Ottoman Empire

Take a seat on Holly Thomas’ soft Turkish style ottomans. Or, if you’re looking for something sturdier--to, say, use as a coffee table--try one of her firmer pillows, in which sold foam is wrapped in Dacron.

Thomas combines a mixture of vintage and new fabrics to make pillows in sizes from 21 inches square (starting at $125). Customer can choose from a selection of fabrics or bring in their own.

Temporary seating was Thomas’ inspiration. “I started looking at alternatives for dining, especially for people living in their first home and those with space constraints. Pillows and a coffee table are a great way to accommodate friends. And its a nice way to put furnishings in a home without making a huge commitment. Ottomans are also super mobile.”

Available at Thomas’ boutique, Decor Delux, in the Lab, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 540-7709

Fur-Legged Animals

When the temperature dips and it’s time to settle into a cozy chair, designer and craftswoman Diane Rieger of Orange hopes you’ll choose one of her Chairubs. The children’s rocking chairs (33 inches tall and 14 inches wide) have padded headrests, plush fake fur legs, painted hooves or feet and suede tails.

The rockers come in a menagerie of designs, from pink pigs to brown bears. She can also custom-make any animal, allow two weeks.

The chairs sell for $65, a portion of which goes to Irvine-based Project Smiling Eyes, which gives clothes, books, food and comfort to children of survivors of domestic violence. Call (714) 997-8888 or e-mail: moonlyte2@aol.com.