YOUR PLACE.

SLEEPING BEAUTIES: Angelenos not only like to live in the lap of luxury, they want to sleep in it, too. According to Joe Vincens, who heads the national program for 1-800-Mattress, City of Angels residents have a higher ratio of plush bedding than any area of the country.

``It's a very comfort-seeking place,'' he notes, adding that, to be fair, luxury bedding is a growing segment of the market everywhere.

``Today, customers are looking at sleep as an extension of better health. Their perspective has changed dramatically. Beds are getting much more luxurious with more padding and comfort than ever before.''

Vincens says many customers are also interested in Tempur-Pedic mattresses, which feature viscoelastic technology, that breathable and temperature-sensitive material that was originally made for astronauts to provide pressure-relieving support, and now is used right here on earth.

``It molds to the shape of your body, regardless of your size or weight.''

For L.A.-area customers who want to try out mattresses in a store, 1-800-Mattress has now branched out with locations at 57 Mattress Gallery stores in Los Angeles and San Diego. To locate a store, call [phone] or visit www.mattress.com.

- Diana McKeon Charkalis

SPRINGY TABLE TOPPERS: There are early signs of spring at Villeroy and Boch. Their new plate pattern, called ``Wonderful World,'' comes in a rainbow of solid colors such as pink, orange, yellow and green and in three shapes - round, square and bloom, which has flowery, scalloped edges.

Micah Johnson, store manager at the Camarillo Premium Outlets location, says they're a great, affordable way to add a little color to any special occasion or dinner party. Many sizes and shapes retail for between $12 and $20 per piece.

Just combine it with a more traditional pattern and, ``That can give the table a fresh look ... all of a sudden you've got a brand new setting.''

Here are some of Johnson's other tips for updating the look of your table:

Greens: Use potted plants instead of cut flowers as table decorations.

Stemware: Take an informal setting and dress it up with beautiful crystal.

Napkin rings: A new set of four can be had for about $15. ``Just slide the napkin ring on, and you've got a new look quite inexpensively.''

For additional tips, as well as personalized attention, shoppers can stop by the store from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and visit with Isabelle von Boch, an eighth-generation member of the founding family.

She'll be there to meet and greet customers and chat with them one on one about things like table top makeovers and combining accessories with items they already own.

Villeroy and Boch will offer special discounts that day, as will many of the other stores at the outlet that are hosting Presidents Day sales. For more information about Villeroy and Boch in Camarillo, call [phone]. For outlet stores information, call [phone]T. he stores are located at 740 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo.

- D.C.

COUNTERS ON THE WEB: Homeowners looking for an innovative way to customize their countertops need look no farther than their computer. The International Solid Surface Fabricators Association recently launched its new Web site, www.issfa.org. It provides news, tips, industry information on fabricators and ways to turn unique design ideas into reality using this material, which can be made to look like stone or even glass.

Solid-surface counter tops provide an alternative to those made of concrete, stone, steel, wood and laminate. They are made from a blend of resins and natural minerals that come in a variety of colors and textures. Because it's machine-made, it can be cut into almost any shape and can also be heated and molded. It's the only material that features molded sinks seamed directly to the counter top without caulking. They're also stain- and heat-resistant.

On the Web site, contractors and homeowners can view the photo gallery, which displays a full array of designs. They can also research various brands of solid-surface materials. There's also a bulletin board that provides answers, news, events and more.

The Web site details various uses of solid surfaces, tips on working with a fabricator, benefits of the materials, trends and finding a local fabricator.

- Simone Schramm

COUNTERTOP QUOTES: There are a lot of new options for consumers at www.e-counters.com. From easy online quotes, new granite countertops and the Countertops 101 educational section, the Web site aims to help consumers with all their countertop installation questions and needs.

Get quick quotes for your new countertop with the newly added Quick Quote option. It's an easy alternative to the detailed quoting software already available there. With this new option, shoppers enter the square footage of materials needed, as well as the desired material and color to obtain an instant quote. Those who don't know the amount of material needed can input their countertop dimensions in the detailed quote section.

The new educational section Countertops 101 provides useful information about different countertop materials. It also offers comparisons and describes the characteristics of the material as well as maintenance, warranty guidelines and more.

They've also added granite countertops to the wide variety of stone countertop options, which also includes quartz surfaces. Customers can also visit a countertop showroom, plan their project and order materials on-site.

Materials ordered at e-counters.com receive full service, which includes measurement and installation from local e-counters.com offices. There's also a variety sinks, faucets, tile and other do-it-yourself surfacing projects on the site. For more information, check out the site or call [phone] or visit the Web site.

- S.S.

CAPTION(S):

5 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) no caption (mattress)

(2 -- 3; 2 color only) no caption (``Wonderful World'')

(4 -- color) no caption (International Solid Surface Fabricators Association web site)

(5 -- color) no caption (e-counters.com web site)