Not too long ago, I admitted that I had fallen in love with a treehouse. Well, this morning my love grew a bit deeper for THIS outdoor-cross stream-awesome-sanctuary-in-the woods-shelter. It makes me want to move to a place that has a stream in the back yard...... if only to re-create something like this.
On a recent trip out to Los Angeles, I found myself in the dope Silverlake shop known as ReForm School. I managed to pick up a few Shadow Puppets, Soopsori Rattles and a Felt Bird Purse kit. But what I really wanted to check in at the airport was an Amish Made Scooter.
The Timbur Rattle is made from sustainable materials and non-toxic finishes ... I'm totally smitten.
Is it possible to fall in love with a treehouse? Why yes, I think it is.
Did you know that today, June 21st, is the International Go Skateboarding Day? It's so very fitting as my daughters birthday present this year is set to arrive any minute. Shhhhhhhh, she doesn't know its a Mini Cruiser Longboard!!
THESE pajamas make me smile. I want them in my size!
I am on a playful print kick as of late. I LOVE this one from Nazario Graziano.
I often look to my stack of Edition Paumes books for inspiration when starting a new kids space. I'm very happy to get the latest editions on family and kid spaces in Belgium and Paris!
THIS wooden storage bin on wheels is just what every rustic playroom needs.
Krystian Kowalski of Kompott Design created The Something Out Of Nothing Project. It's purpose is to create and build toys with materials readily available to make the statement of individuality and longevity.
I really like the colors in these rooms from Laurette. (the furniture is pretty great too ... and yes, its the same staged room for both pics but the surrounding colors make it really two different spaces)
The ME & U swing from Softline is a perfect indoor swing for the entire family. The removable upholstered covers are great for cleaning and comes in great colors!
David Rockwell is taking his brainchild, Imagination Playground, and making this summer in NYC a bit more enjoyable for the kiddos and the kiddos at heart. Starting this weekend, a 825lbs, 75 piece mobile fun zone will pop up in the garden at the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum. June 6th look for a fun zone in Washington Sq Park and on June 26th, another pops up down at South Street Seaport. On July 17th, another fun zone will grace The High Line. For Mr. Rockwell, it was his mission to promote unstructured play ... allowing the user to design whatever they desire. I cannot wait!
What is Imagination Playground? from Imagination Playground on Vimeo.
I am a huge fan of Nesting Dolls (or rather Matryoshka Dolls). So when I stumbled upon Irina Troitskaya's custom nesting dolls, I became totally smitten.
I was blown away with the design and execution of this children's loft bed, storage closet and shelving piece. The architect and designer, Sandra Courtine of Ciel Architects, did a stellar job. Honestly, it's so refreshing to see work like this. It's a great dose of minimal and well-considered design inspiration for a friday! You can see more pics HERE. (photos by Mirela Popa)
Perhaps I'm a bit late to the party but I had no idea that Dry-Erase Crayons existed!
Another hit from Anthropologie is THIS hammock and THIS chair. C'mon summertime, I know you are around the corner .....
I am totally smitten with Kate Dixon's circus themed bedroom. Images by Chad Jackson and art by Jeff Shumway (via by way of watoto)
Recession Design is all about D.I.Y. design. It is a collection of objects created using everyday DIY products that are processed and assembled using common utensils and accessories. Such is the case with their Giocattolo Toy Truck and Divano Leto Sofa Bed. [*]
We are a Happy Family is a game meant to bring families together. It is actually a game that has been around for quite sometime. However, with it's new release, 8 international designers came forward to combine forces and re-create this awesome card game. You can purchase a deck HERE. Proceeds go to Doctors without Borders. The artists are:
OTTO is an electronic musical instrument developed by interaction designer Luca De Rosso. Just plug it into your computer, drop a beat into it and feel the music with your hands. I really like seeing these types of advances in technology that are both intriguing for adults and children. (via)
OTTO ~ Getting Started from Luca De Rosso on Vimeo.
This is a fun little plate for the kiddos. The Din Din Stainless Steel Bus Plate can be found HERE. ( thanks One Hungry Mama )
Yesterday afternoon, I was thrilled to see this event, that just so happen to take place in a store that I really love....Partners and Spade. I was so very thrilled to be able to see and touch Renate Müller's line of Therapeutic Toys. Originally designed back in the 1960's and 1970's, these were reproduced back in 2008. The jute, which is an open weave material, lends such an understanding to the complete tactile experience. Not to mention the use of the calming colored leather is stunning. The pieces are not only large in size, but a grand and important symbol for therapeutic design...... done extremely well. The toys were used for balance training and orthopedic exercise as well as for sensory exercise and hand-eye coordination for mentally and physically handicapped children. You can email Partners and Spade for information on purchasing these toys HERE
I am thrilled to see the Modern Indoor Treehouse that I designed last year grace page 244 of the current issue of ELLE magazine. (Taylor Swift is on the cover - US edition) You can read the whole article on my amazing client, Stacey Bendet-Eisner of Alice + Olivia right HERE.
There is something very sweet about THIS wooden infant play bar hanging in the back of this picture.
THIS limited edition tricycle from James Perse is dope. Too bad it's sold out! (via)
THIS pop up book is awesome! With the turn of every page, the town grows before your very eyes. Stunning colors and finished concept! Popville is the first book by Anouck Boisrobert and Louis Rigaud.
Zoe Murphy is a young British designer who re-uses mid-century furniture and turns them into playful and colorful pieces. She also has an amazing eye for creating super colorful textiles.
Studio GORM have come out with a sweet interior piece of fun called Construction Quilt. It works as a carpet, a couch cover and can be converted into a landscape for toy cars or fort to play in. It works off a simple grid of triangles made of dense foam and covered with wool felt.
Planet Awesome Kid (which is awesome by the way) and Global Action for Children (which is incredible by the way) are throwing a charity event that is sure to be talked about way after it's over. If you are in NYC this weekend, then I encourage you and the family to head down to MILK studios on Sat. March 20th from 1pm-4pm. Some event details include arts and crafts, a beauty bar, planting and nature area, juggling, breakdancing, graffiti by world renowned artist Aero, a special DJ, the official Planet Awesome Kid photoshoot, a designer auction and much, much more! I hope to see you there!
Event details and ticket information HERE
Global Action for Children generates awareness, policies and funding so every child has the chance to grow up safe and healthy. Formed in 2003, GAC advocates on the following issues that affect prphans and vulnerable children worldwide:
*basic education
*child marriage
*child sexual abuse
*child survival and immunizations
*children in conflict
*community care
*foreign aid reform
*hiv/aids
*malaria
“I ask you to think about orphan children not as a burden but as a great opportunity.
Their education and wellbeing is an investment in our future.”
– Angelina Jolie, Honorary Chairperson of GAC
Eva Schildt designed THIS sweet little dollhouse for Playsam!
According to french designer Ludovic Renson, Playtime is an invitation for children to live in a contemporary space. Playtime is a collection of children's furniture made of wood and felt that includes a desk, chair, table, cupboards and storage containers. I think I'm in love....
