ThisNext Blog - *Design/Interiors/Art

Oh So Chic, Shabby Chic

VMA — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:34:36 +0000

The Shabby Chic phenomenon has finally found its way into this ThisNexter’s life. One of my best friends on the planet is making the big leap and getting a place of her own in Los Angeles’ famed K-Town (Koreatown for those not in the know). But the big dilemma wasn’t finding the place, which has exposed brick and a cute radiator - vintage LA, signing the lease or any of the other usual apartment renting headaches. It was how to decorate. My bestie has a very unique sense of style and she is into roll top desks and lace. Shabby Chic style definitely describes her decorating style perfectly. How can you incorporate a little of my friend’s style into your own home decor? Easy! Check out some of the products I’ve recommended for her - we here at ThisNext know that they will look great in her home and yours!

See more of my Shabby Chic For My Bestie list at ThisNext.

The best coffee table I've ever seen

VMA — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:33:14 +0000

Is it a coffee table or a trampoline? It’s both! The premise behind the design of this coffee table was, “Why have a middle on a coffee table when the drinks are placed on the edge? Might as well be a trampoline.” This reasoning is not only practical, but it’s fun and leading the way towards further dual function furniture pieces.

Sure, most families have kids where this contraption would be a recipe for disaster. But for the rest of us, a coffee table can take on a whole new meaning when it has a trampoline in the middle.

So put on some tunes, invite some friends, and bounce all of your cares away! Just make sure they sign a release form first. Happy jumping!

gregory crewdson

VMA — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:02:54 +0000

Systematically placing everything perfectly within a frame, Gregory Crewdson is the personification of staged photography perfection. He’s notorious for shutting down city blocks, cutting down signs he doesn’t see fit or for even bringing in his own weather. As if it was a movie set, Crewdson will use a team rivaling most small film productions and the equipment to back it up. Often, a single shot by him is the result of months of planning, staging and preparing that is all capped off with less than a few minutes of actually shooting. Like no one else, Crewdson’s precise attention to detail is what makes him one of the most respected photographers to date. Every photograph he takes is raw and real and uncut, but also spectacularly perfect. I can’t look at a Crewdson without feeling like I’m watching The Truman Show. Not because his pictures are perfect, but because they are perfectly flawed and natural. If you’re ever lucky enough to get your hands on a Crewdson print, it’d be about 8 feet tall. It wouldn’t resemble a simple print, but a window into his world.

Gregory Crewdson Photography.
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Praising Pollock

VMA — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:09:03 +0000

With August 11th being the 52nd anniversary of Jackson Pollock’s death, it’s time to hit the pause button and look back at the legendary painter’s life. What I mean by look back is celebrate it. Sure, we all celebrate in different ways. For instance, this ThisNexter locked himself in his room with thirteen gallons of paint, 17 brushes, a bottle of whiskey, “The Genius of Modern Music,” by Thelonious Monk (the only album I can imagine Pollock painting to) and let loose. Three hours later I emerged with a completely “Pollockified” room, an angry roommate, a disgruntled landlord and a headache that radiated to my kneecaps. It was well worth it, but next year I think I’ll take a more traditional route and honor the man in a way that won’t cause permanent brain damage or unnecessary eviction. Next year I’ll be civilized. Next year I’ll “Pollockify” my computer at jacksonpollock.org. Next year, I’ll still be recovering from the damage the paint fumes did to my brain.

It truly can’t go without saying that Jackson Pollock was a genius of his own might. His creative influence reaches much further than we can even imagine and we should all feel lucky that the world even got 44 years of Pollock.

So, without further adieu, The Jackson Pollock Celebration Starter Pack:

The Jackson Pollock Celebration Starter Pack
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Violence as art?

VMA — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:02:48 +0000

Unfortunately, violence is a part of our life. We are used to wars, gangs, and crimes. We see it on the news, television, video games, and in life. This is not a tirade about our violent culture, just an observation that we’ve started bringing it into our homes in different ways. You might not own a gun, but you could have a designer gun lamp. You might not play Metal Gear Solid but you could don a pair of rifle earrings. Perhaps you don’t live in a war torn country but a grenade oil lamp lights your living room. We’ve seen the art that comes from war eras-Dada, as well as mortal shell sculpture. But those were reactions to the violence. Perhaps we’re glorifying or just reflecting our violent culture in our home decor and fashion… perhaps those barbed wire bracelets just go with your outfit?

