Man Shops Globe

If you're anything like me, entering into an Anthropologie could make you weep from want. It's the kind of store that makes you feel justified in spending 20 dollars on a teacup, an indulgent purchase you never would have thought possible when you woke up earlier that same morning. Everything is just so painfully right— making it very hard to resist buying, despite the large price tag.

What causes this consumer phenomenon? Well, one of Anthropologie's trade secrets is its buyer at large, Keith Johnson, who travels the world in search of unique pieces to stock the stores, lending them that certain je ne sais quoi. And luckily for us, the Sundance Channel is giving us a sneak peak into Johnson's travels every Wednesday night at 10 with its new series Man Shops Globe.

It's hard not to envy Johnson, as he travels to remote locations, buying stuff you would kill to own, using a credit card that he won't need to pay off himself. And you need to respect the man, too— he has an eye for design, finding hidden beauty in objects a less perceptive shopper could easily overlook. Although the expensiveness of everything is at times enough to make you cringe (without even taking into account Anthropologie's mark-up, or the shipping fees), overall I was impressed at the authenticity of the store's decor. Many of the items Johnson purchases are one of a kind antiques that have been painstakingly selected, and others are original pieces by working artists. Man Shops World is worth a watch, if only to see for yourself the amount of thought put into shaping your shopping experience. ••••

Ace Hotel, NYC

I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at the Ace Hotel during my recent work trip to New York. This place is designed to a fault. There was no single thing that was left un-curated. Old fashioned crank pencil sharpener? Check. 1950s style refrigerator? Okay, sure. Tiny hand soap-on-a-rope? No problem. Here are a couple of shots from the hotel, I would highly recommend a stay there. They even have a photo booth in their college-library inspired lobby. Also, the answer is yes, I did take all the stationary with me when I checked out. ••••

Because We Can + Ponoko

A couple weeks ago my friend Mark and I went to a BBQ/open house at the Because We Can Studio in Oakland. I recently came across their work while surfing the web one night and was instantly inspired and mesmerized by their impressive portfolio. Because We Can specializes in Sustainable Interior Design and Custom Furniture. By working collaboratively with a mix of artists, designers, fabricators, and builders the people behind Because We Can are able to create just about anything you can imagine. I brought Mark with me because he is a master craftsman (he builds boats as a hobby. no big deal.) and I knew that he would be interested in the actual engineering behind their work -- I just wanted to look at all the cool stuff. The low-key BBQ was the perfect setting for mingling with fellow creative masterminds, as well as the opportunity to see some of their current projects still in development. The awesome folks at the studio were friendly, welcoming, and took the time to walk us through their process. Click here to learn more about their studio and impressive business model -- seriously inspiring![The image above is a project in the works for the offices of Wikipedia, a little website you might have heard of. You know their famous globe icon? Well, Because We Can is making it 3-dimensional. So cool.]

Similarly, while at the Because We Can open house I was introduced to Ponoko, another amazing and creative company. Ponoko.com is an online shop for individualized goods. An individual submits their designs and Ponoko helps bring them to life!

"Ponoko manages every detail for you to buy, make and sell stuff. This service includes a marketplace for shoppers to find the most original designer crafted goods, match making between shoppers and designers to get exactly what you want, a personal online factory for you to 'click to make' whatever you can draw, and a personal online shop to show, share or sell your stuff."

Although based in New Zealand, the wise people at Ponoko sent Dan (see his own designs here) over to the United States to set up shop in an effort to expand their business. Because We Can opened up their studio and is now sharing their space with Ponoko. Dan took the time to tell us all about the company and showed us examples of their work. Ponoko offers a platform to help artists professionally develop and manufacture their designs; what an encouraging and exciting new opportunity for artists of all types. I have no idea what to design first, but I hope to submit something soon. ••••

Color In Wallpaper

I would absolutely buy this wallpaper and no doubt spend hours coloring my walls on the weekends. I have no shame. Colour In Wallpaper was created by Jon Burgerman. £40.00 per roll. ••••

The Magnetic Curtain

Not your typical window covering, the magnetic curtain, developed by Florian Kraitli, is a very unique idea. I love the multiple forms this curtain creates; almost like a sculpture piece in your room. ••••

A Better Bathroom

Illustrator Christoph Niemann recently shared with the NYT his family's struggle to create the perfect bathroom space— by recreating famous paintings with tile. Below are some of the ideas that were rejected before they finally settled on the Warhol Brillo design. Doing some home renovations? Check out the article right here. ••••

Look Twice

A table from the designer John Nouanesing— a concept too crazy not to pass along. ••••

Wall Type

Recently, I've been searching for ways to incorporate type into my apartment decor. Ebay has always been a great source for inspiration, as you never quite know what treasure will pop up when you do a search for "letterpress" or "printer's block," for example. But I also came across this set of more "mass-produced" options— recycled metal letters at Urban Outfitters for eight bucks a pop (each one unique), and an Enamel Alphabet as well for twelve dollars each. Paper Source also has a series of inexpensive craft letter forms, which you could decorate to your own taste. I'm still on the lookout for more ideas, and it would be great to hear from Crew readers of other sources they might have! ••••

