A taste for the unconventional

Royal Copenhagen, founded in 1775 to serve the queen of Denmark, introduced Elements, its first new tableware set of the 21st century.  (Janet Eastman / Los Angeles Times)

A chandelier made to promote the new line included broken pieces of the new Elements plates, on which Royal Copenhagen’s traditional chrysanthemums were sprinkled helter-skelter. Danish designer Louise Campbell also departed from the company’s classic blue on white, calling on tangerine, turquoise and black. “It’s evolutionary, a reinvention within our cultural heritage,” said spokeswoman Fikriye Selen-Okatan. “It’s more modern, more casual, younger.”  (Janet Eastman / Los Angeles Times)

Design sensation Patricia Urquiola brought a sense of spontaneity to her Landscape collection for Rosenthal. Seven three-dimensional patterns are employed in different ways: sometimes asymmetrically, sometimes covering the entire surface, sometimes breaking out across the rim of a piece.  (Janet Eastman / Los Angeles Times)

BergHOFF of Belgium introduced three steel pots designed by Frederick Aerts that won’t be seen in the U.S. until spring, as with most of the items introduced at Ambiente. The lids have built-in strainer holes and also can double as trivets.  (Janet Eastman / Los Angeles Times)

Stöckel of Germany showcased scoopers that serve up ice cream shaped like hearts, flowers and cubes.  (Janet Eastman / Los Angeles Times)

Waterford hired designer Michael Aram, who has lived in India for 20 years and was inspired by the screen carvings and architectural details of India’s ancient skylines. His Jaipur line includes an ice bucket, votive holders and wine bottle holders made of pierced nickel-plated brass. Shapely finials top napkin rings, cocktail shakers and sugar bowls.  (Janet Eastman / Los Angeles Times)