People are obsessed with violence. And it shows in our art/home decor/fashion… Does life imitate art or art imitate life?

See more of my Violent Inspirations list at ThisNext.

Revolve Clothing Isn't Just for Clothing

Jamie — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:57:01 +0000

I love Revolve Clothing for … it’s clothing! And accessories. But Revolve is taking their online boutique one step further. Welcome to the new Revolve Culture. It’s your one-stop shop for home, gifts, and the best of American design. Don’t worry, these items are mostly affordable, but they represent some of the best in American culture.

Visit Revolve Clothing’s Culture boutique for more great shopping - and remember to always recommend your favorite finds on ThisNext!

Who knew wall stencils could be so hip?

VMA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:23:37 +0000

Today I browsed ThisNext’s collection of stencils and was ultimately impressed. There are really cool looking wall stencils out there that are so far from the typical arts and crafts “kitschy” stencils (no cat or frog stencils here, buddy) and are sure to add some cultured vibes to your place. Wall stencils are an easy way to add some “you” to your drab, white-walled apartment, or the perfect addition to an already decorated home. And, they are so easy to use. You just slap the stencil on your wall, paint over with a stencil brush, remove, and voila! Then, when you move out, you can easily paint over it to avoid fees (or for selling purposes) and re-use the stencil at your next apartment or home. A great design idea for anyone, really. Check out my list of cool wall stencils below:

The COOLEST stencils for your walls and clothes!
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Another great idea is to make your own stencils. Use your own letters and images, trace them onto stencil paper and cut them out, and stencil wherever you like! You can find a list of stencil supplies, including the things needed to make your own, here!

Housewarming Party '08

VMA — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:55:01 +0000

Graduating college is hard enough - who wants to leave behind the part-time jobs, the friends, and the parties? What is even more frustrating than leaving college is moving into an empty apartment and being extremely close to broke. Solution: have a housewarming party with the hope that friends will bring presents to liven up the apartment and give it that extra-special homey feel. ThisNext is providing you with a list of some great housewarming gifts. Important to any new apartment are items like picture frames, tables, and great kitchen gadgets. Housewarming gifts also provide and inspire great decorating ideas for anyone. The next time you’re invited to a housewarming party, show up with a smile (no matter how small the place is and the fact that there’s nowhere to hang your coat) and a fabulous gift.

See more of my My House Warming Wish List list at ThisNext.

Sale at See Jane Work

FashionKitty — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:57:54 +0000


	Click here to read more.

See Jane Work is one of my favorite spots for purchasing office supplies and it looks like it is a favorite with the ThisNext Community as well. I got a discount code in my inbox today so I thought … hey let me share the savings.

Enjoy!

Umbra Magtable

Cory — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:48:59 +0000

Coffee tables are ideal spots for magazines, placing them in close proximity to a couch that is usually positioned within reach. But the more magazines you pile on, the less useful the table becomes as a surface for placing drinks, dinner, or the laptop you’re working on. With this issue in mind, the Magtable seamlessly weaves a magazine rack into the form of a coffee table.

Created by Satina Turner for Umbra, the design makes clever use of the space beneath the table that often goes unused. Magazines are allowed to hang down within this space, as the table stands 19” in height. The solid wood structure is understated and aims the focus of the design directly on its key element.

With magazines inserted, the surface of the table remains flat enough to place a variety of items. Ideal for a cramped living space, the table also negates the need for an additional magazine rack. Plus, it’s simply a cool and unique item of furniture that will add a bit of character to your space.

