BY: PRODUCED BY MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX, SELECT PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARA ESSEX

Grand Entrance
Smell the fresh lavender and taste the smoky Syrah
each time you walk through the door. From the soothing shade of pale blue paint, to its breezy transom and rustic hardware, this 18th-century French door is well preserved and offers functional beauty to any entryway in your home. Sofas & Chairs, 486-9622, 5225 Canal Blvd.










Window Dressings:
Beautiful Draperies and Curtains for Your Home
(Gibbs, Smith Publishing Co. $39.95)
Author Brian Coleman searched coast to coast in quest of inspiring window treatments, and what he found was much more than the typical panels and pinch-pleats. Over the course of his cross-country journey, he discovered splendid silks, beautiful brocades and an abundance of tassels, tiebacks and trims to polish off any look. Window Dressings explores a variety of styles and decorating philosophies from well-known designers, and through the use of vivid photography and useful tips, the book helps create the right look for any window in the house.




Conversation Piece
A blown glass center fixture enraptured by garlands of kiln-fired glass creates the ethereal look of the Double Ribbon Chandelier by local artist, Andrew Brott. Along with his highly trained team of artisans, Brott collaborates with architects, interior designers, museums galleries and private clients to design edgy and innovative chandeliers, lamps and sculptures inspired by nature and industry. BrottWorks, 4721 Freret St. (by appointment only), 583-6661 or go to www.brottworks.com.







French Accent
Let this 19th-century salon
chair add a certain “je ne sais quoi” to your living room. While the gilt gold finish and intricate carving exude timeless elegance, the salmon color velvet offers a surprising freshness to this amazing antique. Maria of Magazine shown by Agora Galleries, 2240 Magazine St., 525-2240.









The Fun in Functional
Locals have always loved Jonathan Adler’s whimsical pottery and textiles, and now his eclectic furniture collection can be found at Hazelnut. Beginning this month, the Magazine Street boutique will become the city’s exclusive retailer of Adler’s sofas, chairs and tables. Sold in a set of three, his Thornhill Nesting Tables are covered in linen and then lacquered for a sleek yet durable finish. Hazelnut, 5515 Magazine St., 891-2424, or go to www.hazelnutneworleans.com.





A Pan in Hand
In support of breast cancer awareness month, KitchenAid serves up style with the addition of the “Everything Pan” to its 2006 Cook for the Cure® pink cookware collection. The patented finish of this ceramic nonstick pan not only helps save cleaning time, but it helps save lives by raising money for vital research. For each pan sold, KitchenAid will donate $4 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Linens N Things, 3301 Veterans Blvd., 837-4266,or go to www.lnt.com.




Instant Make-Over
The designs have gone from the windows to the walls as the Curtain Exchange debuts its collection of paints and glazes. In partnership with decorative painter Sunny Goode, TCE Paint Glazes are available in four custom colors (Seagrass, Rouge, Bluesky and Mocha) and offer your room a new look in just a few days. One glaze kit includes all you need for a fabulous faux-finish—one-quart can of glaze, a rag and a brush. The Curtain Exchange, 3936 Magazine St., 897-2444, or go to www.thecurtainexchange.com.





Local Color
Although a native of West Germany, Geza Brunow has called New Orleans home since 1999. His unique and symbolic works are inspired by the rich culture of the city and the surrounding Coastal South. In addition to “Shotgun” and “Houses of Holy” (shown), Brunow’s watercolors reflect the spirit of the Big Easy with pieces titled “The Old Warehouse on Tchoupitoulas,” “The Marignyat Night” and “Cat Naps After Ivan the Terrible.” Janet Molero Home Furnishings, 200 Metairie Rd., 838-8303, or go to www.janetmolero.com.