Ugg boots, which come from Australia, are no longer the most exotic product you'll find in the mellow yet extremely scene-y Malibu Country Mart. Francesca Keck, a member of the philanthropic family whose name graces buildings sprinkled around LA, has brought a trove of European, Thai and other Asian treasures to this store, which opened in late 2003.

The housewares could double as works of art, as they are mostly handmade and carry the feel of the hand. The furniture is almost all wood but ranges from very ornate to serenely simple, from traditional to modern. The pieces radiate integrity and warmth; this is the antithesis of assembly-line furniture. Keck travels the world selecting her pieces, and she has a knack for finding items that are conversation pieces rather than scene stealers—in short, objects that seem to bring all your other furniture up a notch. And, unlike Ugg boots, these pieces are not guaranteed to be found in the majority of homes in LA.