YOUR PLACE.

BEAUTIFUL BASIN: Vessel sinks can be simple and timeless, adding understated elegance to any bathroom. The Home Depot's EXPO Design Centers offer a range of choices including the Interlude Vessel Sink by Living Elements. Handcrafted from recycled metal, the eco-friendly sink comes in a choice of copper, nickel or bronze. Its natural, rippled finish has a personality all its own, continuing to develop a patina with age. Just use a mild, nonabrasive detergent soap to clean from time to time. Available by special order for $987 at the EXPO Design Center in Westwood Village and at www.expo.com.

-- Simone Schramm Trimm

LIGHT A FIRE: Fireplaces aren't just for show during these cold winter months. But even in warmer weather, they can be an attractive centerpiece of your home. Jane Gitlin's book ``Fire Places: A Practical Design Guide to Fireplaces and Stoves Indoors and Out'' (Taunton Press; $24.95) gives practical tips on a variety of fireplace and stove designs, whether you're converting a wood fireplace to gas or installing a faux fireplace to add a hearth without the heat. Brimming with color photographs, the book covers the history of fireplaces, fireside lore, fireplace safety, mantel design, lighting, accessories and useful tips such as storing wood indoors and the right type of kindling materials. The book is available at www.amazon.com and bookstores nationwide.

-- S.S.T.

MOD SQUAD: Turn your living space from dull to daddy-o with a dose of Metro Mod. This retro trend fuses modern geometric designs with a flashback to the 1970s. Ovals, dots, stripes, hound's tooth and bright acrylic give any room a lighthearted, contemporary spin. The new Serena Table Lamp from Pier 1 Imports is a groovy, sculptural piece that's a shade more interesting than your average fixture. Available next month at local Pier 1 stores for $135. New Mod Paisley designer wallpaper from the Candice Olson Collection can dress up your walls with a graphic metallic print set against a cool colored background. The price is $59.99 per single roll. Available at www.YorkWall.com, or by calling [phone].

-- Nancy Dillon

FENG SHUI YOUR LIFE: The way you decorate your home is a reflection of your soul. So says lifestyle author Moll Anderson in her book ``Change Your Home, Change Your Life'' (Cool Springs Press; $24.99). The design guide shows readers how a simple change -- maybe a coat of new paint or better lighting -- can improve your outlook, maybe even your personal relationships. The book focuses on various life changes such as becoming a new parent or getting over a divorce and spotlights five ``must-haves'': paint, light, music, flowers and fabric. Humorous life anecdotes about Anderson and her friends keep the pages turning. Available at www.amazon.com and bookstores nationwide.

-- S.S.T

CAPTION(S):

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Photo:

(1 -- color) no caption (Interlude Vessel Sink by Living Elements)

(2 -- color) no caption (book: ``Fire Places: A Practical Design Guide to Fireplaces and Stoves Indoors and Out'')

(3 -- color) no caption (Serena Table Lamp from Pier 1 Imports)

(4 -- color) no caption (New Mod Paisley designer wallpaper)

(5 -- color) no caption (book: ``Change Your Home, Change Your Life'')