Designer Gifts

Some houses built their names on the furnished room, then turned to the small things. Designer gifts come from AERIN, founded by Aerin Lauder, which brings brass, shagreen, lacquer and crystal to trays, frames and boxes, and from Ralph Lauren Home, launched in 1983 as the first complete home line from an American fashion designer, with barware, frames and desk pieces in leather, horn and silver. Set on a console or a library shelf beside antique bronze and carved wood, these polished objects make a clean counterpoint to old patina. Next to old bronze, a little shine looks like confidence.