The Renaissance style has transcended the eras and is universally regarded as one of the best examples of decorating style. For over 500 years this style has been in vogue, and the reason is simple -- it is classic. Approached properly, this style can be interpreted many ways and is an ideal choice for today's interior design.

Cortis - This is a beautiful collection of color and texture. An excellent choice for incorporating a few Renaissance style elements and adding some zip to an existing monochromatic interior. www.cortis.com

Anichini - They have some of the most complex and accurate textiles, with all the correct patterns and textures. Once you buy something from here, you will have to have more! Thank goodness for a fabulous outlet store in New Hampshire. It's worth a drive! www.anichini.com

Rubelli - The most divine, sumptuous, innovative textile collection I've ever seen. I want to roll up in this fabric and keep it close to me. Some genius is thinking up this line, and boy does he know color and texture. Talk about technique -- Leonardo would be envious! And their website is as exceptional as their products! www.rubelli.it

Donghia - I have never seen anything from this company that I haven't liked. While their patterns tend to be a little more modern than, say, the Renaissance, the combinations of colors are genius. I recently saw a new collection of glass lamps from their collection, and I wanted every one. They are the best I've ever seen, including those of Venice. And their showroom in L.A. is beautiful and inspiring -- I suggest a visit! (212) 925-2777. www.donghia.com

Bergamo - This isn't an Italian company, but it's in the Italian Renaissance tradition and the height of textiles. When you see the colors, the textures and the patterns, you will want to rob a bank to be able to afford this for your home. It is expensive, but you will never regret the purchase! www.bergamofabrics.com

Provasi - Classic Italian furniture that will work with many different styles of your current furniture. This is a good choice when making a transition to your new concept while incorporating what you already have. www.provasi.com

The Renaissance Collection - This company designs and produces awe-inspiring wooden doors and cabinetry. The attention to refinement is unparalleled. View their website and enjoy a variety of wooden elements for the home. The site is beautiful, easy to navigate and full of wonderful products. www.therenaissancecollection.com

Haddonstone - They produce high quality decorative stonework, whether for your garden or as interior accents. We invite you to contact them and lust over the many options. They have a wonderful catalogue, too! www.haddonstone.com

Ann Sachs - This tile and stone company has an outstanding offering of tile and stone products. From mosaics, art tiles, limestone slate, and glazed tiles, their selection is so enticing; making a single selection is very difficult! The textures, patterns and colors of these products are in a class by themselves. It is tempting to think of covering an entire house with their products. They even have plumbing fixtures and knobs and pulls. They are the leaders in their category for a reason. Visit their site or visit one of their 12 showrooms! www.annsacks.com

Renaissance Ceiling Domes - Innovative, masterful expressions were characteristics of the Renaissance, and this company makes a product that is right in sync with that class of genius. When I first saw this product, I thought it offered an imaginative solution for a center hall chandelier. These domes are actually architectural features that are unique and will add real value to your home. Explore this lighting alternative! OH MY!!!!! www.renaissancedomes.com

We encourage the pursuit of classicism and strive to offer the best tools and knowledge to our readers to ensure their success. Being exposed to the best products and services is yet another source of education in the design process. And to that means, we offer information and sources consistent with superior workmanship and quality materials of the maestros of design excellence.

Take a look at our featured products and companies. This is the benchmark, the very best of what is out there to buy. The colors, textures, fabrics, fabrications, quality and workmanship are visible on every level. While many of these products are extremely expensive and available to the trade only, the exposure is critical to developing a good design sense. Learn about the great sources and products and how they affect interiors. We will continue the pursuit of what is exceptional and show you how to incorporate this design excellence into your life!

Subscribe to our free and extremely informative newsletter. We would love to have your comments at: tera@designintuit.com

This site design and text © DesignIntuit, 2005