials can be sophisticated and beautiful," Rotsen said. "People now feel the need to put nature in their homes." Encompassing everything from accent furniture to vases, sculptures and more, the look is distinctive and somewhat rustic with romantic underpinnings. "These are classic and contemporary pieces that come from different corners of the country, having in common the continuous search for quality, uniqueness and beauty," Lacerda said. eLink 632


Glass Masters

Husband and wife team Ola and Marie Hoglund established Hoglund Art Glass in New Zealand in 1982 after moving from their native Sweden. This summer, the collection premiered in the United States in Las Vegas. Ola, who comes from a family of glass and ceramic artists, became a master glassblower, while Marie trained at the renowned glass school at Orrefors in Sweden. Well known in the art glass world, Hoglund designs have been included in the private collections of Elton John, Bill Clinton and Muhammed Ali, among others. Cutting-edge yet intricately detailed, their designs utilize techniques such as Graal, Sommerso and Incalmo. The Hoglunds were commissioned by the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games as the official art glass company and honored with a Swedish postage stamp for craftmanship. eLink 713


Star-Crossed Sheet Sets

While Romeo and Juliet may have been doomed from the start, the same fate doesn't look likely for up-and-coming bedding company Montague & Capulet. The purveyor of exquisitely embroidered sheeting, Montague & Capulet caters to those who long for tailor-made linens at a more attractive price. Classic in insipiration yet entirely fresh, the best part is the fabulously fun embroidery motifs that you get to choose yourself like Napoleon, a piquant bumblebee and wreath; Monarch, a chic coat of arms updated in lime or royal purple; and Bella Donna, an opulent Baroque cross. Three distinct collections are offered: M&C Boutique Hotel (used at the newly renovated Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel), a contemporary line of 330-thread count sheets detailed by crisp line embroidery ($200 and up, set); Ready to Sleep, 400-thread count cotton sateen, European-influenced sheeting with select embroidery choices and colors, such as Port of Call and Renaissance ($250 and up, set); and Couture, more than 3,000 custom options on luxe Italian cottons and silks ($500 and up, set). eLink 715

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