minor details

vintage steel

There is something very alluring about THESE vintage steel lockers. They could make for a really great art supply or toy storage system

yes please

Is it too early to start a holiday wish list? Cause I really think this Fuji Instax Instant Camera is simply swell.

bringing it back

Pedlars have got some pretty sweet vintage school desks for sale.

convertible cover

Habitat was a beautiful kids' 4 poster bed called Mini Hana I would suggest getting the Wendy Curtain to convert this bed into magic!

 

sittin on a cloud

Lisa Widen designed this curvy and soft Cloud Chair. I like to see chairs that both young and old can enjoy comfortably.

compact cardboard and connecting numbers

Carton Chic has a few new products that are pretty great. One is My Bio Little Market. It's made of compact cardboard and is 100% recycled. The next are disposable table mats with PEFC labelled paper. Each set comes with 18 mats. One set has Osez le dire + Bon Appetit + Voulez vous. The other set has Merci + You're Welcome + Say Hello.

 

purified

Andrea, the air purifier that uses indoor plants, designed by Mathieu Lehanneur & David Edwards will soon be on sale. Since its outline design two years ago Andrea has gone thru stringent tests to ensure perfect efficiency, enabling the system to step into the real world. It's the first award-winning designed air filter capable of absorbing toxic gases, such as formaldehyde, from home and office environments through the natural absorptive and metabolic properties of living plants. Ahhhhhh, I like you very much Andrea. (via)

 

timeout

If you are in NYC, then go grab a copy of TimeOutNY and check out the Designer Challenge on page 28 (Issue #735). I, along with some very talented designers, was asked to take an ordinary household object and turn it into some great. I had the trash can challenge. I took 7 Ikea trash cans and turned them into a wall-mounted shoe rack. However, this same approach can be turned into a toy cubby as well! I call this The Oscar Rack (for my friend in the trash can down on Sesame Street) Photography by Diana Sonis.

You can check out the challenge HERE.

 

eat your cheerios and vote!

I usually don't ask much of my readers. All I expect is that you view my blog with an open mind and join me on a quest for well-considered design for children. However, I really want to encourage all of you to vote for something kinda cool ... for someone that really deserves it.  So I'll cut right to the chase:

Michael Ian Black wrote a hilarious picture book that Peter Brown illustrated. It's called THE PURPLE KANGAROO. The book is in a contest, and if enough people click on the following link and vote for THE PURPLE KANGAROO a mini-version of the book will be included in boxes of Cheerios cereal!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

You can actually vote once a day, as many days as you want until the contest is over on October 31...so vote often! If you hop down to the post before this one, you can learn more about the incredibly talented Illustrator and Author, Peter Brown.

creative wit and talented hand

Peter Brown is a Children's book Author and Illustrator living in Brooklyn, NY. With four books under his belt, he is hedging his way into homes across the world with books that are making everyone take notice. One of the first things I noticed about Peter's work is his incredible ability to present perspective and scale. His painted illustrations, in both acrylic and gouache, tell a story wherein words aren't even necessary. But the words he chooses and the stories he tells, are filled with clever wit and potty humor that crack me up! In his latest book, The Curious Garden, he takes on the ideal that if we just take the time to think about our environment, we can make it a better place. Bravo Peter Brown and thank you for providing me with beautifully stunning and charming books to read to my child!

Flight of the Dodo , 2005

Chowder , 2006

The Fabulous Bouncing Chowder , 2007 

The Curious Garden , 2009

 

clear visibility

Community Playthings has a very sweet and simple storage solution called The Browser Box .... and I like it!

 

 

design for walls

Andreas Golinksi was one of many designers that took part in Unduetrestella, an installation art show geared towards the belief that contemporary art introduced to children can be seen a game, light, sound, noise, music, designs on a wall ... if we just open their eyes to it.

Here is an example of Andreas' idea for design on walls, in his piece called House of My Dreams. (via)

headlight

This Moose Head Light makes me giggle.

ride 'em cowboy

Pininfarina's Giulia Big - Giulia Small Children's Rocking Horse is a just beautiful !

The object derives from a single piece of cedarwood sculpted so as to obtain graceful forms, enriched by a leather-covered handle. A little rocking horse made completely of solid wood, with neither finishes nor glues, often so dangerous for our health. Only natural wood and the simplicity of an object that has brought pleasure to countless generations of children. An original design thought up by the Pininfarina Research Centre and applied to an object of play in all its simplicity.

this morning with dwr

A friend of mine pointed me to DWR's latest kid offerings. I was impressed. It's refreshing to see them coming back around on the kids front. Here are a few of pieces worth checking out :

Plus and Minus : Designed as a children’s game in 1970, Bruno Munari’s Plus or Minus is an engrossing exercise for any age. The set consist of 72 cards, each with a different image. Forty-eight cards have transparent backgrounds, allowing them to be layered over each other to create evolving and compelling scenes. Trees, clouds, bicycles, animals and more are represented. Deal the cards out and let each player add a layer, creating increasing complex stories. Suitable for ages three and up.

