"There is no reinventing the wheel in design," says Raymond Byers, designer and founder of RC Byers, a boutique furniture collection that veers in the direction of contemporary artistry. "I use classical elements as the foundation for my pieces and reinterpret from there. Turned wood is fanciful and adds a whimsical relief to stylized design."

Shown here: "Bobbin" chair with blue chenille fabric, $2,895; Dan Marty Design (danmartydesign.com).