Miami - October 27, 2006

World Piece

Gallery Rossano

Furniture. You sit on it. Eat on it. Doze off and drool on it. Pick the dog or cat hair off of it.

But when was the last time you reveled in it?

If it’s been a while, stop by North Miami’s Gallery Rossano. Home to 20th-century “decorative arts,” the store sells a variety of pieces large and small.

Among the treasures to be had: a French model boat from 1910; a handsome burgundy velvet chair neighboring a duo of shaggy pillows in wine and cream; a 1960s pink glass lamp with a sparkly gold, circular base; and, a bit unexpectedly, a 19th-century wood-carved stag mounted on the wall.

Indeed, some items seem to prize form over function — note the bronze Mosquito chair — but who cares when such choice design taste is evident?

After all, there’s no way to Scotchgard against ugly.

Gallery Rossano, 819 Northeast 125th Street, North Miami (305-981-3111 or galleryrossano.com).