droolicious : design

We've Moved!

editors — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:13:00 GMT

image: http://www.bellgirl.com.au

Don’t adjust your internets, Droolicious has a new address and a slightly new look and search. We’re very excited to have launched new software so update your bookmarks, links and anywhere else you have us saved so you won’t miss out on the best (and worst) baby, kid and parent design on the planet. Follow us here!

Trying to find that awesome stroller we talked about last month? Look it up in our archives on the sidebar. Happy shopping! - April Peveteaux, Babble Blog Editor

First Look: Offi Nester Boxes

Nicole Feliciano — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:30:00 GMT

A stackable space solution from Offi.

Finding space for all the stuff kids bring into your life is a constant battle.

Sure there are cheap and ugly solutions like milk crates and under the bed bins, but we like to think a tad more creatively. Out of the box if you will. That’s why we love the new Nester Boxes from Eric Pfeiffer for Offi.

Think about those Russian nesting dolls your girls love so much, and then think about storage. These four boxes stack on top of one another or nest inside each other for transport and shipping.

Available in walnut ($499) or maple ($449), these clever boxes can easily be repurposed when the kids fly the coop. For now they can display books, Barbies or Bakugan.

The Nesters are not available until late August, find them on Offi.com.

First Look: Greenplay Submarine

Nicole Feliciano — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Sing it: We all play in a yellow submarine!

This way-cool plaything caught our eye at the 2009 International Contemporary Furniture Fair. This Greenplay play structure ($3,950) can be used as a desk, fort or whatever your kid dreams up.

Grenplay is a children’s environment company. They design items that walk the line between toy and furniture. The components are crafted from recycled, renewable and low-impact material. All the coatings have low or zero VOC emission.

There are quite a few seating options in the line, but the Submarine Activity Station by Joe Fiacchino for Skyline Design caught our eye. Measuring 81” long and 47 “ high, the sub is constructed of formaldehyde-free MDF with FSC certified birch veneer/ top is 100% post-consumer pot-industrial recycled plastic.

The colors were vivid and the play options numerous. We simply can’t get enough of deigns like this that make us want to be three again.

Check with Greenplay for availability.

First Look: Argington Miniature Set

Nicole Feliciano — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:30:00 GMT

Not your standard dollhouse furniture—mini modern design set from Argington.

Most designers show off their big ideas at design shows. Not so, Argington. At Brooklyn Designs, this NYC company highlighted some mighty small wares.

While we love the bunk beds, toy trunks and cribs from the duo behind Argington, these minis stole the show. Andrew Thornton and Jenny Argie (squish the names together and you get Argington) put together a special 20-piece collection of their children’s furniture designs and packaged it in a wooden valise. Full of delicious details and deep hues, this toy is definitely adult eye candy.

How perfect—when everyone else is cutting costs and corners, this pair is thinking big by thinking small. They crafted only 20 of these limited edition sets which include shrunken versions of their popular pieces, such as the Giza table and Sahara crib. $1000 for the set; Contact Argington directly for more information.

Coolest but Most Expensive Toy Box Ever

SunnyChanel — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

This ain’t just a toy box, it’s more like a playhouse than just a simple storage container. The Agnès&Agnès Design Toy Box is a six-sided plum hued unit that features drawers, cubes, little hiding places and can even function as an art desk.

The lucky child, whose parents can afford the piece, will have a slew of interesting options of how to use this fun and functional piece of furniture. But be warned, simplicity, style and design like this doesn’t come cheap. This piece goes for pert near $2600. On second thought, a plain old box will be just fine. You can check out more photos and perhaps purchase here.

Sparrow Hook Set: Go Ahead, Tweet About It

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:30:00 GMT

If you do a lot of tweeting, this sparrow hook set may put you in the mind of Twitter -- but the cute little birdies could just as well put a perfect finishing touch on the kids' room.

Each two-piece set includes all mounting hardware -- get yours for $20 at Fred Flare.

Designer Cards at Lapin & Me

Lisa Estall — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:28:00 GMT

Write a note in this Square Card, illustrated by French artist Aurelie Guillerey. The playful, retro drawing is colorful and just charming.

Continue on to see another Square Card...

The envelopes are also decorated as well. I think they would be cute for kids to write thank you messages in.

They sell for £1.60 each.

