 Conjure up the allure of the Arabian Nights with Odegard's Scheherazade Three-Tier Lamp ($8,429), named after the famed teller of 1,001 tempting tales. Three concentric circles of hand-painted silk connected with fine silk cords taper down into an engraved drop and tassel. Murano glass beads dangle between levels to add intriguing glimmers. The lamp measures more than 4 feet in diameter, making it a stunning centerpiece for your home's own magical story. Available at decorati.com. –Caroline Rath, ModernLuxury.com
Photo: Decorati.
Falling leaves in a rainbow of colors. Suddenly crisp winds. Autumn is definitely in the air. Make sure your home exudes the smells of the season with Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir Home Candle ($65). A subtle, mysterious blend of pomegranate, frankincense, patchouli and raspberry gives off a sweet and spicy air. Available at saksfifthavenue.com.
Photo: Saks Fifth Avenue.
 No need to travel to magical kingdoms far, far away to slay the dreaded dragon and bring back its hide. Simply journey to Niba Rugs for its delightful Dragonscale Rug (price upon request), part of the company's Ornamental collection and available in custom sizes. An aquatic greenish-blue is girded by golden scales, making an excellent pick-me-up accent for any room. (Please note: No dragons were harmed in the making of these rugs.) Available at nibarugs.com.
Photo: Niba Rugs.
Dining tables have four legs and some chairs, right? Not always. Nusa's Carlo Morotai Dining Table ($9,500) is an award-winning architectural art piece: a sturdy glass-topped table that seems to teeter precariously on three stiletto-thin legs. Available in either ultra-dense brass or aluminum terrazzo. nusafurniture.com. –Caroline Rath, ModernLuxury.com
Photo: Nusa Furniture.
If the whole is truly equal to the sum of its parts, then Suzan Fellman's Bespoke Chanel Silk Scarf Lamp ($9,200) adds up to quite a find. The shade is painstakingly handcrafted from an authentic Chanel scarf draped over a gold-plated chandelier and embellished with golden beads and strands of authentic pearls. Measuring 18 inches across and 15 inches high with an additional 3-inch drop, the trio of lights casts a soft glow over any affair. Available at vivre.com.
Photo: Vivre.
 When TLC's Trading Spaces plucked Mario De Armas from a Miami interiors shop, the show brought the 26-year-old designer out of obscurity and into the limelight. "I went from selling super-high-end style to doing design on a dime," says the exuberant De Armas. "And that's what I’m bringing to DC." Last month, the reality show veteran launched his new design studio, Lamby Productions, with a super-secret, staged event benefiting several local charities (check lambyproductions.com for more deets). His firm offers three different packages, each of which aims to design a condo's three most important rooms: bedroom, living space and dining area. De Armas says he'll keep costs low by employing relationships that he fostered on the show—while still maintaining the dweller's individual style. "Designing starts with the understanding that everyone has a unique perspective on life," he says, counting Walt Disney among his major inspirations. Whether you catch De Armas' day-long pop-up gig or not, you're likely to see him soon. The former reality star will be back up on the small screen, and filming began in mid-September for another concept featuring his designs.
 A fashionable flat calls for the exquisite designs of Alice Gates and Aanessa Barneby (an editor at British Vogue). Together, they put traditional design notions through a grinder of creativity for their unique blend of wallpapers, Barneby Gates. Take their Deer Damask series as an example. From far away it looks like a simple pattern, but up close you can see the repeating stag skull motif. Other collections, including Carpe Noctem, Bugs and Butterflies and The Other Eden, take their own cheeky swipes at the expected with a result that's more stunning than satire. Old-school printing techniques along with metallic finishes present another juxtaposition of past and present. Available at barnebygates.com. –Toni Kervina, JuliB
Photo: Barneby Gates.
 O.C. architects defy boundaries, and recently, their groundbreaking designs have resulted in some of the first eco-friendly, and yes, luxury, Platinum LEED-certified homes in Southern California—one just completed in Costa Mesa, and two under way in Laguna Beach. Steven Blanchard, real estate developer and owner of the Costa Mesa home, worked with architect David Gangloff to push for his feel-good certification, reaching his green goals in part by salvaging all reusable materials from the outdated '50s home previously on his lot. In Laguna, Tresor Properties and architect Mark Singer are building two stunning, modern homes (on the market for $13 million and $15 million) right above the beach. Cutting-edge construction techniques and earth-friendly materials mean these amazing abodes boast solar panels, cross ventilation and recyclable water. "I've seen a lot of green homes," says Darren Moore of Planet Green's Alter Eco, who's the LEED sustainability advisor for the Laguna projects. "And these are definitely going to be two of the greenest."
Brisbane, California gets a dose of Berkeley alum/travel and textile enthusiast Carter Bolick's affinity for all things frilly, eclectic,
worldly and unquestionably unique with India Rose. The company, which borrows its name from Bolick's eldest daughter, has spent years dazzling internet shoppers and trade show
hoppers, but now all of the pleasant makings come to life under one splendid
roof. From those famous ruffled laundry bags and luxurious shower curtains to intricate
candle pillars, stationary and vibrant table trimmings, India's timing is
perfect. Your place needs a makeover, right? Out with the drab hues and in with
the girlish accents. Get inspired amid vintage hardwoods, luscious
shapes and patterns that cover the walls throughout. Speaking
of the fanciful wall design, you can thank Mad Men set painter John Michael for
those strokes of genius. Besides signature India Rose products (such as the Eeva black pepper
and violet candle), the space adopts covet-worthy odds and ends like smart
wall accessories from 3 Fish Studios, thought-provoking art from Ray Beldner, mid-century furniture from Eames Loft, and greenery to fill your budding English-cum-Indian
garden. 433 Vistiacion Ave., Brisbane, California, 415.330.9109, indiarose.com.
–Candace Abbott,
JuliB
Make a stunning visual statement with McGuire Furniture's Butterfly Chair (from $2,100), designed by Edward Tuttle. The 35-inch-high accent chair is composed of gently curving rattan that fans out invitingly. A loose seat cushion can be customized in your choice of a number of textiles, while the chair itself is available in any of McGuire's finishes—most appealingly in silver leaf. Available at mcguirefurniture.com.
Photo: McGuire Furniture.
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