Photography: Francis Dzikowksi/ Esto

Well, while it might not be a dog, the U.M.O. is both a table and a bench, and it still just might become your child’s best friend.

Designed by the UM Project (also known as Users and Makers), it has a solid cork body and a powder coated aluminum insert. Even though it’s designed for children, I think it would add a wonderful bit of whimsy to anyone’s decor.

New this year is the colorful U.M.O2, which made its debut at the ICFF. Made by applying felt to a wood core body, these little guys sure are cute, although I’m not sure how well they would hold up to a really active child. What do you think?

Thanks for visiting,
Rachel

“To sleep, perchance to dream…”

The Cradle was designed based on research into the causes and treatments for Rythmic Movement Disorder in children, but adults can enjoy the cocoon like environment too!

Created by Richard Clarkson, Grace Emmanual, Kalivia Russel, Eamon Moore, Brodie Cambell, Jeremy Brooker and Joya Boerrigter, The Cradle is made of sustainably sourced wood w/ environmentally friendly adhesives.  The plan is for it to be shipped flat pack and then assembled on site.

Personally, I just want to crawl right in there and take a blissful little nap!   Don’t you?

Thanks for visiting!

Rachel

Seen on Yanko Design

Inexpensive, modular, and best of all, made primarily of recyclable and biodegradable materials, the Yube is the perfect sort of system for those just starting out, (or maybe starting over).

Yube is designed to be endlessly reconfigurable, and capable of being turned into a plethora of furniture pieces with the addition of accessories such as feet, drawers, doors, and shelves.

Primarily made of reconstituted sugarcane waste, the Yube panels are designed to be sturdy, but also biodegradable once they are no longer needed.  That means you don’t have to feel guilty when you finally can afford to replace your Yube desk with that authentic mid-century Eames desk you’ve always wanted.  And meanwhile, you can have all sorts of fun with the Yube.

“We think Yube is like Lego for adults.” – Jeff Greenstein, Yube President

And what could be more fun than that?

To find out more about Yube, or to purchase them online, click here.

The Hut-Hut Kids is the old fashioned rocking horse taken modern, sustainable, and sleek.  Designed and produced by Kalon Studios, and available in five FSC certified woods such as black walnut (shown above), bamboo, and even cork, this seat’s simple styling gives a kid’s imagination room to grow.  So whether they want to say “hut hut” (giddy-up to camels) to a trusty steed with one hump or two (or maybe a horse, pony, elephant or tiger), they can create their own adventure as they wish.

So what about those of us who have already grown-up?

Kalon makes a version for us too!

One of the things I find most intriguing about the design is how Kalon took the grooves the 5 axis CNC machine created as it cut the wood for the Hut-Hut and turned them into a decorative, yet useful, element for the seat.  By doing that, they figure they saved 75% of the machine resurfacing time (and energy).

For kids who like their world to be extra colorful, Kalon just released a new version called Hut-Hut Kids Resin, made entirely of 100% recycled resin, available in 5 cheerful, kid friendly colors (the green is not shown here).  Utilizing the same great form as the wood version, it is currently available for Christmas pre-order at 25% off the $125 price!

Think of it.  You won’t even have to worry about having to borrow an extra battery or two out of the TV remote just to get it to work once Santa drops it off.  Not that that has EVER happened at our house.  (cough)

So says German designer Sascha Grewe, who created these great alphabet stools for kids.

Made of formaldehyde free MDF and no-VOC paint with a wax finish, they do double duty as storage for books, toys, or whatever else seems to fit.  By reducing the letters down to simple, spare lines, Grewe enables them to function as furniture, while still hinting at their true character.

To see more of Sascha Grewe’s wonderful and eclectic work, I suggest a visit to his company website,  Art Can Break Your Heart.

Recently making its debut at BKLYN Designs, this collection instantly won accolades, including the Inhabitat Editor’s Choice Award for best Kid’s Design & Newcomer.  And why not?  After all, not only are the pieces crafted entirely from sustainable materials such as FSC certified, no added formaldehyde plywood and soy based glues, but their great graphic punch is based on that icon of green – the tree.

Nicely bridging the gap between modern and playful that often exists in contemporary kids furniture, April Hannah’s debut collection hits all the right notes.

She was even kind enough to offer the grown-ups a desk in their own size.  For once parent’s don’t have to envy their kids having all the fun!

Click here to inquire as to availability.  And yes, April Hannah is based in Brooklyn.  With such amazing “trees”, how could she not be?

And apparently the baby above loves it too!  This pattern is called Fish and Pebbles, and it’s one of the most attractive, least twee prints I’ve ever seen for a nursery.

The bright, cheerful orange and yellow print called Hearts and Flowers might just be girly enough to woo some of the tween girls I know away from the ever present pink that colors their world.

And for those who come into this world with an innate sense of curiosity and adventure, they can follow the tracks on their own Dinosaur bedding.

Available in sets for both crib and twin, Argington also makes cute floor mats and pillows.

Click here for a list of stores and online retailers.

Case in point, this lovely little vanity by Waterfall Bathroom Furniture.  Designed most especially with children in mind, the “The Mailbox” vanity is made in Canada of FSC certified wood, and comes with a matching footstool that tucks neatly underneath.  Available in 13 different low-VOC finish colors, to match most decors.  You can even order it with your choice of either a Caesarstone or a 3-Form countertop.

And if you are looking for something a bit more elegant, there is always “The Louis”…Whether you are a princess or a just wish you were, “The Louis” has an elegance that is sure to please.  And how charming is that Robin’s Egg blue?

And for those who are seeking simplicity, there is always “The Minimalist“, a no fuss solution to limited materials use that still provides needed storage, while taking up the same basic footprint of a pedestal sink.

There are several more great designs available, and I encourage you to take a look at them and let us know what YOUR favorite is.

All images via Design Artist - Shawn Soh

Artist and furniture designer Shawn Soh has created an enchanting place to tuck away your books and other treasures.  A part of the Design Artist collective in South Korea, Shawn was inspired by childhood memories.

“I remember
That I folded narrow and long paper
And stuck it between the branches of a tree
That memory
Led me to embrace a tree
The tree with books forever chatters
Before I knew it, the books became the tree
In full blossom with sprouting leaves”

Although Shawn’s pieces are usually made of wood, she chose to make her tree bookshelf out of powder coated, recyclable metal.   She wanted to  ensure its durability under the weight of all the books and memories that would doubtless be squirreled away on it over the years.  An added bonus is that this piece is lightweight, making it easy to move around for one person.    Perhaps best of all, since it is attached at the wall there is no need for a wide base, freeing up precious floor space.

Although an adorable shelving solution for a child’s room, this bookshelf would be equally at home in a public library or a retail space.  Heck, even an adult with a fondness for the whimsical (like me!) would find it a pleasure to have around.

Handmade in the artist’s studio, each bookshelf takes a week to make, and can be shipped internationally.  Contact Shawn Soh for more information.

Along with great lines, Muu’s furniture has a major fun factor in the MuuPanel system, where you are able to easily change the graphic panel in order to customize their furniture for one, two, three or more children as you go along.

For the Ray Collection, Muu has pared down to three versatile graphics, including this great rocket motif.  You also have the option of having no panel at all.

All furniture can be ordered in either the Hazelnut or White finish, with a contrasting panel.

Muu manufactures all of their furniture in the United States, out of sustainably harvested wood or no added formaldehyde MDF.  All finishes are non-toxic.

For pricing and availability, contact Muu here.