Modern classics

“WE wanted to provide a higher-end alternative to IKEA and West Elm -- something that could go from a kid’s room to college to a first apartment,” says Jennifer Armour, co-owner of MOS My Own Space, a La Jolla showroom that has become a destination for design-savvy grads and granddads alike. The shop attracts young shoppers with Philippe Starck’s Louis Ghost chairs (shown above in clear and solid black, from $263), a black-and-white Manuscrit rug from Nanimarquina ($1,890), Kartell’s red FL/Y light ($249) and Italian illustrator Piero Fornasetti’s pillows ($95) and plates (on the wall, $110 each). Other highlights: Marimekko handbags, Alessi tabletop pieces and decorative art by Wallter and Blik. MOS also is the exclusive Southern California dealer of Flou beds and linens. 7840 Girard Ave., (866) 607-7223; if you can’t make it to San Diego, shop online at www.mosmyownspace.com.

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FINDS / Bistro set that stacks up

Alfresco Home updates the classic bistro set with an indoor-outdoor table and chairs that resemble cane work in powder-coated metal. Space-crunched collegians may appreciate wide chairs that are stackable, a 28-inch hinged top that folds like an old-fashioned parlor table, and a selection of hip hues that include pistachio (shown here), robin’s-egg blue and chocolate. Price: $380 for the set. Available at Bar Keeper in Silver Lake, (323) 669-1675.

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REDISCOVERED / Harper’s bazaar

Beloved by tastemakers such as Todd Oldham, Charley Harper’s self-described “minimal realism” silk-screens of animals and plants have become collector’s items. Now, new lithographs of the 83-year-old artist’s work have been reissued at surprisingly affordable prices through Fabulous Frames & Art. Framed prints cost less than $200; most unframed works are $50. Environmental posters including “Biodiversity in the Burbs” (1996) and “Global Warning” (2002) are $30 each. To order, visit www.fabframes.com or call (888) 771-1100. For a color catalog that includes the work of Harper’s equally gifted wife, Edie, e-mail prtquick@eos.net.

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INNOVATIONS / Quick, change the floor

MiYO doesn’t have quite the same ring as another design-it-yourself carpet company, Flor, but the easy-to-use Make It Your Own website can help you create a seemingly endless variety of vinyl floorscapes. Choose from 33 solid-color or patterned 16-inch squares ($7.12 each), then click on a button to generate different looks. You can print out designs, view them in virtual room settings and calculate the price. Aimed at frequent movers, renters, dorm residents and fickle homeowners, MiYO tiles can be affixed to a grid liner ($48.99 per 100 square feet) that protects existing floors and allows for quick and easy removal. MiYO is a division of Armstrong; call (800) 233-3823 or go to www.miyoflooring.com.