With an 80-year-old German Ahorn plank integrated across the front, this ruby red television cabinet is pretty eye-catching as is. But dim the lights and activate the LED lights on the rear and bottom and you have a glowing piece of furniture in which to store your flat-screen. But wait, there's more: sprinkled in among the 25 layers of hand-polished, high-gloss finish are 50 carats of real diamond dust for some serious sparkle. Besides the center lift system, the cabinet features four touch-open drawers as well as a large bar drawer on the left and an additional lift mechanism on the right. At $142,000 this Flatlift cabinet will set you back more than the television itself.
If it looks this beautiful in a photograph, imagine how stunning it must be when viewed in person. Layers of iridescent, hand-loomed Indian silks are reverse appliqued in multiple layers to form an impressionist image in warm, autumnal colors. Whether you see a forest in the fall or a summer sunset, the glowing textures of this piece will warm up your decor. Signed by the artist, the hanging measures 38"H x 48"W and comes complete with materials needed for installation. $4600.
From a renovated apple barn in Massachusetts, glass artist Ed Branson creates distinctive masterpieces of color and shape. He strives to "freeze the movement of glass in a natural, beautiful form" and he has succeeded with these vases. Combining graceful fluidity with brightly hued organic shapes, his Cloaked Vases capture and hold the eye. Available in a variety of rich colors, these stunning pieces would add a dramatic touch of modernism to any room. Prices begin at $650 for a small vase.
It may look like intricately carved wood, but this magnificent chandelier is actually made from laser-cut aluminum, glass and stainless steel. Halogen bulbs illuminate faux candles and the result is a glowing spectacle that is surely fit for a mansion. If you don't actually have a mansion in which to hang this chandelier, you will at least need a very large room as the fixture measures 3 feet across. Suspended by aircraft cables and available in several colors , this made-to-order chandelier sells for $3,700.
This stunning piece of hand-painted porcelain was designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler in 1770 and is a beautiful example of why the artist is considered the father of European porcelain modeling. To commemorate Kaendler's birth, last year Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen of Germany issued a select number of his works as part of their Kaendler Edition 2006. The Lobster Box features a gold signet with the artist's initials as well the Meissen Crossed Swords on the bottom of the dish. The piece is 7" long and sells for $6,200.
Glass blowing is a centuries old art form that continues to evolve in the hands of modern artists. Artist Caleb Simeon draws on his training with a Venetian master sculptor and traditional Italian glass blowing techniques to create highly collectible, beautiful works of art. In his gently curved Barrel Vase, the rich bands of colors appear to be slowly melting into one another. The result is a striking piece that feels moody and mysterious, despite the bright hues. $870.
Artist Emilia Castillo grew up in Taxco, Mexico surrounded by master silversmiths. She apprenticed at her family's Los Castillo silver workshops, where she learned the old world techniques of working with silver and other metals. She carries on the family tradition, creating beautiful works of art in the old style, while adding her own creativity and innovation. Her black porcelain Zodiac Bowl is fine example of her exacting work. Inlaid with a silver sun surrounded by stars and zodiac signs, the bowl has a graceful scalloped edge and a matte finish. $2,000.
I am always interested in how an artist decides upon a name for a work. Some are obvious, others not so much. In this case, I believe the Cakewalk Visiting Bench looks a bit like a well-decorated pastry. Made from Birch, Poplar and Fir woods, there is so much going on with this bench, you almost don't know where to look first. The bench is hand-painted and makes use of a variety of materials, including glass beaded fringe, ribbons, wallpaper, several different fabrics and even some paper. At 64 inches long, it will comfortably seat two and the attached battery-operated candlestick light creates a cozy spot for enjoying a cup of tea with your visitor. $5,200.
Jay Strongwater's home accents are instantly recognizable for their stunning, old-world appearance. From the Papillion Collection, this sparkly butterfly rests of the stem of a swirled green and topaz glass pear. The butterfly and leaf are hand-painted enamel over metal, accented with hand-set Swarovski crystals. The richness and depth of the pear alongside the delicate butterfly results in a striking piece of art that appears antique and modern at the same time. From stem to base, the piece measures 5.25" high. $525.
Behold the Poodle Butt. That is all it is - a glossy pink sculpture of a poodle's posterior. It doesn't light up or play music, but it most certainly will start a conversation. From the same mind that brought us the Buff Humpty Night light, this handcrafted ceramic poodle butt is perfect for those who appreciate a little humor in their home decor. From the J. Schatz Limited Edition Collection, this one answers to Malibu. If a pink poodle butt doesn't go with your color scheme, consider one of her other-colored friends - Luscious, Cocoa or Snowflake. These whimsical table-top sculptures measure 13" high by 13" wide by 10" long. $525.