Crestview Doors

What began as a simple remodel quickly grew into a booming business. David and Christiane Erwin wanted to compliment their mid-century American style home with an updated front door that would hold true to the original architecture. When they couldn't find the style they were looking for, they simply created it themselves. Very resourceful! Crestview Doors was soon brought to life. Now the couple helps homeowners all over modernize that 50s aesthetic with their beautiful designs. And in doing so, they have revived an architectural style that was on the brink of going extinct. They have also been inspired to do inventive doors like the one below. I would LOVE to have something like this in my home. So original and unique. ••••

Blooming Wallpaper

This heat sensitive wallpaper, created by Shi Yuan, explores a new definition of decoration by bringing design to life. When the radiator heats up the wallpaper surrounding it, the flowers will appear. Kind of like Hypercolor shirts back in the 80s but prettier. ••••

Office Space

"The Virgin Media Group brought in Headline Design to re-brand over 1000 buildings from Head Office to call centers throughout the UK – 150 of which had active employees. Because the average age of the Virgin Call Center employee was 23, the design team named the new work environment ‘Our Neighborhood’ in attempt to shift workers’ thinking from ‘them’ to ‘us.'


Primary consideration was directed at the staff’s behavior in the space. No longer can it be acceptable to just pick a color or a theme and apply it haphazardly into a space, which is why the Virgin Call Centers are not overly branded with oversized Vs and bright red walls. That’s not to say the spaces are boring – on the contrary, Household strived to integrate humor into the design – and they focused on underused areas of the former office – communal spaces including reception, canteen, break rooms, meeting rooms and spaces in between such as elevators, hallways and stairs. All these spaces were designed with the intention of maximizing the staff’s life at work and to encourage workers to feel comfortable interacting with one another through the use of animal silhouette wallpaper, chalkboards, ‘dating car park spaces’ and more."-via thecolorhunter.net



I am green with envy of the Car Park Dating concept. Not to mention the pigion graphic above the door frames. Fantastic.••••

Wall Art

I was one of those children that stuck hundreds of sticker stars onto the ceiling my bedroom. They would glow for about 20 minutes, then fade into the night. When the lights were on, however, the stars looked disturbingly tacky and needless to say impossible to remove, but I loved them.Stickers by Divider, which are removable vinyl decals, are the contemporary, more stylish, and more grown up version of star stickers. Not to mention, they can be removed without leaving a sticky residue. Interesting way to spruce up an old wall. ••••

The Playhouse Reinvented

When Amsterdam based communications agency KesselsKramer opened a studio in London they hired FAT {Fashion, Architecture, Taste} to create a truly unique work environment. The multifunctional workspace combines office and gallery. Although I've only seen pictures, this space seems inventive and whimsical, while being mature and sophisticated. Sure beats my cubicle... ••••

The Pixel Couch

Obsession. Found on TheCoolHunter.com

Domino

Yay! I found the April issue of Domino magazine in my mailbox today. Love it.

Custom Interior Wall Painting

Who's up for a little shameless self-promotion?! I am. ;)

For the past few years I have been doing free-hand custom interior wall painting for homes all around the Bay Area. I specialize in nurseries and children's rooms, but no space is off limits. I've painted kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and even laundry rooms. This weekend I had my first San Francisco client - little Baby Celine in Potrero Hill! After meeting with the family and seeing the space we discussed our ideas and came up with this graphic tree image. The family had already done a wonderful job decorating her room and the painting just added the perfect finishing touch.
Unfortunately, my website is still a work in progress, but visit www.meghancolvin.com for more information.

A Few Design Improvements

Much along the lines of Real Simple magazine, do I need to be 40+ to get excited about these design improvements on everyday home accessories? I think not! Sometimes we take for granted the way products have always looked, but here are three great examples of designs that break away from the pack and really stand out by blending in. Above, something almost anyone with an apartment could use- the Dirt Devil Kone, available at Target for 39.99 in half a dozen colors.

For the safety conscious, introducing the HomeHero Fire Extinguisher- a huge step away from the large, bright red standard! Soon to be released at Home Depot.

And if I were decorating my dream kitchen tomorrow, it would most certainly include a Drawer Dishwasher by KitchenAid- about as streamlined as it gets. Anyone else have more examples to share? This is such a fun trend to watch, as it begs the age-old question: What will they come up with next?

More Wallpaper as Art

Back in February, Sarah posted about the very gorgeous Nama Rococo wallpaper studio. As she said back then, wallpaper really is making a comeback! I've been seeing it used more and more in interior design, and I just came across an excellent example of how it is crossing over into the realm of fine art. The New York Times Style Magazine (all about Design Spring 2008 this week) featured the middle image shown above— the work of Kiki Smith in wallpaper form! I might not have been initially drawn to her work if not for the fact that I heard Kiki speak back when I was in school and she was an absolute delight— now I can't help but find her drawings as charming as she was. No clue how much it is going for, but Studio Printworks offers this and many other amazing non-traditional wallpaper designs here.And yes, I'll admit it: I want (need?) this Helvetica wallpaper, by Abbott Miller at KnollMerge.

Jonathan Adler

Wishing Jonathan Adler would design my apartment. Or that I could at least paint a wall in my apartment without being evicted.