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edited by Alexa Yablonski -- Interior Design, 5/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

History Lesson

Designs by Vienna-born Los Angeles architect R.M. Schindler are the source of the first collection from Marmol Radziner Furniture. During his career, Schindler, a Frank Lloyd Wright protégé, created site-specific pieces that blended seamlessly into their surroundings. It became "impossible to tell where the house ends and the furniture begins," Schindler was known to say. Originally made for his Kings Road House in West Hollywood, the five reeditions—with their rigorous good looks and welcoming proportions—are bound to find a home in any venue that encourages lounging in style. Contemporary L.A. architects Leo Marmol and Ron Radziner have lovingly reproduced Schindler's sofa, ottoman, stool, sling chair, and child's chair, and the exceptional quality comes as no surprise, considering that Marmol and Radziner's light (but exacting) touch has also graced such historic California restorations as Schindler's Elliot House in L.A. and Richard Neutra's Kaufmann House in Palm Springs. Substantial proceeds from sales of the Marmol Radziner Furniture debut will be donated to the conservation of the Kings Road House, now home to the MAK Center for Art and Architecture. 866-869-0250; www.marmolradzinerfurniture.com. circle 316

Mix and Match

The most common lament when shopping for furniture? It'd be perfect if only…it were taller, a hair less wide, a different color. Wendell Castle's Drawers & Doors collection resolves those concerns for shoppers searching for the ideal bureau but not ready to commission a total custom job. "We had only one chest of drawers and had been asked so many times to alter it in different ways that we realized there was a void in the market," Castle says. He describes the resulting collection as "quite simple, honest, and direct." Customers configure any number of drawers and doors (in various sizes) to fit within certain exterior dimensions. Dozens of designs come standard, and finishing options abound: mahogany or ash in a selection of figures, with stains ranging from natural to ebonized. The collection also coordinates with the rest of Castle's creations—devotees may recognize the same legs found on his popular Silver Lining ottoman. 866-999-4266; www.wendellcastlecollection.com. circle 317

Parker's Posies

What with Diane von Furstenberg, Jill Stuart, and Donna Karan scooping up Kim Parker's silk fashion fabrics by the yard, the New York artist was perfectly poised to succeed with her own label. But after briefly dabbling in the apparel industry, she took a different route. "I'm truly a painter at heart, and designing clothes became a bit of a headache," says Parker, who instead chose to focus on translating her hand-painted prints into lovely accessories for the home. First up: her rug collection for M&M Design International. Handwoven in Nepal, the wool rugs are fresh and joyful. "The Nepalese weavers captured the naïveté that defines my work," she says. "They left the imperfections and the human qualities." Parker's florals, whose intensity of color is matched by an intricacy of motif, are hardly garden-variety English tea roses. "My patterns are great for anyone with a lot of energy—city energy," she says. In addition to throw pillows (shown), her sassy signature look will soon brighten a line of bedding and dinnerware. 516-876-8989; www.kimparker.tv. circle 318

Everyday Elegance

The premiere furniture collection from Deborah Berke Architect does anything but grandstand. But, then again, statement making was never the intention. Unlike certain designers who favor outrageous hues, outré forms, or an unmistakable signature look, collaborators Deborah Berke, Stephen Brockman, and Caroline Wharton sought to create furniture that was a bit lower key but no less meticulously rendered. The very finest unaltered materials—such as oak, blackened steel, and hemp—as well as exceptional craftsmanship distinguish the pieces. The collection ranges from sofa and coffee table to mirror and tablecloth. We especially love the quiet dignity of the tufted chair, which proves that silence sometimes leaves the strongest impression. 212-229-9211; www.dberke.com. circle 319

A Noble Effort

Traveling around the globe and observing aspects of the fabric industry, from business operations to mill capabilities, had a profound effect on Dallas designer Joseph Noble. "I could no longer see textiles as purely decorative," Noble says. His latest collection reflects a desire to create products that not only dazzle but also perform. "The line was specifically engineered for the contract market, but we always kept residential and hospitality arenas in mind," he explains. Many of the nine new fabrics are suitable for multiple applications, including panels. This first foray into dressing systems, he explains, is about "wowing people within the necessary constraints." Chameleon does just that: Distinguished by a little bit of shine and a handsome weave, the solution-dyed polyester is remarkably versatile. "It's between a drapery and a sheer, and that's very modern, very today," he adds. Chameleon can be used for systems, upholstery, drapery, and walls—proving that the fabric merits the name it carries. Also in the mix: iridescent Borealis, metallic Luxe, and Quantum, a dimensional pattern based on archival silk tie designs. 214-741-8100. circle 320

Campion: A number of items in Campion Platt's new Campaign collection do double duty. Boxer comprises an upholstered and tufted ottoman that nests snugly within a side table made of gunmetal steel and Gabon ebony. 212-779-2751; www.campioninc.com. circle 321

Agape: Konstantin Grcic designed Mach—a collection of chic, industrial, and impressively durable accessories for the bath—with the hospitality sector specifically in mind. 39-0376-250311; www.agapedesign.it. circle 322

Klinik: The Mover and Shaker is part of the Lumenz lamp collection, designed by Mikolaj Ostrowski. Ambient light shines through this playful piece's colored acrylic channels. 416-703-5978; www.openklinik.com. circle 323

Sakura: Casual classics from Russel Wright, legendary proponent of the plain and simple, have recently been reissued by Sakura. The dinnerware includes plates, bowls, and accessories, such as the pitcher and soup bowls shown. 315-361-3000; www.oneida.com. circle 324