droolicious : furniture

A Summer Seat for Daddy and Me

JeanneSager — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:01:00 GMT

Who wouldn't want to be just like Dad if it meant perching in the summer sun in total comfort? Send your tot and her pop off for some summertime lounging with matching canopy lawn chairs.

From Kelsyus, who's long made the collapsible chairs for adults, there are now foldable seats for little campers with a canopy to keep them safe from the sun. Even better, the canopy folds around the chair and snaps up to form a backpack - so Dad can stow his on his back and still hold hands with junior for the trek back to the car.

Easy to fold and easy to carry, I wouldn't recommend them on a windy day (the air catches under the canopy and knocks them over), but they're definitely worth adding to your list for Daddy and Me for Father's Day.

Get the kids' version from Amazon for $35, and the adult-sized seat for $40.99.

Retrolicious: Vintage-Looking Changing Dresser

Cathy Hale — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:30:00 GMT

It might not be vintage, but this Celine Changer Dresser certainly embraces a vintage vibe. (I'm pretty sure someone in my family had furniture just like this because I remember liking these types of drawer pulls as a child.) The dresser features lots of storage space for diaper station items and as baby gets older, you can remove the changing tray and use it as a dresser. It also comes in a bunch of great color options, from bold primary colors to softer pastels. Retails for $1,329 at BabyEarth.

Get Cozy with Pouf Biguette

SunnyChanel — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Pillows can be boring. Square, plain and not at all inspiring. Pouf Biguette by L’oiseau Bateau is far from any of those things. Colors, dots, and an cute face make this pouf an adorable and alluring addition to pert near any kids room. And this whimsical round cushion opens up for a more lounge like sitting option. Plus it’s from France…oh la la. You can pick up this 100% cotton pouf here for $104.99.

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.

A Cushy Fatboy Junior To Lounge In

Lisa Estall — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:36:00 GMT

I think this Fatboy Junior is totally cool! Your kids can sit, recline and even nap on it. It's made of nylon fabric and can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

This "chair" comes in bold colors and patterns. The Unikko Red was featured here in December. I would pick the orange and hot pink ones!

It's 40 x 50 inches and would look great in our family room.

Sold at Design Public.

Big Deal: notNeutral BB2 Twin Bed With Free Night Stand Ends Today

Chris Ford — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:30:00 GMT

I'm a big fan of the children's furniture by notNeutral. The stuff they make looks great and as I can personally attest, it's really quite functional. The BB2 bed is one of my favorites, not the least of which because it's a children's bed that fits a twin sized mattress. So here's a great deal you should know about - right now at Design Public, if you get the bb2 Twin Bed at it's regular price they'll throw in the matching night stand for free.

The deal ends today, so jump on it now.

notNeutral BB2 Twin Bed, $960. Night Stand FREE (regularly $140) with Free Shipping at DesignPublic.com (put the bed in your shopping cart, and the nightstand will show up there for free).

Tidy Up the Lily Pad

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:32:00 GMT

The more tadpoles in the pond, the more you think about upgrading to a lake. Baby baubles, toddler toys and kid clutter are hard to keep orderly, particularly in small places. Take advantage of wall space with the Roebuck Studios Frog Cabinet, which can be mounted at any height. Frogs cap both ends of the kid-friendly cabinet, and lily pad cut-outs serve as door handles. Made of sturdy birch wood, the cabinet features rounded edges for safety and an adjustable interior shelf.

Available at Modern Nursery for $499 in multiple colors. Assembly required.

The Melio Step Stool On Sale At DWR

Chris Ford — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:32:00 GMT

My kids are at that age where they are old enough to wash their hands by themselves, but not old enough to reach the sink and soap without a step stool. For a while now we've been using a stool we bought at Target, but it's not as steady as it used to be and I've recently been looking for a replacemnet. Thanks to the warehouse sales currently going on now at Design Within Reach, I think I might have found a great replacement, the Melio Step Stool.

The Melio Step Stool is just like those rolling step stools that libraries have been using forever. The stool rolls around on the floor, and when you step down the "retractable casters" lock into a stable position. It even has a rubber guard around the edge to help prevent dings to your furniture.

It's available in Red, Grey or black, and the best part is it's on sale now for $20 off.

Melio Step Stool, $47.60 from Design Within Reach

What's Hatching At This Furniture Shop?

JeanneSager — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:26:00 GMT

If being a dad changed Scott Anderson, it was for the good of the environment.

When daughter Georgia came along in 2004, Anderson quit his job at a telecommunications firm to become a stay-at-home dad, aware that soon the family would be moving cross country to settle in the Seattle area. Creating decorations for Georgia's room that Anderson realized would have to be portable, Hatched Egg'rs came cracking out of the egg.

"After working for a number of years in a corporate environment I wanted to create my own business, but I also wanted to be very connected to my kids," Anderson says. "And I thought at the time what better way to connect with your kids than to draw silly pictures for them. At the same point I never wanted to have to explain to my kids (when they are older and start asking questions) why I used a material or a finish that hurt the environment or had the (even if it was small) potential to hurt people. So everything I designed I tried to incorporate sustainable practices (local, non-toxic, low impact, and little packaging)."

Hence Melville chairs, toddler-sized wooden seats that flip over and become chairs again, fulfilling a toddler-style need to make every side of every structure into something useful. A sizeable seat for a toddler, they last up until at least age eight as seats for pulling up to the coffee table for an afternoon of coloring or the conductor's perch on a toddler train.

