Most of you are probably familiar with ThemeForest, but for those of you who are not, ThemeForest is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell web design templates (from static XHTML / CSS to full blown Joomla or WordPress themes).

I have been following the website ever since they launched it, because I have a couple of WordPress themes in the pipeline myself. And there’s another reason: as a custom WordPress theme designer, I always try to make my life easier (and sometimes meet a client’s budget), by customizing an existing WordPress theme. There are a lot of free ones out there, but in some cases (especially with more specialized themes), the solution comes from payed themes.

To be totally honest, not all of the WordPress themes from ThemeForest are good quality, but there are a couple of themes that I would buy anytime and you’ll find them listed below, along with some usage recommendations / ideas. The main criteria for choosing these themes were clean code, flexibility and attention to details.

1. Real Estate Theme

There are a couple of other similar WordPress themes out there (not on ThemeForest), but Real Estate Theme is by far the cleanest and easiest to brand for any client. But should come as no surprise, since the theme was created by Collis himself.

2. Briefcase

Briefcase is a really nice and simple portfolio WordPress theme. It has a large feature on the homepage and also provides an easy way to organize and showcase your work. It’s the ideal theme for designers and photographers. One other application I’m thinking of is a book website: add some sample pages, a couple of words about the author, throw in a PayPal button and you’re set.

3. Sharp

Sharp is a WordPress theme inspired by the desgin of Creattica and of course created under the Envato umbrella. The theme is ideal for design showcase blogs, because the sidebar is narrow (maybe too narrow), leaving a lot of space for the content area. I also think the theme is cool for other niche blogs, where big bold images are key.

4. On The Field

The concept behind this WordPress theme is sports, but I think On The Field is a really versatile theme. I like the big titles, bold images and the top navigations. The last comment on each blog post is a really nice touch as well. All in all, it’s the kind of theme that you can use out of the box (because the design is clean), or you can custmize it to fit your needs.

5. Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the few travel WordPress themes that I like. The three column layout, the centered post title, the subtle use of graphics… all these things bundled together seem like the perfect canvas for a travel blog. And with a few small tweaks (updating the header), this theme can be ideal for a fashion or gossip type of blog.

6. Yourfolio

Just like the Briefcase theme, Yourfolio is great WordPress theme (I like it more actually) for showcasing design work or photography, but also to be used as a personal website for book authors, speakers, etc. The Portfolio section can quikly be converted to a My Books section or Events section.

Hope you like this selection! Stay tuned (or better yet susbscribe to RSS), because I will buy one or two of these themes and implement some of these ideas. And of course, everything will be documented into a nice, detailed tutorial.