Sold at Lapin and Me.

Decorative Outlet Covers For The Home

Lisa Estall — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:54:00 GMT

Socket-Lockits have put a new spin on outlet covers. Their decorative covers for the home are meant to be attractive as well as hopefully prevent your child from touching them. If you're worried that a child might want to take it out, they have a self locking barb that will secure the plug into the outlet.

The covers also have a convenient pressure-button release for easy removal and are...

printed with non-toxic ink.

The zebra and giraffe outlet covers are part of their Safari collection. If you don't like animals they have other designs including ones with owls, flowers and polka dots.

Priced at $5.99 you can buy them at the following sites: www.amazon.com, www.fuzzyme.com amd www.kangaroodle.com.

5 Most Fantastic Fantasy Beds

SunnyChanel — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:31:00 GMT

If you just happen to possess the resources (read =lots of money), space and a fun loving aesthetic whimsy, you should go beyond the simplicity of Ikea’s Leksvik and give your kids a super sweet bed to elicit some equally sweet dreams. Here are the 5 Most Fantastic Fantasy Beds for the underage set.

La Belle Au Bois Dormat Coach (above)
Now this one's price tag is a fancy as it's name. How much would this hand-crafted, extemely detailed solid cherry and white oak bed with 100% silk fabric finishings cost you? Are you sitting down? $75,000. I think my own daughter will just have to settle with sleeping in a pumpkin and not a princess worthy carriage. You can get more detail about this bed here.

Pirate Ship Bed
This seemingly sea worthy bed is crafted from a combo of hardwoods and veneers. It’s curved like a real ship, has a spinning wheel, two drawers at the stern, and the side windows light up for easy reading of Moby Dick at midnight. $1900 here.

Chuckwagon Toddler Bed
For those feeling inspired by the wild wild west, you can rear your own little cowboy or cowgirl with this Chuckwagon Toddler Bed. Included in the design is a changing station with oodles of storage plus a decorative milk jug and rope. And really, what toddler doesn’t need a decorative milk jug and some rope? This bed is made of birch, cedar and a variety of hardwards. This chuckwagon has a car like pricetag and is offered for $13,995.00 here.

Space Shuttle Twin Bed Set
This bed, I guess you can say, it is out of this world. The Space Shuttle Bunk Bed has two seats in the front as well as a lower and upper twin bed area. This hand painted bunk set is available here for $2595.

Safari Elephant Bunk Bed
For those kids who like to walk on the wild side, there’s the Safari Elephant Hand Painted Bunk Bed. This pert near life sized elephant bunk holds two twin sized beds. The upper bunk is accessible via foot holes on the back of this giant creature and the lower is under the elephant’s belly. You can go hunting on the internet and tag one for yourself here for $2745.

CES 2009: Parrot By Starck - Wireless Speaker System

Chris Ford — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:30:00 GMT

Parrot by Starck isn't for kids or even families really (at least not families with a normal budget). But the modern design and Starck name is making me add it to the long list of cool stuff at CES 2009. What you're looking at is basically the most expensive iPod docking station I've ever seen, with a few bells and whistles thrown in too.

Parrot by Starck are two wireless speakers that work together via bluetooth, and they show up on your wireless network. What this means is that you can play music from your computer, iPod or any other source on your home network. In fact, the only cord to these speakers is a power cord. I have to admit they did sound pretty great, but what you're paying for obviously is the look and the Starck name.

Parrot by Starck, $1500 (for the pair) and should be available in the US in April.

First Look: Liz Lange for Timi and Leslie

Nicole Feliciano — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:50:00 GMT

Who says luxury is dead! The marketers behind this brand still think plenty of moms will shell out $500 for a chic diaper bag.

Timi and Leslie bags are often spotted on the arms of the hottest celebrity moms (Courtney Cox, Angelina Jolie Nicole Kidman, etc.). These designers are clearly gunning for the high-end market…recession be damned. It's a good thing they are partnering with a pro on thier latest line. Maternity maven Liz Lange is the mastermind behind this new assortment of glam mommy bags with suggested retail prices ranging from $300.00 to $600.00.

On thing’s for sure, you’ll definitely turn heads at your next playdate carrying the purple Rita in reptile patent leather. Other styles included quilted models and metallic satchels.

