BY: MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX SELECT PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARA ESSEX

Oh Baby!
Purchased from a private estate in Northern France, this antique bassinet makes a statement as a decorative piece for dolls, or it can become fully functional with a little TLC. Handcrafted in Italy in the 1870s, its elaborate hardwood carvings and original fabric bring a fairy-tale feeling and picture-book perfect look to your little princess’ nursery. Rothschild Antiques, 241 & 321 Royal St., 523-5816,
or go to www.rothschildsantiques.com.









Family Tradition
Designer Chet Pourciau’s “Druhilet” settee is inspired by his late grandmother, Thelma Druhilet, and the unique sense of style that infused her southeastern Louisiana home. The traditional American hardwood frame is reinvented by horizontally laid stripes offering a modern twist on a classic look in a soothing palette of robin’s egg blue, chocolate brown and white. Chet Pourciau Design at Agora Galleries, 2240 Magazine St., 289-8179, or go to www.chetpourciaudesign.com.


All Bottled Up
This year Roger & Gallet, the French line best known for its round soaps and distinct fragrances, celebrates its bicentennial anniversary with the release of its signature scent, Jean Marie Farina, in a limited-edition bottle encrusted with 22-kt. gold flakes. The glamorous vessel looks so chic displayed on your vanity or dresser that you almost forget you bought it for the blend of subtle citrus scents and herbal aromas that are hand-sealed inside. Live Art Studio, 4207 Dumaine St., 484-7245.







Red Carpet Bound
NOLA’s own Beatriz Ball takes the stage this month as a finalist in the Tabletop Division at the 18th Annual ART Awards, the premier awards program for the home decorative accessories industry.  Ball’s collection of handmade metalware, including this platter with fern handles from her “Garden” line, is created out of sandblasted aluminum, then polished four times. After that, the piece won’t need to be polished again, and can go from refrigerator to oven to table.
The Plant Gallery, 9401 Airline Dr., 488-8887, or go to www.beatrizball.com.



Corraling Coral  
Red coral has long been recognized as one of nature’s most impressive miracles. It has impacted ecology, medical research and the jewelry industry in sizable ways. Today, the aesthetic beauty and vibrancy of red coral is making a splash in home interiors with a presence in everything from tableware to textiles. However, natural branches from China’s South Sea, like these recently acquired from a Texas estate, are few and far between making these natural beauties a rare find. Dunn & Sonnier Flowers and Antiques, 2138 Magazine St., 524-3235, or go to www.dunnandsonnierflowers.com.



Jumpin’ Java
Nothing kicks cold weather better than a fresh, hot cup of Joe. The newly patented cups in Pacific Cornetta’s “Pearl Collection” combine high quality ceramic exteriors with marine-grade stainless steel interiors. Micro-cell foam insulation between the two layers keeps your beverage hot and steamy from the inside, while allowing your hands to stay comfortably cool on the outside. Cups and saucers, as well as thermal mugs are available in six bold patterns such as Kaleido, Abba Stracta and Corner Café. Pacific Cornetta, 800/753-5647, or go to www.pacific-cornetta.com.


Architecture: 2007 Engagement Calendar (Universe Publishing, $13.99)
This desktop calendar is the must-have of the year for architecture enthusiasts. It provides a daily dose of spectacular photography of the winners of the prestigious AIA Architectural Photography Competition, featuring a potpourri of images that highlight regional architecture and buildings from around the world, including work from today’s leading internationally recognized architects. Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St., 899-7323, or go to www.octaviabooks.com.






Border Line
Jennifer Eagan is renewing New Orleans one picture frame at a time. The attorney-turned-artist returned home post-Katrina to find much of the city’s architectural elements wasting away in decay. She combed devastated areas for old cypress or pine doors and window frames from which she created a collection of picture frames, many of which are adorned with original knobs, handles and hinges. Door Frames Custom Picture Frames and Mirrors, 5300 Freret St. (by appointment only), 243-0300.