Photos: Arte de Mexico

David Stoffers swings a massive door in the store his father Jerry launched four decades ago after falling in love with the craftsmanship on a trip to Mexico. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 5, 2014 12:48 PM PT

For more than 40 years, Arte de Mexico has helped interior designers find or create artisan-made and custom furniture and lighting pieces. The recent expansion of the company’s North Hollywood showroom means more space to house its growing collection of goods.

A gold, hand-carved mirror covered in cherubs came from a church in Mexico City. In its reflection, customers peruse vases on the showroom floor. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Custom lighting is one of Arte de Mexico’s specialties, with businesses such as Disneyland looking for unique lighting options. The company works with clients and creates in-house prototypes ... (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

... then creates technical drawings for its artisans to follow. Once the hand-forged or handcarving work is complete, Arte de Mexico will wire and finish the light. A beaded chandelier lamp hangs indoors. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

More than 100 artisans from around the world work with Arte de Mexico to produce objects such as this hand-carved statue. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

The intricate work of the artists is what drew owner Jerry Stoffers to begin importing everything from sconces to cabinets from around the world. This pair of hand-carved mahogany doors with wrought iron detailing are from Tuscany. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Pieces from Arte de Mexico are noted for their elegance and craftsmanship and attract all sorts of customers, including celebrities. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

“This is where you go to find something exotic, exceptional and different,” says owner Jerry Stoffers. “You can’t find these in Ikea.” (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

A metal deer detail in an Arte de Mexico chandelier. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Las Vegas casino/hotels the Venetian and Caesar’s Palace are also among Stoffer clients that have asked for handcrafted pieces. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Different eras of pieces mix on the showroom floor at Arte de Mexico. Here, a Rosie the Riveter poster from the 1940s hangs behind a painted decorative table. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Wrought iron andirons in a variety of styles at Arte de Mexico. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Antique chairs line one wall of the showroom. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Through Arte de Mexico, artisans continue to practice their craft and sell their items to a larger audience. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

With the expansion of the showroom from 200,000 square feet to 250,000, there’s more space to display items. Larger pieces — such as this wooden door with steel hinges — are displayed outside the showroom. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Arte de Mexico is filled to the rafters with imported home decor items. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)