INSIDE & OUT : It’s a Rap
Strike an amusing note with visitors to your home, using whimsical door knockers by Mato.
With eight designs--a horseshoe, an antler, conch shell, dragonfly, sunflower trout, largemouth bass and whale fluke--they’re sure to be a hit with nearly everyone.
Individually sand cast in solid brass, each NatureNocker (from about $47 to $120) is carved with special attention to detail and authenticity. The Verde patina gives the knockers depth and personality.
Mato, which is based in Corona del Mar, also manufactures candlesticks, vases and towel rings. Custom work also can be accommodated.
Mato home furnishings are available at Restoration Hardware at Fashion Island Newport Beach, Moultrop Finish Hardware in Newport Beach, Silver Creek Outfitters, Ketchum ID and West End West in Laguna Beach and through the Smith & Hawkin, Sundance, Sugarhill and Gump’s by Mail catalogs.
For custom orders and information, call (714) 548-9683.
Bathing Beauties
Indulge your sensibilities with Body Beaute bath treasures by Inne-Dispensables.
With six fragrances and colors presented in 50 bottle shapes (from $5 to $15), the bath gels, salts, oils and lotions not only soothe tense muscles, they can also enhance your decor.
Among the scents are melon, which has citrus undertones set on a wood and amber background; wild flower, mixing musk and wood with white flowers, jasmine, lilac and mimosa; peach, rose, lavender and white vanilla.
Each bottle--available in emerald green, sapphire blue, amber, garnet, amethyst or pearl--is adorned with raffia, satin or ribbon and preserved flowers.
Body Beaute products can be found throughout the county wherever bath products are sold.
Table Talk
Sometimes the odds and ends finish off a room.
Despite its unusual shape, the Portsmouth table by Brunschwig & Fils just might turn out to be the piece de resistance of your room.
The Portsmouth (about $1,790) is modeled after the 19th century Boston worktable, which had a fabric pouch to house a woman’s writing or sewing instruments.
Brunschwig & Fils has replaced the pouch with a wood structure, which has been painted using a trompe l’oeil technique to simulate the fabric.
The table is available through the Brunschwig & Fils showrooms at Design Center South, 23811 Aliso Creek Road, Laguna Niguel, and the Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., Suite 653, in West Hollywood. Call (800) 438-4411.
