•The master of delight: "For the Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass, shape, texture, volume and color are languages as direct as the spoken word."

•Full speed ahead: A do-it-yourself restoration of a Streamline Moderne house is one man's journey back to the glamorous '30s. (The home's builder William Kesling has a great story with a checkered past!)

•A place to romp, and retreat: A modern garden for a modern house... with special attention paid to the kids' delight.

•All the home's a stage: Designer Erinn Valencich of Los Angeles-based Omniarte Design gives tips the help whether you're revving up day-to-day décor or preparing for a party.

THE SCOUT:
•Ralph Pucci opens up his new showroom.

•Tim Clarke, who splashes rich, unexpected colors onto a mix of European classicism and beach house bohemian, is having his first sale at his new Santa Monica studio.