In the Nursery: Fantastical Photography

elizabeth leach — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:00:00 GMT

John Murphy's photography is outrageous. Simple, natural tableaus presented in gorgeous, painted frames. Any one of his photographs would take a nursery from "okay" to "Holy Cow".

Photographs are archival pigment prints. Visit John Murphy's gallery here.

$2000 for a Rug With Holes in It?

SunnyChanel — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:02:00 GMT

Yeah, this carpet is 1) not totally practical 2) a challenge to incorporate into a room design and 3) expensive. But it is one good thing. Fun. This MILES carpet is made from hand-tufted virgin wool from the color you pick from a wide Pantone range of hues that are offered. Yes, it does defy the general concept of a carpet, with it’s holes and gaps, but it’s perfect for landing a Playmobile plane or taking the Hot Wheels for a drive. How much does this Carpet Maze cost? £1,039.50 or over $2000. Yeah, a bit much for a rug with holes in it. Click here for more info.

In the Nursery: Climbing Girl

elizabeth leach — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:43:00 GMT

How fantastical is this? Bride & Wolfe is an Australian company that makes these whimsical wall hangings. Many different designs (birds, owls, deer, etc.) and color options are available, all magical and beautiful. Inspired by embroidery, Chinese paper cutting, and Disney movies.

The wall hangings are made of the same kind of ply-wood they use to make boats, so it's very strong.

Shop Bride & Wolfe.

(Thanks, Design Sponge!)

In the Nursery: High/Low Modern Bookcase

elizabeth leach — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:15:00 GMT

The Oeuf Classic Mini Library, for me, epitomizes the perfect modern bookcase for the nursery. Every time I see it, I am reminded of how well it shows off toys, even making not so cute toys look good. But I'm equally impressed with another bookcase that is very similar and half the price. See it after the jump...

West Elm's Stacked Modular Shelving (two shelves) is $269 and is available in chocolate and white. (The three shelf version is $399.) I think it would look fantastic in a nursery. Try it with a colored wall or fun wallpaper behind it. Both bookshelves offer easy access and a cool way of displaying toys and books. Okay, the Oeuf bookcase is better. There is no denying it. You do get what you pay for. But for half the price the West Elm bookcase would look almost as good. Find it here.

Find the Oeuf Classic Mini Library at here. ($620 for birch and $650 for walnut)

In the Nursery: This Room Only Looks Expensive

elizabeth leach — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Now, before we all feel too inferior, this bedroom was designed by an interior designer who specializes in children's rooms so she is a professional. Jennifer Ward, Creative Director of Minor Details, designed her daughter's room using a mix of furniture and accessories from yard sales, Ikea, and Urban Outfitters.

I don't know who said it, but I'm going to quote someone, "Great design has nothing to do with cost". It's so refreshing to see a room that looks this great without spending a fortune. I am so inspired by the sophisticated colors of the rug (Urban Outfitters), the wall color, and the fantasy elements like the bird cage, which she found at a yard sale in Brooklyn.

I first spied this room on ohdeedoh, Apartment Therapy's nursery design site. (Ohdeedoh found this nursery on Cookie, so we're all blogging each other!)

In the Nursery: DwellStudio's New Accessories

elizabeth leach — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:51:00 GMT

DwellStudio's new collection of accessories are now available (Read my first post announcing the new collection here.) and I am so excited to enliven my nursery with a good dose of modern fun! Mod animal bookcases and banks (I love the snail!) can transform an inexpensive bookcase (like my white Ikea bookcase) and their storage baskets, in DwellStudio's trademark prints, can spice up a dreary corner.

Their storage baskets are as practical as they are stylish by being wipeable on the inside and out and large enough to hold lots of toys and books.

Their wool rugs, with sophisticated and subtle color pallets, make just the right amount of a statement. Seriously, any room will look fab with one of these rugs. Add some playful touches of DwellStudio to your nursery and see what a few small changes can do. Your already cool nursery will be even more so. Shop DwellStudio.

The Babble Review: StrollAway with Giveaway!

editors — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:29:00 GMT

Are you watching in horror as your urban dwelling turns into a Babies ‘R’ Us? There’s not much you can do about the crib, changing table, exersaucers and swings but the people at MetroTots found a solution for your new ride of choice - those big honking strollers. The StrollAway is a steel rack that simply slips over the top of your door - no complicated Swedish diagrams or fasteners. It also fits in nicely with your décor, assuming you too were issued stainless steel appliances with your apartment keys.

