Rustic and refined

Alma Allen wasn’t the first to transform tree trunks into side tables and stools, but during the last decade, the Joshua Tree woodworker certainly refined the concept. His work has shaped the rustic modern style you see in stores (think the stump table at West Elm). The L.A. interiors firm Commune Design commissioned him to create tables for the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs and stools for the Oliver Peoples store in Malibu. Allen’s latest venture: a Heath Ceramics collection of pottery with lids that Allen crafted from solid walnut ($125 to $325). Through year’s end, Heath’s L.A. store will have that and other Allen works, including polished ironwood bowls, architectural tables made from slabs of wood and sculptures in marble and bronze. 7525 Beverly Blvd.; (323) 965-0800; www.heathceramics.com.

-- David A. Keeps