minor details

happy design for kids

Océchou has a mission, and that mission is to create ethical and poetic objects for children. I am a fan of the Alphabet Poster and the Animal Cards.

 

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)

 

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

 

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.

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."  

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!  

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.

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.

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)

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)

 

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.

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.

the modern firefly

THESE solar powered outdoor lamps would make any backyard magical.

cubed

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

in the press

That's right kids, our room was featured in the current issue (June) of Cookie Magazine. Such a pleasant way to end the week!

ICFF 09 : you're my hero

HERO is a Toronto based company that creates extraordinary products. They have come out with the 365 line that promotes better habits in everyday living. A line of resource saving objects that are very well-considered. One in particular is the RC-1 Rain Collector. It holds 45 gallons of water; so you can tend to your garden or wash the dog without tapping into the city's water supply. It's made of a lightweight aluminum frame, has a collapsible water bladder, will not rust, is recyclable, ships flat packed and is covered in a sleek powder-coated finish. I think this is a smart and beautiful piece for any backyard. I could see this coming in handy for washing messy little feet before coming inside!

ICFF 09 : modern design for healthy lifestyle

That is the motto behind Canadian based furniture designer TULIP. With the use of formaldehyde-free glue, MDF, paint and varnish as well as all bamboo components , this eco-friendly line is actually very nice to look at!! These same people will be bringing Leander to the US sometime in 2009 as well.

  

one equals four

The TREE is a space divider designed by Professor Eero Aarnio for Martela Oyj's collection. Designed to add comfort, the Tree is 180 cm tall and 125 cm wide. Part of the income from each tree will be donated to a World Vision Finland regional development project in the Peruvian Andes that will plant fruit trees to halt and prevent erosion. The fruit from the trees will be an additional source of food, which will benefit local children in particular. 

That's right, each Tree sold will produce four fruit trees in Peru. The fruit trees will benefit 300 families and 800 children regionally.  I love the idea of playful art with goodness behind it. (via) 

shutter to think

Israeli based Kulla Design has taken discarded window shutters and turned them into a CD rack. I think they could also work very well for holding baby board books! (via)

change it up

Portugese designers Mama & Papa (Jacinta and Casimiro Costa) have sent in images 
of their project '25 pedra de sal' a mobile baby care unit. Using an old kitchen unit 
and parts of a child's bike they created a mobile facility which can be used for 
storing diapers, baby clothes, blankets and most importantly changing babies diapers.

Ok, everything with regards to the form and function of this changing unit I love....... except the bike part. Unless you have a serious bike appreciation, I don't see this selling off the floor like hot cakes. However, I really like the design of the unit. I'd like to see if off wheels and think it could be a perfect solution for the shared bedrooms of parent and baby as divider of sorts. 

carry it

Tote toys, tote a picnic, tote your beach gear.

hold 'em

These are great for toys.

making music

I love visiting Jolayne's blog. It's such a treasure. Here is a clip on how to make a Paper Roll Xylophone. It's in Japanese I believe but it's easy to follow. Take a peek and save your paper towel rolls for this rainy day project!

our TV show / paper roll xylophone from lullatone on Vimeo.

configure how you will

Oh man, I am so into the new Binjte crates from IKEA. I could see these making a great place to store children toys and books while making their room super fun. If only I lived in France......

Les rangements IKEA PS 2009 BINTJE
by Hopscotch_NM

mind your manners part deux

Back in Feb of 2008, I was excited to share with you the Table Manner Kit for kids. Today, I found out that Fun Fam is manufacturing it and is now available for purchase. (in Japan) Fun Fam is a new style Japanese tableware brand for kids that mixes Japanese aesthetics with Western lifestyle trends. Designed with bamboo, it takes a unique approach to the concept of ‘fun in the family’. (via) 

 

make learning beautiful

In the past few days, I have come across some pretty amazing schools for children. It's so wonderful seeing educators and designers working together to create amazing environments that make children excited to learn. 

The first one is the Erika-Mann Elementary School II in Berlin. Designed by the amazing Baupiloten, who are a group of students at the architectural faculty of the TU Berlin who carry out building projects under the guidance and supervision of architect Susanne Hofmann. Notice the II behind the name of the school? Baupiloten designed the first one in Wedding , Germany. Read my post on it here.

They sought to lighten and cheer up the heavy and authoritarian air of their old school building from 1915. They developed a playful concept based on a fantastical world of the Silver Dragon. The farther into the building one moves, the stronger one feels the presence of the Silver Dragon whose spirit changes, moves, glows and shimmers. The different spaces are called Snuffle Garden, Snuffling Room, Chill Room and Dragon’s Breath, each starting with a clean white background and offering freedom of expression in the form of flexible furnishings. (via)

     

   

The second and third schools I found while browsing the latest issue of MILK. The Benetton Group, in partnership with the town of Ponzano in Italy, created the Ponzano Children nursery school. For 9 months - 6 year olds. 

