The Friday Roundup (now with 86% more sex! Plus, the weekly deal!)

Wallpaper’s recent sex issue inspired me to copy them (but not their copy), so welcome to Strange Closets first Sex Roundup.  I hear it sells.   I just decided to do this.  Divine intervention methinks.  Having not prepared, I’m praying it all comes together by the post’s climax.

But first, many thanks to Tim Frick and the team over at MightyBytes who helped me to fix my problematic RSS feed.  I admire Tim and the group so much; they’re talented, ethical, community-focused and just very cool.  Please visit their website and contact them for web design, development or other web-centric services.  Also, check out the company blog.  Finally, click here to read a delightfully witty article about MightyBytes, which includes stunning photography.

The Mightybytes team

Hot Products!

Must be a typo.

I can hardly believe it, but Andrew Hollingsworth is selling these beauties for $100 / each.  Huh?  Please visit Andrew Hollingsworth’s website for more information and keep watching for a tour of his warehouse.

Antique dealer and all around sweet guy Arthur Swirgon posted this on his Facebook page:

Strange huh?  As hard as it might be, I recommend you play the lamp straight, the perfect kitsch for an otherwise formal room.

Finally, I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve for this fireplace screen designed by jbdenison founder John Barnett.  Barnett’s work is now available at Michael Del Piero’s Bucktown boutique.  Click here to read my recent interview with Del Piero.

And now, Amusing Photos Uncensored

Let’s talk about it, shall we.  I shot this image at a past Open House, but I wasn’t allowed to publish it lest his or her mother get indigestion.

Former Open House star Robert and former Open House star Hilary.

My friend Marla, who will do anything to get a blog mention, sent me this photo that was taken circa 1991/92.  Amazing.  I haven’t aged a day.  My bedroom at the time had a walk-in closet inside another walk-in closet (I’ve always had Strange Closets).  The inner closet was my inner sanctum, a place to meditate, to ponder the big questions . . . to drink.  But sex?  Not so much.  Forget it.

That's a big pile of creepy - La Porte, Indiana garage sale

Hotels about which you’ll want to tell

Travel and Leisure has an article about the new Bohemian budget travel hotels.  Sporting stylish rooms with all the amenities (except toilets), hic-cheap hotels such as the Ace Hotel and the Jane Hotel are the hottest thing in the industry.  I stayed at the Ace Hotel last November and was impressed with my room’s mid-century / industrial vibe.  While I opted for a private bathroom (complete with a big iron claw tub), the shared bathrooms were large and never appeared too busy.  Plus, what’s a little nudity between fellow travelers?  Exactly.  It’s fun.  Click here to read my review of the Portland, Oregon Ace Hotel.  Here are a few photos for your review (and courtesy of the Ace Hotel’s website)

Ace Hotel

Ace Hotel

Ace Hotel

And then this is a photo of a room at the Jane Hotel.  Yes, yes, very nice.

Jane Hotel - New York Times

Then again, there’s nothing like a good luxury hotel.  I was fortunate enough to spend a few nights at London’s Soho Hotel, which is a Firmdale property, a couple years ago.  While a major splurge, I don’t regret it.  They say experiences make people happier than things, and the Soho’s sophisticated design and impeccable service elevated my entire trip.

I’ve not been there, but my bones are tellin’ this old dog that I’ll mighty-like the Parker Hotel located in sunny Palm Springs.  Thanks to D.B. King and his Interior Design blog for this image (below).  I love that sign, but while the hotels proprietors clearly feel the relic adds a dash of kitsch, it prompts a far more serious discussion . . . especially when it comes to our youth.  If the kids in the audience can just come up here for a minute.  C’mon now, don’t be . . . don’t be shy.  Ready?  OK kids, I think we need to talk about drugs.  Drugs are are neither desirable nor “trippy.”  What they are is serious business.  Plus!  Plus, drugs are not an option so just forget about them OK?  Just don’t say yes.  Say the opposite of yes.  Tonight, I want you to watch St. Elmos Fire, a film which makes all too clear the dangers of drugs by showing the devastating impact cocaine has on one average Boston community.  If there has been a run on St. Elmos Fire and all available copies have been checked out, you may instead download the 1993 classic Sleepless in Seattle.  I just like that movie.  Back to your seats now.

David Weeks is my new hero.  I mean it.

Thanks to friend-of-the-program and Kramer Design Studio founder Randall Kramer for turning me on to these sexy (and cheap, a perfect combo) products designed by Tweek: the Studio of David Weeks for Kikkerland.  I simply adore those precious wood bears and monkeys.

And dspite this candlestick’s appearance, it’s extremely versatile doubling as a flashlight.

And if you have a little dough burning a hole in your pocket

When all was said and done, that crazy day taught T-8 an invaluable lesson about living among humans.  Style is important, be it in your home or on your bod (or off).  T-8 learned that David Weeks’ work is really swell . . . really really swell.  Satisfied about learning, T-8 straightened his bow tie and breaking the fourth wall, gave his readers a grin dopey-dope that said “so long fellas.”

Here’s a few of my Weeks’ faves.

http://www.ralphpucci.net/

http://www.ralphpucci.net/

Speaking of Wallpaper Magazine

I know what you’re thinking.  Where’s the sex?  He promised to make some sex design post.  Maybe I’m tired.

But I digress, do you read Wallpaper?  It’s kind of weird . . . I’m digging it.  And the sex issue?  Why just one issue?  It’s the best of everything all in one place, and it needs to come out every month (or at least quarterly).  I’ll be the first subscriber, and I’ll read it without guilt and worry-free (I don’t even believe in the rapture).

They also featured the “Dune” chair, a Jonas Lyndby Jensen design available at Skandiform.

Thanks to Designboom.com for this image

Well, I’m done.  Give yourself a hand folks; you did good.

From Bret's Open House