I’m pretty sure everybody here has had that “hey we have that!” moment recently at the Hunger Games film. The movie takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where the Capitol’s citizens live a highly advanced, lavish lifestyle. So what better setting for funky, futuristic furniture? See those wild green dining chairs around the table? Yeah, we’ve got those at Thingz!

These amazing modern seat belt chairs come in lots of different colors and they’re even available as a rocker, ottoman or lounge chair!

The Hunger Games isn’t the only movie where you’ll find Thingz merchandise though. One thing that rarely stands out in movie set design is the ceiling fan. That’s not the case in I, Robot though. In this futuristic movie there is a very unusual ceiling fan in the apartment of robot-loathing detective, Del Spooner (Will Smith). What makes it so unusual? See for yourself:

This seemingly unbalanced, single blade fan is appropriately named “Enigma”. Believe it or not, it is perfectly balanced and actually a fairly efficient ceiling fan.

So how about modern furniture in a movie that’s not set in the year 3000? A few weeks ago I spotted the Arabella Sectional in Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig’s Manhattan apartment in the romantic comedy, Friends with Kids.

Or on the small screen we spotted this showroom favorite on Two and a Half Men:

So while we can’t all live like the stars, at least we can live like the movies they’re in!

A contrast of materials can add energy and life to a space. One versatile material to consider mixing with any wood or metal finish is glass. Let’s envision a small end table in glass, for example. It can be any shape or size without interfering with a color scheme. If you have lots of angular pieces, it would be a visual relief to think about a glass piece that curves, say a round or an oval. In addition, glass furniture provides function without visually crowding a space.

Along with the idea of contrasting colors and shapes is to offer a variety of textures on a room. The smoothness and luster of glass is a nice balance with more matte finishes that may be present, from stone to wood to to woven fabrics.

You can bring in glass as an accent, like a piece of wall art, a lamp base, a vase or bowl, or an occasional table. You can also make your glass piece a major focal point, like a dining table or wall unit.

Color-less? Let’s start by admitting that the options are not always perfectly clear. Typical glass does have a slight green tint, which is a result of the iron content in the silica that it is composed of. You’ve no doubt noticed green edges of tables or shelves. The thicker the glass, the more visible that green tint will be. It isn’t necessarily an issue, unless you’re going to be viewing colors (like a table base) through it and you are a neurotic perfectionist (just kidding). One option if you are seeking optimum clarity is a type of glass called Starfire, which has less iron and therefore less color.

This green tint in regular glass can also affect any color that may be applied to the glass. There are endlessly exciting options for painting and texturing the underside of your glass furniture pieces, but depending on the colors you want to achieve and the thickness of glass you desire, it may be advisable to invest in Starfire glass, even though it is more expensive.

Here’s an example of the difference between regular glass vs. Starfire glass. The difference is… clear (sorry, that one was too easy!).

standard (left) vs. starfire (right)

If you want to add both gloss and color to your room, painted glass is a terrific option!

Apollo Dining Table

With so many beautiful options, incorporating glass pieces into your contemporary decor is certainly worth some reflection.

Cadena Chandelier by Eurfoase

Crio Pendant by Fabbian

Hungry Pendant by Fabbian

Hydrox Pendant by ET2

Neptune Pendant by Prospetto

Numero Chandelier by Eurofase

Roofer Pendant by Fabbian

Sospesa by Fabbian

Vertigo by Corbett Lighting

Waterfall by Prospetto

All items available at Thingz!

Will Bruder

Surprisingly, Bruder originally had no training or formal university education in Architecture. He actually earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee which should come as no surprise when you see the artistic, sculptural nature of his work. In the late 1960s, he made his way to Arizona to study under visionary architect, Paolo Soleri. He was drawn to Soleri’s radical ideals of sustainability, experimentation and community. During his apprenticeship, he learned much about wood work, metal work and masonry that would serve him throughout his career. In 1974 Bruder opened his own practice and has been following in the footsteps of the great Arizona architects Frank Lloyd Wright and of course, his mentor Paolo Soleri ever since.

Today, Bruder’s firm, Will Bruder and Partners, LTD is one of the most innovative, sought after modern architecture firms in the valley. They continuously push the envelope of modern design, building stunning structures that while unique, remain sensitive to the beauty and fragility of their surroundings. I couldn’t have said it better than willbruer.com itself, which states that Will Bruder and Partners “is a practice that challenges the expected, seeks work that contributes quality to our world and the life of the community and the individual and stimulates intellectual discourse, sensual awareness, and reverence for place”.