In planning an educational facility aimed at excellence, and conscious of the ethic and social role of its corporate culture, Benetton Group placed great importance on social interaction, research and the wellbeing of the community and therefore appointed Reggio Children as the pedagogic consultant for the new school. The centre was designed by Alberto Campo Baeza, an internationally renowned Spanish architect, in co-operation with architect Massimo Benetton. Commenting on his work, Campo Baeza says, “Our aim was to create a nursery school that not only functions impeccably, but is also able to offer a series of diverse spaces; a living building where children can dream and be happy”.

 

I am very happy to see my favorite children's flexible environment maker, Feelgood Designs, made their way into the classrooms.  

Lastly is the Green School, which is located at the Kul-Kul Campus in Bali, Indonesia. 

Green School’s campus spans nearly ten hectares on either side of the Ayung River. One of our iconic structures is a stunning bamboo bridge that spans the river and is emblematic of what we aim to achieve at Green School: connecting learning with creativity; environmental responsibility with scientific knowledge; respect for self with respect for the many cultures represented in and around the School. Our students learn in elegant, curved structures constructed from 98% sustainable materials, and Green School counts among its power sources the extraction of biogas from human and animal waste, as well as a hydroelectric vortex generator that is under development which will be the largest of its kind in the world. Our students are not just learning about Green, they are living it.

I am blown away by the design, impact and beauty of these schools. 

elegant tomboy chic

Camp is a new line of clothing for girls to go and run in the forest or climb trees in style. With an old traditional approach in both color and technique , this is a sturdy and well-considered first collection. The entire line is made of certified organic cotton, hemp and hempcel. 

   

 

 

eco-friendly home-ware

While walking the Bubble Trade Show today, I was very pleased with the new faces in the crowd. One was Smiling Planet. Freddy Deane wrote and illustrated a book called Smiling Planet and formed a company by the same name . The book that has a very simple and clear message. A message to young and old that we must respect our earth. But he did not stop there. He took that message and illustrations and took them off the page. He then applied them to plates, placemats, posters and shirts all made of recycled, organic, and environmentally safe materials and processes. I really love this product. Not to mention being a huge fan of the plates because they resemble the simple and clean lines of the stacking Heller plates.

   

 

a house in five phases

Assembly, personalization, decoration, occupation and disassembly.

'villa julia' comes with a plan detailing the easy instructions for assembly;

children set it up themselves (assisted by an adult) and make it their own by

coloring the drawings found on the sides

Designed for the MeToo Collection for Magis by Javier Mariscal and debuted at Milan's Design Week 09.

choose build play

qb is an environmentally friendly outdoor play hut for your mini. Not only can you customize the color of your qb but you can also download your own digital print to go on it as well. An added bonus is that a portion of your purchase go directly to Right To Play. They are an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.

lmnop 6

The latest issue of LMNOP has come out and again, I continue to be impressed with Jenny Lacey's curation and eye for design. In this issue, there is section of well-considered toys, coloring books, meal time goods, reading books, chalky tees, Hanne Larsen's amazing NYC loft with her four children, homegrown threads and a show and tell section by Janet and Stu from Three Potato Four. 

If you find your way over to page 20, you'll find my contribution. I wanted to challenge myself and take a highly designed and playfully sophisticated child's room and cheat my way to achieving this designer look for a lot less. I hope you enjoy it.

Also check out LMNOP blog.... for when you just can't wait for the next issue to come out! They dish a hearty dose of great design for children and babies.

You can download the current issue here. 

   

 

kids.modern 2009 textiles and prints

At the show this year, there seemed to be less clothing, print and textile presence than last year. However, there were some new stand-outs....

Bold & Noble is a design collective that creates and silk screens prints. They have a very good eye and execution of design. I could see these prints playing very well in a kid's room or nursery.

 

 

Anorak wants you know that "wildlife just got a whole lot easier to spot." With a stellar line of sleeping bags, bedding, blankets, oil cloth, pillows and bags, Anorak certainly caught me eye this year. The bold prints and colors are spot on.

   

Twisted Tee had a fun booth to look at. It was full of cloth nappies adoring bold faces on their bums. Some political, some portrait, some retro, some plastic. Also showing was the fantastic Sleepy Head Pillow.

   

   

 

Roddy & Ginger have a sweet line of prints, bags, pillows and clothing. Here are some prints that made their way into another vendors booth:

   

Check out tomorrow's post on some familiar faces from last years show and what they've been up to.