Short of renting a storage space for your baby gear, this useful space saver gets your stroller out of your way without causing a hallway turf war between neighbors. And we’re giving one away to a lucky reader! Send us a note at babblecontest@gmail.com with “StrollAway” in the subject line. Describe your most creative solution to baby crap storage and we’ll pick the best/worst/most entertaining idea to win a brand new StrollAway!

Buy it for $39.99 from MetroTots.

Maharam Memory Game: From Designer Textiles to Tiles

Sarah Verdone — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:17:00 GMT

Maharam makes some of the best designer fabrics of the 20th and 21st centuries - from Josef Hoffman to Alexander Girard to Maira Kalman. But even if you can't afford to cover your sofa in Eames or Panton fabric, at least you can get a vicarious thrill watching the kids match up 36 different swatches with the Maharam Memory Game ($36). Or play the game online for free (just go to Accessories on the menu).

Illustrations from Noggin Designer Melinda Beck

Chris Ford — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:45:00 GMT

I'm a big fan of children's television network Noggin, and I particularly love their broadcast design. Specifically, the illustrations created by designer Melinda Beck (including Moose A. Moose) are my favorites. After writing about her today on my blog, I came across some artwork for sale on her website. There are all kinds of illustrations, but the "Flock of Birds" are most similar to the illustrations on Noggin.

They are $25 each, and might look great in the room of the Noggin fan in your life.

Flock of Birds, Ink and Collage, 3" x 2.5", $25 each from MelindaBeck.com

Kid Robot Puts Jesse LeDoux Critters in Bargain Bin

Sarah Verdone — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:10:00 GMT

Now they're only $1 each! (Originally $5.95 at Kid Robot.)15 different critters like Otto, Garth or Eedleedleedle (with various cloth accessories) can swap heads, torsos, legs, and everything else.

Or you can hang your own LeDoux on the wall. Many prints, such as Bird Herd (above) are reasonably priced at $30.

Even the Smallest Girls Love Obama

editors — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:05:00 GMT

No matter what side you come down on when dressing your kiddos in political tees you’ve got to admire this design-at-home mom who, while musing that she couldn’t really compete with those heavy-hitter fundraisers, realized she could get busy with her screen printer. 50% of the profits go to Obama's campaign. - April Peveteaux

Obama Baby tee-shirt on sale at Sidepony. - $18

Maira Kalman: Illustrator/Author Extraordinaire

Sarah Verdone — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:21:00 GMT

Pete is Maira's dog, her muse, the star of two of her books. He should be required eating, I mean, reading. Train enthusiasts shouldn't miss Next Stop, Grand Central. But my daughter's fave is Sayonara, Mrs. Kackleman, a book about two kooky kids and their travels to Japan. There's also Stay Up Late with Talking Head, David Byrne, and the Max series about another precocious pooch, and many more.

You can own a Maira (MY-ra) illustration to-go, with these Barnes & Noble The Elements of Style tote bags. There are three illustrations to choose from -- all $13.95. And don't forget to visit Maira's website, mairakalman.

Mom! There's A Giant Panda On My Bed!

Sarah Verdone — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:07:00 GMT

See? It looks great in this spare and stylish Finnish room. 100% cotton and $109 at kiitos marimekko.

Speaking of Marimekko, Moms, the Finnish textile legend happens to be licensing their designs to H&M for spring/summer 2008, so look for great patterns from the retail giant.

For other fun Finnish nursery decor, furnishings, etc. see these sites:

finnish gifts

finn style

Babel Blocks For Multi-Culti Crew

Sarah Verdone — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:28:00 GMT

Meet Moishe, Nafisa, Mary, Chen, and Jose, a rainbow coalition of bockheads celebrating New York's diversity. So cool, they even have their own MySpace pages! Babel Blocks are the creation of Constantin Boym and Laurene Leon, industrial designers known for pushing the boundaries between art and design. Next month the 6" figures will make their museum debut in the MoMA exhibit, Design and the Elastic Mind. Note: the packaging says Not Intended for Children, but I think that has more to do with the price tag than the product. $75 at boym. Even if you're not buying, check out their videos on youtube.