Rocky Patel humidor

for those who enjoy the pleasure of a good cigar, this humidor features an elegant cedar wood case that holds up to 70 cigars: plus an external hydro meter and an internal humidifier to keep your inventory fresh at a constant 70 percent humidity. Pictured cigars are hand-rolled in Nicaragua and retail for $5 each. humidor is $249 and can be found at Cigar empire. 3621 State Street. 805-563-0200.

mr. mister

14’’ Raffaellesco Platter

The Raffaellesco pattern was inspired by Raphael’s 16th century frescoes in the Vatican palace. It is said that the central motif of this pattern, the dragon, symbolizes a benevolent deity who brought good luck to the sailors of the time. Today, it is commonly believed that having a piece of Raffaellesco in your home brings blessings and good luck. ($128)

Available from Italian Pottery Outlet, 929 State Street, 805-5647655, www. italianpottery. com

Tired of globbing on the oil? These nonaerosol sprayers produce a fine mist of oil for cooking and flavoring. Give your salads and vegetables a light sprinkling of fine olive oil, or give your wok a quick spritz of peanut oil. either way, you’re cutting down on your fat intake and not over-powering the tast of your foods. fill the canister half-full with oil, pump the cap to build up pressure, then spray. What could be easier?

French Oak Pairing

There’s a reason that fine wine is aged in french (and not American) oak: the tannins. It’s the tannins that give this finely grained wood a nice, even color. few people have access to genuine french oak, but Romain doussineau, owner of Reed floors & Interiors, carries a unique, exclusive range of the wide plank flooring in a variety of finishes. Weathered grays that create a warm base for a room’s palette are a current trend selected by savvy designers.

If you are wondering what to “pair” with this flooring, natural shades with pops of color for spring are also popular with trade professionals as well as homeowners who shop at Reeds. Colors this season range from emerald and chartreuse greens to lavender and deep purples – paired with gray, of course, which brings us right back to the flooring, which reminds this beachcomber of driftwood discovered on our sandy shoals.

The simple, clean refined lines of mid-century and danish modern furnishings or reclaimed soft furnishings upholstered with new spins on vintage fabrics are popular. for instance, the retro textiles from Clark & Clark evoke a nostalgic look that has been re-imagined for the 21rst century.

“design professionals who are creating storyboards are telling us that their clients are ready to take risks with their design choices, utilizing interesting color combinations and mixing styles and periods,” says in-house design consultant Christine Craig, adding, from their oceanfront showroom: “Take the plunge – and re-imagine your own nostalgia.”-- By Leslie

A. Westbrook

Reed Floors & Interiors, 3821 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria. Phone: (805) 684.7583. Open Monday to Friday: 10am-5pm; Saturday: 10am-3pm www.reedfloors.com

Designed for romance

Asian-influenced simplicity, soothing colors, silk pillows, linins and seductive lighting inspire this bedroom design. “There is no need for 100- watt light bulbs in the bedroom,” says interior design professional Genny Cummings. She says you can accomplish a lot with one or two well placed finer pieces of furniture or treasured pieces of art and then accent the room with assorted fabrics. Cummings suggests using full-length mirrors to make the room appear larger and thick pile rugs to add warmth..

Available at Indigo Home Furnishings, 1323 State St. 805-962-6909.

Garden delights...

So every year you spend money on the natural part of your garden. flowerbeds, shrubbery and lawn care come to mind. But adding manmade ornaments such as pottery, fountains, stones and sculpture, can suddenly transform ordinary landscaping into a work of art. And they function, too. fountains add tranquility to your mood, and in some designs offer noise reduction from traffic or next-door neighbors. Pottery and stone can add color accents to the greens and browns of natural vegetation. Sculptures can act as a centerpiece and focal point to the design. The good thing is that garden ornaments require little if any care. Just place and enjoy! If you’re in the market: Seaside Gardens in carpinteria offers a wide selection of pottery and fountains, in addition to Asian-inspired glazed planters, terra cotta outdoor fireplaces to heat your sitting area on foggy nights. Across the 101 at eye of the day, you can find brightly glazed mexican pottery of all sizes, intricate wall plaques, chest high planters and terra cotta benches to sit and enjoy your creation. A few miles north at terra Sol Garden center, the animals have center stage. Brightly colored ceramic lizards, birds, butterflies, dogs, cats, fish and more offer endless design themes and color options to create the personal outdoor space you’re looking for.--RB