Basic Shapes Growth Chart : Australian designers Paul Fuog and Dan Honey used just circles, squares and triangles to render animal friends on their bright and bold Growth Chart (2008). Fun for kids and visually compelling for parents, the educational Basic Shapes Growth Chart includes memorable facts about animals like Ricco the Rhinoceros and Kendra the Koala while tracking a child’s height as they grow up.

 

Walking Elephant : From Hindu deities to Charles and Ray Eames, elephants have been a source of endless fascination. Let your child ride their very own – a rocking motion, side to side, moves this elephant forward. They’ll explore their own jungle, while learning motor skills and coordination. The eco-friendly Walking Elephant (2009) is crafted from rubber wood, which comes from trees that no longer produce latex and would otherwise be discarded. Suitable for ages three and up.

 

I Keep Changing : Originally published in 1971, I Keep Changing is a tribute to relativity from a child’s perspective. Written in the first person, a child compares himself to the world, figuring out whether he’s slow or fast, big or small, hairy or smooth. Written by renowned poet and writer Alastair Reid, its accompanying images were created by designer and illustrator Bob Gill. This version, published by Corraini Edizioni, is printed in both English and Italian.

mom trends nyc

The lovely Nicole Feliciano, of Momtrends, just recently launched Momtrendsnyc. It's got everything for the urban NYC parent! 

She asked me some very in-depth questions not too long ago and just posted our interview! Check it out HERE.

pull along polly

THIS little nod to the 'ol school pull on toy is actually a leather pouf! Pull Along Polly is designed b Joni Neelen and would make for super fun piece in a kid's space!

bring it back

Back in 2007, I stumbled upon IREMONYA. I was blown away by the children's line of furniture. When I decided to check back in to see what was new, I was disappointed to see that they no longer make these dope little numbers: 

 

Never fear, they are making some pretty cute Storage Furniture in the mean time. (but it's just not the same .....)

lets celebrate with some noguchi

It's only fitting that my 1,000th post be about Isamu Noguchi's Playscapes. I had the amazing opportunity to play on the grounds all day on saturday with my daughter, niece and nephew. It was topped off with a jazz quartet playing in the background and fresh apples from the farmers market just a stones throw from the playground. The park I'm referring to is Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia .... which houses Noguchi's only playground to be completed in his lifetime. Such a peaceful and wonderful space for both big kid and small!  

 

 

PlayShapes

Miller Goodman has struck again....introducing PlayShapes!

PlayShapes is a modular set of 74 geometric wooden shapes which can be endlessly arranged or stacked to produce hundreds of 3D creations. The smooth shapes, with flashes of colour are pleasingly crafted in rubberwood which can also be used as drawing templates. The intrinsic simplicity of the product and clarity of design, freely allows children and adults alike to fully engage in the wonderment and joy of the creative process.

 

 

mid-century modern

Roberto Gil, of Casa Kids, was commissioned to design this desk for a 9 year old boy in NYC. Bravo Roberto, I love it!!!

carry me

There is something very simple and clean about this Kid's Cambus Bag from Chigo. I only wish it would stay simple and clean after a few full school days! Could you Scotch Guard something like this?

 

brooklyn

Three Potato Four has teamed up with Jim Datz again .... and this time, it's all about Brooklyn!

simply playful

"El Ramón is a toy-object created by the Argentinean Art Director, Javier López Pereyra. El Ramón was, inspired at the 50´s and 60´s concept of spaceships and robots, such as the movie "War of the Worlds " dated of 1953, the tv series "Lost at Space" dated of 1965 and the cartoon "The Jetsons" dated of 1962, among others. Ramón is a limited edition, hand crafted with Argentinean wood, flexible iron and recycled gray paper with silk-screen print."  

store it

I am a fan of these storage bins from Parkhaus Berlin. What a nice place for toys to rest.

 

creative print

Madame MO has some sweet Japanese Alphabet Prints as well as Coloring Books.  

bubbles

Bulles de Nua were designed by Marie Macon and Anne-Laure Lesquoy for Red Editions. I think these could make for very aesthetically pleasing toy storage in the living room!  

from one to another

Another find from 100% Design London was John Green's Embrace shelf/table. It's pieces like this that make total sense. Having furniture that is adaptable is key. This could start off as a great table and bench for junior then a shelf/bench for the big kids down the road. (via)

head in the clouds

The 6" laser cut Cloud Shelf by Estela Lugo is sweet and simple.

yes please

Ben Wilson Design just created the fantastic SEEBIKESAW for Brooks England. It is currently on display at 100% Design in London until Sept 27th. 

ala natural

Earth-friendly dollhouse is a natural fit for the eco-conscious family. House features a play wind turbine, solar cell panel, a barrel for collecting rain and recycle bins. Shade canopy can be pulled down to prevent or allow wind and sunlight (or little brothers) from coming through.

