For a Switch
Get your flicks with whimsical switch plates by Scott Gruber for Green Peach designs. With more than 80 images--including a steamin’ cup of joe, vegetables, and a ‘50s retro series--there’s something to light up almost any room. The switch plates (starting at $28) are made with a copper enameling technique, blending as many as eight layers of glass to give the pieces depth, rich color and a little humor. Switch-plate hardware “isn’t something most people think about when decorating a room, but I see it as one more place to have fun,” says Gruber, who majored in sculpture at St. Cloud State in Minnesota. Gruber also makes clocks (from $36), picture frames ($36 and up), trivets (about $38), coasters (about $12) and wall plaques ($28 and up) to match or complement the switch covers. For those who prefer more serious works, Gruber and his wife, Jill, have a contemporary collection, Maris Taylor Designs, named for a character on the television series “Frasier.” Gruber’s works are available at Brenda Himmel Stationery, 1126 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 395-2437 and Liz’s Antique Hardware, 453 S. La Brea, Los Angeles, (213) 939-4403.
Expressly Elsa
Fluid simplicity distinguishes the works of artist Elsa Peretti, whose signature style graces these champagne flutes for Tiffany & Co.
Peretti, who has been designing for Tiffany since 1974, crafts her pieces in sterling silver, crystal and glazed terra cotta to give them an organic quality.
The stem of the flute (sterling silver $650, crystal bowl with sterling silver stem $495, sterling silver bowl with black terracotta stem $250) is designed not only for balance, but also as a place to rest your fingers, which keeps the heat from your hand from warming the champagne.
The flutes are available at Tiffany, South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa.
Primary Potty
Toilet training is difficult enough, so Kohler’s Primary Seat, which features a smaller opening, can help make the task a little easier for little ones.
Scalloped edges are strategically placed to serve as handholds for toddlers to steady themselves--and ease their fears of falling in.
The seat fits any conventional round-front toilet bowl and is available in white ($40) or colors ($45 for red, blue or yellow) with green hinges.
For the nearest Kohler dealer, call (800) 456-4537.
