YOUR PLACE.

Byline: Diana McKeon Charkalis Lifestyle Editor

Mosaics bring exotic Tunisia into your home

A new showroom in Santa Monica brings the art of custom-made Tunisian mosaics to Los Angeles. Maison De Reves specializes in designs based on actual Roman ruins found in the highlands and deserts of the North African country. The company also works with clients to develop unique designs, assisting with color and pattern choices.

``They can go more modern, or we also have designs based on mosaics found on archaeological digs,'' says company president Nadhem Boudoukhane, who is from Tunisia.

Once a design is decided upon, it is created entirely by hand in a Tunisian factory using centuries-old techniques that have been passed down by generations of skilled artisans. Clients can choose from the more than 200 naturally occurring colors of stone found in Tunisia.

``All the mosaic are made using tiny pieces hand-cut stone,'' Boudoukhane says. ``Some are as small as 1/16 of an inch. They have to use a nail clipper to cut the stones.''

Boudoukhane says clients have used the durable, slip-resistant mosaics in bathrooms on floors, walls, counters and sinks. They can also be made into tabletops or placed in entryways to welcome visitors. They're great as garden decorations too, he adds.

Because the finished product comes in sheets ready to install, it's not necessary to grout them. The more intricate a design is, the greater the cost, Boudoukhane says. Prices range from about $75 to $135 per square foot, he says. Production time varies, but from concept to delivery, the process can take from three to eight weeks.

The showroom is at 3122 Santa Monica Blvd. in Santa Monica. For more information, call [phone], or visit www.maisonderevescorp.com.

COZY COMFORTS AND EASY CAR FIXES: Get more comfortable at home or while traveling with four new accessories: the cabin cuddler, the pak-lite flashlight, the PediaPak and the slide sledge frame hammer.

The cabin cuddler is a lightweight fleece blanket with a unique design that can be used in cars, on airlines and in other small spaces while traveling. The blanket is made with shoulder flaps that wrap around the body and foot pockets to keep feet warm. The blanket comes in adult and child sizes and is offered in a variety of colors.

For years, pak-lite flashlights have been used by the U.S. military, FEMA and the Red Cross and are now available for home use. The 1.5-ounce light shines up to 1,200 hours on a 9-volt lithium battery and can be stored in every room. The light comes in a variety of colors and flashing modes in original and super sizes.

Stay safe at home or while traveling with the PediaPak first-aid kit for families with children. The package comes in a well-organized 3 1/2-pound tote that can fit in a purse, diaper bag or car. It includes brand-name medications, a first-aid book, medicated ointments and creams, bandages, first-aid instruments and instant cold packs.

The slide sledge frame hammer is designed to get rid of pesky car door dents with ease. The hammer uses linear motion instead of the traditional hammer swing for greater safety and accuracy to that of a regular hammer and chisel. The hammer comes in a variety of sizes - from the 9-pound, 30-inch hammer with three heads to the 13-pound, 40-inch hammer.

The suggested retail price for the Cabin Cuddler is $34.95 for adults ($29.95 each for three or more) and $24.95 for children ($19.95 each for three or more). It is available online at www.cabincuddler.com or www.amazon.com. The pak-lite sells for $24.99 for the original and $25.99 for the super size and is available at [phone] or www.9voltlight.com. The PediaPak sells for $65.95 and is available at [phone], Ext. 4785 or www.pediapak.com. The price for the slide sledge ranges from $264.95 to $279.95 and is available by calling [phone]. Information on local and Internet dealers is available by visiting www.slidesledge.com.

- Simone Schramm

CAPTION(S):

5 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Maison de Reves' showroom features a variety of mosaic designs. Customers select their own combination of elements, which are assembled into a custom-made mosaic in Tunisia.

(2 -- color) Mosaics can be used in bathrooms on walls, countertops and sinks, and they also make slip-resistant floors.

(3 -- color) no caption (cabin cuddler)

(4 -- color) no caption (Pak-Lite flashlight)

(5 -- color) no caption (PediaPak)