Entrepreneur Mitra Johnston has widened her niche since the opening of her store, Shiraz Galleria. From the seasoned buyer to the casual browser, you're treated to both a bit of history and art appreciation when you visit the spacious showroom located at the Stables Building on Reid Street Extension.

It didn't take long for her to show off her latest acquisitions, one of which is a genuine Bermuda cedar boardroom table and authentic Japanese bedroom and living room set complete with a mother-of-pearl inlay.

In addition, there are several hand-made Persian rugs, including the increasingly popular kilims, and antiques.

The name kilim or kelim is Turkish and comes from the Persian word gelid, 'to spread roughly'. Various forms of the word are used in the Balkan languages. In Kurdish, it's called 'berr'.

Because kilims are cheaper than pile rugs, new carpet collectors often start with them. Despite what many perceive as their secondary (or inferior) status to pile carpets, kilims have become increasingly collectible in themselves over recent years, with quality pieces now commanding high prices.

What some sensed as inferior was actually a different type of rug woven for indigenous use as opposed to rugs woven on a strictly commercial basis. Because kilims were not a major export item, there were no foreign market pressures changing the designs, as happened with pile carpets. Once collectors began to value authentic village weaving, kilims became popular.

There are 17 different types of kilims, including the sajadeh (prayer). These are woven with altar designs and are used for prayers, in addition to the wide variety of Persian rugs on sale.

Proudly displayed on spacious 3,000 square feet of floor space are contemporary and traditional pieces of furniture.

"What sets me apart from the competition is that everything I have is a one-of-a-kind and my customers know there is no one who has the same furniture in his or her house," Mitra said, while meticulously adjusting the cushions on a plush leather sofa.

No bedroom set would be complete without some artwork and Mitra proudly showed off some artwork direct from Persia.

"I have genuine Persian rug portraits, including one of the prophet Mohammed's son-in-law. I also have one of a Shirazian lady who is in traditional garb from the city of Shiraz. All of these portraits have a three-dimensional appearance when looked at from different angles and one can appreciate the silk that is used in the making of the portrait. When you flip the picture over you can see the image of the back which is a tell tale sign of a quality picture."

One of Mitra's restorative projectives was an Edwardian dresser which proved to be a challenge.

"I enjoy furniture and restoring antiques. One customer had brought over a dining room set they had in the UK over 40 years ago. I try my best to use environmentally friendly products when restoring furniture which is a must for me," Mitra said.

When asked which she preferred ¿ the retail side or to make the transition to restoring antiquities ¿ she replied: "I like restoring pieces and I have received compliments on my work, but I also enjoy the retail side of the business, especially meeting people."

Another recent project was a restored Bermuda cedar chest (circa 1900) and Mitra also had the upholstery restored.

With the industry being a fickle one, Mitra explained that some of her customers prefer a mix of antique and contemporary furniture.

"Antiques give the room a lived-in look and when mixed with a modern piece, it can liven up the place," she added.

Another eye-catching piece was a cinnamon wood chest which can double as indoor or outdoor furniture.

"One nice thing about this piece is that it can be used with or without cushions as some don't want an entirely wooden piece and some can forego the fabric," Mitra pointed out.

In addition to the furnishings, there are an assortment of Persian rug lampshades as well as a Persian rug rendition of the Last Supper and Islamic-influenced artwork.

If you are an avid kilim collector you can visit Mitra's web site, www.AuctionDeMitra.com, or if you prefer additional help in selecting the ideal piece of furniture complementary to your home you can call 336-9996 or e-mail mitrajohnston aol.com