2,600 sheets of fun

Meet Paperstorm  ... a place to for kids to create. A total of 2.600 single sheets, each 50 x 100 cm build a table with 40 cm height, which stands on a flat stainless steel base. Stay-down rolls let the table stay movable. This is especially important for the positioning in the children’s room. The selected paper from IGEPA is produced out of Eucalyptus trees, which are planted as renewable raw materials on special ecologically certified plantations. 

just don't add water

Forty Two Roads lets you know how to build Cardboard Play Washer and Dryer.

a rocking horse

Constantin is a beautiful rocking object, made in plywood for the structural elements combined with a flexible yet highly durable loden (100 % wool) fabric covering, characteristic of Perludi's designs. Made in Germany, the birchwood comes from Europe and the fabric from Austrian company Steiner The materials are 100 % recycable. The surfaces can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, a damp cloth or a soft brush and – unlike many other textiles – retain their original character for a long time. The rocking horse is foldable, therefore very easy to fold and put away. 

well considered

My daughter needs a new bag for school. I really like the Toscanella Child's Messenger Bag from Pierotucci.

 

its the child that counts

Not only the child but the environment was in mind behind Ink + Wit's Everything Counts poster. It's printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based inks. (via ModEco Kids)

 

a recycled tree

I like this Cardboard Tree House.

slip on

These gÚgU shoes by Gabriela Gomes are really sweet. I like the stitching detail and color choices. The outside is made of synthetic-leather with the interior a warm polar mesh. They are even packaged in an eco-friendly recyclable and reusable bag.

ill huff and ill puff

Muji is putting Kidsonroof in the hot seat with their version of the Cardboard House. (tip via Jan)

socks

Like the socks, the bedside tables are always a pair. SOCKS is a couple of bedside tables, realized in beech wood with legs covered by recycled plastic cones by the textile industry. These plastic cones can be changeable for other colors.

Designed by Alfonso del Val Merry, these could play very well in a kid's room.

eco tunes

Let your kids create their own speakers with these DIY Eco Speakers.

do drop in ...

If you are in the NY area this weekend, stop by the Cookie Living Show House where I will be doing 2 free hours worth of Design Consultations this Saturday from 11:30-1:30pm. On Sunday from 1pm-2pm, I will be giving a free presentation and Q&A on “Designing Your Kid's Room and Child Proofing Tips." Bring the whole family as there are plenty of things to keep everyone's attention! Check out the press so far on NY1 and the NY Post.

For the consultation, you can rsvp to: rsvp@cookiemag.com and in the subject line put : Oct 18, Ward. Directions to the Cookie Living Show House, in Battery Park City, can be found here.

introducing merle's room

Here are the first shots of the CookieLiving room that I have been working. A few pics are from my iPhone and some are from the lovely Tina. Today it opened to the public and I am very thankful for everyone who helped me along the way! A majority of the items are handmade or vintage with a few brand spanking new items.... like the OTT Hooks from byproduct and Boodalee's Throw Pillows. A special highlight for me was a lovely visit today from Oliver Jeffers. he was kind enough to leave a little chalk drawing on the desk. If you're in Battery Park City over the next three weekends, please stop by and take a look. You can view more pics and get info about the items in the room here. Make sure to go upstairs and check the amazing nursery that Koko Architecture designed....simply beautiful!

cookie living + minor details

Head on over to Cookie Magazine's Cookie Living Show Home any fri-sun from October 10-October 26. There are going to be a ton of events and really great programs. I will be doing individual design consultations on Saturday , October 18th from 11:30am-1:30pm. Feel free to bring a picture of a room that you might need some advice or direction with....or if you have an inspiration pic for a space and don't know how to make it happen...I will be available to help your tackle those design woes. Make sure to RSVP to rsvp@cookiemag.com with the subject line "Oct 18, Ward". I will also be doing a baby/child proofing program on Sunday , October 19th from 1-2pm. Best of all....it's free.

Make sure to stop into the kid's room that i have been working on. Here is the concept behind it : One staple in Minor Details design philosophy is to spark a child's imagination. With Merle's room, inspiration came from the pages of a book*. Most of the furniture is handmade, re-invented or vintage. With this approach a greener message is achieved. The motivation behind the color palette was to provide a gender neutral path for any child who enters. By adding a ton of books, vintage marionette puppets, and milk-fueled highway wallpaper, it was our hope to create an environment where curiosity leads to creativity. Welcome, please make yourself at home.
*The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers

See you then!

a little project part deux

I'm very excited to share the latest piece of furniture that I built for the Cookie Magazine project that I've been working on. I took this wallpaper, made a few recessed cubbies, under mounted lights, man-handled a jigsaw and this is what the final headboard looks like! Up next is a bookcase turn eames-esc side bench with a secret hiding spot for your child's diary......