Cool downsizing

THE familiar upholstered cube and beanbag chair are becoming even more ubiquitous. A longtime staple of teenagers’ rooms and first-nesters’ apartments, these simple seating solutions are now being designed for the smallest members of the family. Wool felt-covered lightweight foam cubes with yarn crochet appliques, from $125 to $150, have the visual appeal of building blocks for toddlers. Imported from Germany, they have an Eastern European folkloric feel in vibrant Central American colors and are part of a range of products including pillows, $98, and kid-size suitcases, from $78, at Lost & Found, (323) 856-5872. For pooped-out pups, Fatboy, the design firm that has reinvigorated beanbag loungers with neon colors and Marimekko prints, offers a line of dog beds. The nylon camouflage print with a silk-screened bone is $139 at Fitzsu, Los Angeles, (323) 655-1908; www.fitzsu.com.

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SALE

Step into tile’s past

Visitors to the third annual warehouse open house and sale at Classic Tile & Mosaic this weekend can pick up some inspiration. The supplier of indoor and outdoor tiles and stones for architects, designers and do-it-yourselfers will have artisans hand-painting the Mediterranean influenced Malibu tiles, shown here, and demonstrating the ancient art of Byzantine- and Roman-style mosaics. Traditional terra cotta and contemporary tiles made from glass, metal and recycled materials will also be discounted up to 70%. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, 3221 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 287-0142, or visit www.ctandm.com.

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FIND

For your next trick, float a table

John Brauer’s Illusion table is one of those easy-to-see-through magic tricks. Made from a single sheet of clear acrylic, it has the silhouette of a round cafe table covered in folds of cloth. The hem of the “cloth” (which is actually artfully molded plastic) has four tiny feet to provide stability for the 16-inch diameter conversation piece. Featherweight and versatile -- the shape is traditional but the material is decidedly modern -- the Illusion makes the pretensions of an expensively draped table seem transparent, adding a knowing dash of Hollywood Regency glamour to any room. Imported from the Danish company Essey, the table stands 18 inches high, and is also available in white and gray for $300 at Show, Los Angeles, (323) 644-1960 or www.showlifestyle.com.

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INNOVATION

A lock on bike storage

Created for space-crunched urban cyclists by London-based designer Andrew Lang, the Cycloc can add vibrant color and clever storage and security features to even the most monster L.A. garage. Made from molded plastic, the device, which requires three wall anchors, is adjustable to keep any kind of bicycle frame elevated in a horizontal position by its crossbar. The bucket-like design also provides storage for accessories as well as holes that accommodate standard anti-theft chains and locks. Cycloc, $90, is also available in white, red and black, and is distributed in the U.S. through Charles & Marie, a design blog and e-tail website offering home, fashion and lifestyle products from around the world. For information, go to charlesandmarie.com, click on “curated shopping” and then click on “the Great Outdoors.”

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Reaching the Scout:

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