minor details

now that's the way i like it

I love a good book on design. I especially love when the designers just so happen to be married.... with 7 children! I'm referring to Robert and Cortney Novogratz of the firm SIXX Design. I first got introduced to them via pages of the late Cookie Magazine and was instantly smitten and intrigued by their body of work ... both personal and work wise!

So, over the past couple of days, I've been working my way through their new book called Downtown Chic. I can't remember the last time that I flipped through every single page of a design book before. I would say, hands down, they are the most talented duo, who also balance a huge family, that I've ever seen. The book is filled with amazing transformations, pictures and quotes that seamlessly work so well within it's bound cover. One quote that I loved was that of Charles Eames, " The details are not the details. They make the design." (Perhaps that hits a heart string over here at Minor Details)

They have a very bold and vibrantly visual understanding of space. I suppose I'm smitten because they apply the art of family into that approach. Here are a few of the spaces that reflect just that.....

 

 

 

Here are a few pages from the book that I wanted to share as well. (yes that is a trampoline recessed into the ground)

 

 

 

As you all know, I'm a short post writer. I feel that less is more and I like the visual to aid to your own interpretations. But, I must say, the way this book chronicles the life of this duo and their approach and process, certainly makes it worth sharing...cause I wanna steal pretty much all of their ideas. More over, Robert and Cortney, are you looking to adopt a gown up? If so, call me..... I'm all yours!
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

the riley box

It's nice to see Kiersten, of Mod Mom Furniture, branching out into the vintage/ Anthropologie direction with her latest toy box, Riley Paige. Nice work momma!

 

 
 

a lofty idea

Københavns Møbelsnedkeri took a small space and built a very smart loft bed and storage system for a mini. Bravo! You can check out more pics HERE.

 

a natural seat

Bleu Natural has a pretty sweet table and stool set for the kiddos.

 

over head

I'm researching bed canopies for a child's bed and I came across these interesting sources of inspiration from one of my favorite sites, Trouvais.

  

  

 

 
 
 
 
 

stunning

This bunk bed was designed by Richard Neutra for the Singleton Residence back in 1959 ... and is up for auction this Sunday at the Los Angeles Modern Auction! (via)

 

levels

I really like all the elements of the 165 David Bunk.

 

collect

YES! The Frame table and Chair from Collect is simply lovely. Look for them in 2010.

 

 
 

a sustainable trunk

Ioline Changing Trunk from Kalon Studios is sweet! It's basically a changing table on the floor that turns into seating for your tot as well. It's made from 100% natural, non-toxic and sustainable materials. 

 

sleepover

I like Joe Luker's approach to children's slumber. Here is his modern take on the convertible Roto Bunk Bed, a standard Bunk Bed and the Roto Bunk Bed Updated.

  

 

hello louis

Maybe I'm late to the party but I had no idea that David Netto and Maclaren were joining forces and producing the Louis crib and changing dresser. Look for them in 2010....

 

creative installation

Caterina Tiazzoldi / Nuova Ordentra is a design firm whose agenda is to develop design tools to face creatively the complexity of today’s cities. Here are two pieces of work that are geared towards children:

Onion Pinch was a cork installation in the Cais do Sodré subway station in Lisbon, Portugal. The idea was to place an urban toy in which children could stop, engage and play.

 

 

The next piece is the Napping Pods. Not much info on these as it looks this idea is but a pup.

playful and bright

So this is not a child sized sofa but it could bring such a playful and bright tone into any space that both parent and child share. My living room is calling out for the Mabel sofa from Donna Wilson.

sweet

Bianca and Family have a sweet vintage child's desk for purchase!

fun varieties

Tschutschu is a piece of furniture that can be used as a playtable, bench, train table, stage or secret hideout. Designed by Dominik Lutz and for purchase at Magazin.

 

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

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.

clear visibility

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

 

 

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 .....)

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!!!

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)

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. 

bringing ideas together

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

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)

 

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!

a subtle pair

Oh how I love Bianca and Family. I think pairing THIS child's table with THESE child chairs is spot on.

 

transformer

Philippe Malouin designed this child's chair turned single bed called Tent Sofa. It's a great solution for sleepovers and playtime.

study

THIS desk would serve junior very well with the school year approaching...

sneak peak - the modern blue bedroom

I wanted to give you just a peak into the bedroom that I'm working on for one of the cutest little boys in Brooklyn. My clients wanted to give him a big boy room that he could enjoy for years to come and needed to have a modern yet playful vibe. He's into robots, cars and blue..... just the typical things that every boy loves. I can't wait to show you the other side of the room. I hope you like it. More to come......

  

joy

Moroso just completed their Sushi collection by adding the Joy Sphere-Pillow. I think one of those would do just fine in a kid's room.

creating fantasy

When it comes to the work of Russian Designer Maria Yasko, one thing comes to mind - fantasy. I really admire her Icelandic Tree shelf from the Vjunok/Bindweed series. It could play very well in a kid's space. She also did another space based on the Moomin books, by Finnish illustrator Tove Jansson, called Moomin Valley. Below is an example of the children's playspace. Quite a fantasy!

collect

There is something very playful about Normann Copenhagen's Collect Bookshelf. It would be fun to turn it into a dollhouse of sorts.

sneak peak - the modern indoor treehouse

I hope that everyone is enjoying July and getting some sunshine. I have missed my little blog but I've got lots of things to share very soon. One thing is a project that I started last month and just completed on friday. Here is a little sneak peak ...... more to come soon. Cheers -jenn

a colorful rocker

PT Design came out with a traditional children's rocking chair but finished them in very untraditional colors. You can grab on in lime green, hot pink, blue or white.

 

cradle rock

The VYSSA cradle/bassinet from Gylldorf and Svalin is a beauty.

cubed

Theses affordable and recyclable storage cubes from Re:Modern could make any kid's space fun. (via)

the up and down side

BE MINI is a cradle/bassinet that turns into the BE MINIDESK. I love it when adaptability is applied well. BE also has a COT/crib that turns over into the BE DESK.

a lil mini modernist bauhaus never hurt anyone

Resene, a New Zealand professional paint company, chose to showcase their latest range of Karen Walker color paints for the home, by using mini- modernist Bauhaus inspired architectural models of homes crafted by Auckland sculptor Gidon Bing and styled by Katie Lock. (via)

Hey Resene - since the photo shoot is over, would you consider selling these? They would make for stunning dollhouses.