Office Supplies from See Jane Work

matthew — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 13:24:54 +0000

I have been recommending good stuff from See Jane Work, and it seems like every week/ month they always have something new on their website. I agree with them, SeeJaneWork is “the destination for office style + organization.” Here is some of their new products:

Bella Document Envelope: It’s hand-made from Italian leather and features contrasting stitch detail. It will surely tell a good story about the person carrying it, that’s why it’s Ideal for holding resumes, presentation material and other important documents. It’s available in Black, British Tan, Lime, and Pink Hues. $48.00

Bella Pencil Cup: You can keep track of your pencil/ pens better while adding aesthetic value to your office at the same time with the bella pencil cup. $32.00

Bella Desk Blotter: Add color and life to your working space with this desk blotter. Just like the other Bella products, the desk blotter is hand-made with Italian leather, and features contrasting stitch accents to add details. $40.00

Black & Light 6" Curls Candle

Cory — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:31:52 +0000

Ever get the feeling that a candle is a candle is a candle? You’re not alone, but you are being targeted. Black & Light is taking aim at just such complacency, offering the field of candle design a sophisticated approach that incorporates eco-sensitive and reusable materials, stylish visual details and packaging, and a clean, long life span. A personalized touch to every Black & Light product makes for a little potential for a slow-burning paradigm shift.

The first thing you’ll notice about this candle is its handsome packaging. If you splurge for a little more on a candle than you might from another you can find at the drugstore, you want it protected and remaining in perfect form by the time you get home. This candle’s rigid box is an ideal cradle, but it’s also beautifully designed with a unique illustration (in this case, with a simple line drawing titled “Bring World Peas”). A removable sticker on the exterior give you the option of reusing the box, which is both handy and neatly fits into Black & Light’s green business model.

The candle itself is as beautiful as its box, featuring an engraved surface that you almost hate to see burn away. Fortunately, you’ll have a while to appreciate it, as the candle is designed to burn for up to 15 hours per inch. The burn itself is clean and unscented, as understated as its presentation. The candle comes with instructions for proper care, ensuring the candle’s long life, as well as a thank you note that puts this company’s personalized approach into perspective.

Solution products for your home and more

matthew — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:23:52 +0000

Solutions is a company that offers products that make life easier. Their objective is selling products that solve challenges

in and around the home. The company has been in existence for the last 20 years. Some of the products that they sell include:

Bumps Be-Gone Hangers: Ladies your camis, bras, and other garments with slim straps will stay firmly in place, thanks to these soft and flexible hangers. Your clothes will also hang/ drip dry nicely without forming bulges on the shoulders. $9.95 each

Neoprene Lunch Sack/ Bag: This Neoprene Lunch Sack/ Bag from Built NY will insulate your food and drinks for up to four hours. Keeps your cold-drinks/salad cold, and your hot-meal hot. Since the bags are made of neoprene, they stretch enough to accommodate all your cups, flasks, silverware and the likes. $2.00-$22.00

Fun Car Magnets: These brightly colored magnets will give your car a new look while keeping your original paint job intact. The magnets will hold-on tight and won’t blow off. Each package comes with 2 identical pieces,one for each side. The magnets can also be used to cleverly hide scratches or dents. $15.00

What's Next? February 16, 2008

matthew — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:44:42 +0000

Oito Bag: Made from felt on foam, this shoulder bag will surely turn heads with it’s unique looks. It features an internal pocket for your gadgets, keys and the likes, lining in mesh, and a zip closure. Available in 3 color options. $29.00 (via)

Winner of the iF DEsign Award, the Zwilling ultra-slim nail clipper is not your average kind, it features high-tech cutting edges, a flat design, and it’s stainless steel. The clipper also comes with a leather storage pouch. $29.00 (via)

Geox Monet 3: With a geeky name like this, you would think that the shoes were named after a ‘space shuttle.’ Anyway this driving moc toe loafers are made of rubber outsole, burnished leather uppers with leather lining, and 3 stripes on the side panel to add detailing to the shoe. $170.00 (via)

Sofa + Wall = Sofa Wall?

matthew — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:59:32 +0000

Sofa + wall = Sofa Wall ? Right! No, it’s ‘WallFa.’ Designed by Jordi Canudas, and presented at a 3D contest during this year’s International Furnishing Show IMM Cologne. “imm cologne provides a comprehensive selection of furniture and furnishings. From “imm pure” to “imm basic,” the product range is clearly structured in segments. This international furnishing show is the global marketplace and meeting place for the international furniture sector — the 2008 fair features more than 1,300 exhibitors from about 60 countries.”

Anyway, WallFa is a revolutionary piece of furniture that doubles as a wall and sofa. Made from a stretchy material, the WallFa allows you to comfortably sit on either side. The WallFa is in it’s concept stage, and hopefully will go in production/ retail soon.

(yanko designs)