Bruder is probably best known around Phoenix for his work on the Burton Barr Central Library seen below. Besides being a stunning work of contemporary architecture it has many features that set it apart as an instant modern classic. I have personally had the pleasure of riding the “Crystal Canyon” – the five story glass and steel elevator and atrium that connects the entire building. It also features a huge one-acre reading room which takes up most of the 5th floor, a Buckminster Fuller tensegrity structure in its roof and motorized louvers on its south face which were intended to help control sun.

Burton Barr Central Library

Of course, Bruder does much more than commercial architecture including many multi-family and single-family homes. One of my personal favorites and one of the most treasured Bruder works is the Hummingbird or Townsend Residence on Mummy Mountain in Paradise Valley.

Hummingbird

While we can’t all be privileged enough to live in a Bruder home, Arizona has a wealth of contemporary homes. Let us help you decorate yours at Thingz!

3D wall art offers a great textural alternative to contemporary art. You may want to bring in the subdued shine of stainless steel or specific colors or shapes around the room to create a visual rhythm and unify your space. Hanging these “sculptures” on the wall  leaves your tabletops uncluttered while creating more visual interest and coziness. They’re also great for completing an empty area where you have limited floor space, like an entryway, hallway or stairway landing. One large or groups of smaller pieces can be a focal point that becomes a distinctive signature to your personal style. One of our favorites is the Thunder Wall Sculpture:

If you’re looking for a splash of color, Pigskin Glass Art offers a unique dimensional alternative. Each 15″ x 15″ square is an original piece of art created with recycled window glass and pigment. The pieces  are heated in a kiln, which mixes the colors and slumps the glass and adheres it to a leather-like backing, creating a slightly wavy edge. These lightweight pieces look great alone or in colorful groupings.

Unusual clocks are functional art that can complement your decor with their unexpected variety of shapes and metal finishes.

Modern lighting sconces can also serve as wall sculpture and accent the space with shape. dimension and illumination.

Reverse painted glass art is a glossy way to adorn your wall with color. The thickness of the glass adds depth and polish. These pieces are bold on their own or can be mounted on metal or matted and framed for additional contrast.

Paintings are still a fabulous choice for contemporary design, especially with the variety of mounting and surface treatments available. A painted canvas can be mounted on stretchers or adhered to fiberboard and then given a resin coating, which leaves them with a clean edge, a bit of depth and sleek polish, or in some cases a playful bumpy texture. Even paintings in neutral earth tones are invigorated with the addition of a glossy coating. Think about the way river rocks gleam in a shallow stream, and you get the picture!

There are so many inspiring possibilities to consider, so come in to one of our Thingz showrooms and let one of out designers help you visualize what modern wall decor can do for your home or office. Your walls are waiting!

Corbusier LC1 Chair

The hide adds texture and warmth to the contemporary chrome frame that would otherwise feel rather cold and sterile. It’s a great way to introduce a natural element to any modern space.

Another beautiful example of the early use of cowhides in modern furniture design is the LCW chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames in the 1940s.

Eames LCW

It’s a mid century modern classic and once again, the cowhide introduces warmth and texture and blends beautifully with the organic shape of the piece.

Now let’s fast forward to the present age. How can we use cowhides in fresh new ways? Well, if regular cowhide rugs aren’t contemporary enough for you, then check out this black and white cowhide with metallic silver accents.

Cowhide w/ Metallic Accents

The metallic details make this rug pop and give it that contemporary flair that your everyday cowhide doesn’t have. Still not convinced that cowhide is the thing for your contemporary space? Then let me introduce you to the Baci Chair.

Baci Chair

It’s low, sleek, very modern and completely upholstered in – you guessed it – cowhide. It doesn’t get much more contemporary than that, folks.

So aside from its looks, why is cowhide so great? Well, first of all it’s really durable. The hide protects the cow from the elements so naturally, it is a strong, resilient material. A properly tanned hide won’t shed and should last you a long, long time with normal wear. It’s also easy to clean. With light wear you can shake out the hide to remove dust or simply vacuum as you would any other rug without the brushes running. The hide’s natural oils resist staining too, so just wipe up any spills. If you happen to stain it, just use mild soap, warm water and a soft brush and rub it with the grain of the hair. With proper maintenance, your cowhide will stand the test of time and beautify your contemporary space for years to come!

Of course, the pool table has to blend in well with the rest of the room. Its placement should not be forced or lack planning for its addition to result in room décor that works. Otherwise, it would simply look garish.