Finally, a forward thinking and environmentally conscious dollhouse! More info HERE.

playful storage

I had the great pleasure of enjoying dinner last night with my dear friend Marie of Little Fashion Gallery. We had a lot to catch up on! She is such an amazing force and taste maker for the fashion and design forward tot. I am in love with her collaboration with Agnes & Agnes. They created this amazing Toy Box. 

come here boy

Say hello to the Albie Puppy Light made of recycled and salvaged materials. Kind of playful, no?

This whimsical light created by designers JamesPlumb is only available in a limited edition of 25, and will be showing along with many of their other products at Tent London.

bringing ideas together

A Green Garden - A Giant Birdsnest for breeding new ideas. Awesome.

clean fun

I love when modern and clean packaging meets a really great product. The Clementine Art Supplies are just that. All of the products offered are made of non-toxic, recycled packaging and all natural. Sign me up ... I'm a fan. 

big blue

Studio Superniche constructed this nice big blue structure, as a part of the Blue Fence Project, to aid in bird watching. I think this could make for a great outdoor play structure template. I'd add a rail up on the top level and an arm out to the side for a swing. 

The Blue Fence Project’s first completed structure will be exhibited from September 25 at the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam. The studio has designed a number of pavilions to be made from the blue construction fence that surrounds the 2012 Olympic Games site. The plywood fencing will be recycled to reinstate local activities lost during the Olympic development. The Blue Fence Project will be exhibited at the Parallel Cases exhibition of the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam, from September 26 – December 13. (via)

hop pop you dont stop

Hop Pop just launched it's new line of products and I am really intrigued. I like the baby bath, training toilet and 4 wheel trike the most.

 

keep it steady ... keep it plush

is the motto behind PLUSH, a new children's clothing and accessories line. The designs are super fun and i'm really enjoying the photography.

 

just another toy

Just Another Toy is a design collaboration between Sara Ribbenstedt and Matilda Dominique. This three-dimensional toy consists of foam rubber cubes dressed in fabrics with various patterns and allows kids to try and find specific object shapes according to what use they want it to have. 

They managed to get Offecct to make the prototype but I READ that they are still looking for distribution. I love the concept, color and scale of these pieces and hope they make there way to the US soon! (photos by Henrik Bengtsson)

the modern indoor treehouse

Do you remember the sneak peak from a few months ago? Well, I am very excited to show you the complete pics of that play space, or more over, the indoor modern treehouse! I had a lot of fun working on this space. 

What do you do for a NYC tot who needs an indoor modern treehouse? Well, I suppose this would be it........ I hope you enjoy it! (simply click on the images for a larger view)

 

blissful nostalgia

I just saw the latest trailer for Where the Wild Things Are and I am just as excited as I was when I saw the first one.

breathtaking

My dear friend, Stefan of The Apartment, just finished an amazing residential project just off Central Park. It's for a family of 4 and the two boys rooms are pretty amazing. The place itself is pretty amazing. It's on the 61st floor overlooking the park and is combined of 3 apartments gut renovated to make 1 huge dwelling. You can see the rest of the apartment HERE. Bravo Stef! Photography by the wonderful Michael Weber.

come on down

If you're in the NYC area on Saturday, then stop by Madison Rose Maternity where I will be offering free design consultations for your next nursery, kids room or playspace. I will also have a few pieces of vintage and modern pieces up for purchase such as an original Ooba Nest Bassinet, the ChildChild Chair by Maartje Steenkamp, several vintage Casalino Chairs from the 70's, vintage Bertoia Child chairs and much more.

If you are interested in a consultation, then email madisonrosematernity@gmail.com to see what time slots are still available.

Sat , Sept 12th

12pm - 4pm

313 Court Street

Brooklyn, NY 11231

for the budding pollock

Then THIS is just the bean bag for your little artist.

yes please

Jens Risom's Amoeba Table, Chair and Stool combo are a Scandinavian dream.

stacked

Ohhhhh..... I like the stackable children's bed from Müller Möbelwerkstätten

spot on .... again

Spot on Square has come out with two new collections Roh and Eicho. The Roh Collection is my favorite by far. I really like the use of 100% recyclable clear acrylic and walnut. It's going straight to the higher price bracket cribs out there but it's really a fresh and modern approach that's been lacking as of late. Available November 2009.

yes indeed

Children's furniture...soft and modular...bravo Jannis EllenBerger!

the writing is on the wall

Lutèce has designed very playful and stimulating wallpaper. (thanks Stacey!)

 

decorate and store

Last year, I rode the canals of Amsterdam with my daughter and we both fell in love with row houses along the water. Perhaps that's why I'm drawn to the Canal House Box set. Made of biodegradable and recycled carton, it's a perfect solution to a rainy day activity followed by organizing that pile of toys in desperate need of storage.