Sneak Peek: Heath Ceramics opens L.A. showroom

Just like the handcrafted tile that made the firm famous, Heath Ceramics’ new 5,000-square-foot Los Angeles showroom officially opened imbued with simple, humble beauty. Plywood shelves, a concrete floor and the open floor plan give the 60-year-old firm’s designs plenty of room to breathe. “We wanted to make it easy for people to shop,” co-owner Catherine Bailey says. Classic ceramic dinnerware -- formerly available only in small quantities at a few local stores -- is stocked in abundance. Though tile still must be ordered through Heath’s factory in Sausalito, Calif., the new store offers custom tables made from recycled ceramic kiln shelves that are glazed and fired, bright new plates and bowls for kids and a gift registry. L.A. potter and Heath studio director Adam Silverman, right, will produce works on-site. 7525 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; (323) 965-0800; www.heathceramics.com. For a PHOTO GALLERY of the new store, click here.

-- Lisa Boone