An important element in the installation of a pool table is its lighting. When we think of pool table lighting, pendant fixtures usually come to mind. Most of the time, we envision something with a Tiffany shade. While that certainly makes for a picturesque setup, some might find it rather cliché and prefer less common pool table lighting. In any case, for homes with a contemporary feel, something more modern and streamlined might be called for.

For the proper illumination of a pool table, you have to make sure that all the sections are well lit. The light should reach up to the edges of the table. However, it shouldn’t be too harsh that it interferes with your game. There are other considerations, of course. After all, when you play pool, you are wielding a long stick and dealing with balls that could potentially go flying off the table surface, not to mention the possibility of bumping your head on the lamp. Your fixture should definitely hang at least 30 inches above the playing surface for it to be sufficiently out of the way.
For contemporary homes sporting a pool table, monorail lighting is the perfect option. The style is sleek and modern. When it comes to functionality, it is extremely practical. They come in thin rails that can be shaped by hand. To learn more about monorail applications, you can visit techlighting.com.

For your pool table, you can get creative with your monorail to strategically place the light on all the crucial points. Naturally, it can also enhance the style of your pool table setup. The following are three cool monorail designs for your table:

The S-curve design looks very fluid and sinuous. It is also a great way to place lamps exactly where you want them. The rectangle design with lamps running on two parallel lines look very clean and efficient. With this design, you can also be certain that your pool table is completely awash in light. The single line of lamps, on the other hand, is very streamlined and straightforward. Its appeal is distinctly modern. All three designs provide contemporary lighting style and do a great job illuminating your pool table. With one of these monorail designs over your table, your pool setup will be a gorgeous focal point in the room.

To a person investing in a beautiful, comfortable space, a ceiling fan makes a very sensible purchase. There are, however, several things to consider in choosing what kind of ceiling fan to go for. Blade size, mount type, finish, light, remote control option, damp rating, etc. should all be taken into account. For instance, in terms of blade size, the bigger the room, the longer the fan blades should be. When it comes to mount type, it depends on the kind of ceiling you have, whether it’s high, low, angled, etc. As for the finish, it’s a fair assumption that anyone adding a ceiling fan to a room would want it to complement the overall décor of the room. This, however, is merely the tip of the iceberg. It might seem overly meticulous, but with your money, efforts, and even safety at stake, it is best to get it right in the first attempt, right?

First and foremost, your fan should be securely installed, preferably by a professional. Size is also important. Be sure that the blades will not come in contact with walls, sloped ceilings or decor. A fan can also pose a safety risk so be sure that the fan is mounted high enough to not come in contact with people below. American building code dictates that ceiling fans should be mounted with the blades no lower than seven feet from the floor. That may be the law, but common sense should come into play as well. Many people are over six feet tall and if they accidentally raised their arm while below a fan hanging at 7 feet above the floor, that would be extremely unfortunate. At the same time, you don’t want the fan so high that its effect on air circulation is limited. For optimal air flow, the ceiling fan ideally should be installed in the middle of the room at a safe 8 to 9 feet from the floor, with its blades at least 18 inches from the walls.

When it comes to the issue of ceiling fan height, the mount with its downrod is a very integral element. The downrod is the support that extends from the bracket that attaches to the ceiling to the top of the actual fan. Standard mounts usually have a 3-5 inch downrod. For ceilings that are higher than normal, longer downrods will be necessary. If you’re dealing with an exceptionally high ceiling, consult the sales associate as to the correct downrod length. On the other hand, low ceilings (under 8 feet in height) call for hugger/snugger/low profile fans with flush mounts. Take note though that hugger fans usually do not circulate air as much as regular fans do since their blades are closer to the ceiling. For angled or vaulted ceilings, fans with sloped mounts are required as well.

Overall, ceiling fans are great investment and can make any room look and feel great!

Black or macassar ebony, on the other hand, has a color banding that gives it a very dramatic appeal. The irregular striping of black and dark brown is quite uncommon. It is a really beautiful wood and very ably enhances the style of any interior.

A natural walnut finish is usually a very distinctive deep chocolate brown color. The walnut is the only native American hardwood that is naturally dark, so it has an appeal for those who want to patronize local resources.

Zebrawood is definitely an unusual finish with its dark stripes on a pale golden yellow background. It is a very decorative sort of wood and looks great on wall panels and furniture trims.

Any of these exotic wood finishes will bring warmth your contemporary room.