"They are made from FSC certified wood, finished with non-toxic, environmentally friendly finishes (recommended for people with Chemical Sensitivities), and packaged with recycled, minimal packaging," Anderson explains. "Not only are the chairs environmentally responsible and sustainably built (sourced, manufactured and finished here in the Northwest), but they are really unique with a whole line of customizable images to adorn them with (customers can pick what colors will work best in every picture I produce)."

The same images made for Georgia and little brother Jake now grace not only the chairs but exquisite toyboxes and wall stickers made to crack kids up without cracking the paint job in the nursery.

"When I am creating new characters, I get out pencils and blank paper, for me, my daughter, and my son and we all sit at the kitchen table together and draw," Anderson explains. "During that time my kids tell me stories, act silly and create worlds of their own, and sometimes they look over at what I am drawing and laugh - that is the favorite part of my work."

Our favorite part of his work? All of it - from the green start to the grin on our kids.

Image: Hatched Egg'rs

Adding “Antique” Hardware

Lisa Mulcahy — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:00:00 GMT

I love scouring antiques stores and estate sales for furniture that can be refinished and repurposed. Maybe it’s the challenge of the hunt that makes it appealing. But it also offers a creative outlet. After doing this for a while, I’ve found the best way to reinvent a piece of furniture is to add new hardware like these little gems.

If you don’t have the time or patience to sift through salvage stores and flea markets for antique hardware, Anthropologie actually has some good reproduction style pieces. The scalloped brass and pink resin Pattypan Knobs, $12/each would be great for a little girl’s dresser.

Hiya Rocker by Spot on Square

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:30:00 GMT

While its non-toxic, eco-friendly finish is a nice perk, the Hiya Rocker by Spot on Square wins our favor for its roominess and practicality. Two kids can curl up in the Hiya's roomy seat, and the back of the rocker provides ample storage for those must-read bedtime books.

Available in orange or white; $149 from Spot on Square.

Lovely Little Vanity & Stool

Cathy Hale — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:00:00 GMT

It's charming and pint-sized, just like your little princess! This sweet hand-painted vanity table and matching stool might be the perfect finishing touch to your nursery or child's room. The table features two drawers for storage and a folding mirror with compartments. A great way to keep hair clips and jewelry neatly tucked away. It's also pretty small, so it should fit well into your existing decor. Bouquet Vanity measures 20 x 15 x 51. Retails for $189 at The Frog and The Princess.

For All Those Toy Tresaures

SunnyChanel — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:47:00 GMT

Toys are priceless treasures, well to your little one they are. Items of such grandeur and sentimental value need an equally entertaining house to live in. Enter the Pirate Treasure Chest available from Posh Tots. This delightfully detailed toy storage compartment will not only hold their precious cargo but has a supportive safety lip and special cut out sections to prevent the dreaded finger pinching. You can pick one up for your little pirate here for $190.

Flying High: Decorative Drawer Knobs

Cathy Hale — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:00:00 GMT

If you're trying to put the final touches on your little boy's nursery or bedroom, these hand painted drawer knobs might do the trick. Featuring two airplanes and two colorful plaid patterns, you can customize these knobs to suit your decor perfectly. Each knob is hand painted so variations occur. It takes 3-4 weeks for shipping. $12 per knob at Pink Taffy Designs.

A Bench That Hides Toys

Lisa Estall — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:30:00 GMT

I think this is a totally cool and useful product! The Roll Top Bench serves as a place to sit and store toys!

Designer Simon Maidment says of his creation, “The nature of the storage and the way it is revealed affords...

it a secret quality, allowing kids a hiding place for their stuff.”

It is made of solid birch and priced at $399.

Sold at Follow Function

A Poofy Piece of Fun

Cathy Hale — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Add a touch of whimsy to your nursery, child's room or playroom with this playful Bird Poof from Zid Zid. Lightweight and durable, poofs are perfect for sitting, climbing and playing. And if you're really really lucky, a cute place for mom to rest those tired feet. Featuring a handmade embroidered Birdy on top in sky blue, surrounded by chestnut brown. The poof is stuffed with recycled cotton filling. Measures 11"d x 12"h. Shop Zid Zid products at Arte Bebe.

The Sam Collection From Muu Is Officially Released

Chris Ford — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:00:00 GMT

We've already told you about some of the nursery and kids furniture on the way from Muu (the storage unit and crib), but the full line of furniture has now been "officially" released. In addition to the other pieces, they also have a dresser, nightstand and twin bed to check out. And like the crib and storage unit, all of the pieces are customizable to your taste.

All of the pieces from Muu are made from sustainable wood with non-toxic finishes right here in the USA. There are a lot of different panels to choose from, and I think the graphics themselves look pretty cool. I'm not sure I'd be happy with having furniture with such graphic elements on it, but you can change out the panels if you get bored with what you've selected (or your kid's taste changes) which is nice too.

What I really love about Muu is the twin bed. There really aren't a lot of great modern twin bed options for kids out there, and if you've got a little extra cash the twin bed looks like something that your son or daughter will enjoy at least until they go to college. Wether or not you let them enjoy it after they're done with college is entirely up to you.

The Muu Sam Collection is available at MuuKids.com.

Cooking Fun With The Gourmet Stove

Lisa Estall — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:36:00 GMT

This Gourmet Stove looks like it could be in a regular kitchen! With knobs, shelves and doors to play with, kids will have fun pretending to cook a meal. Plus, it will keep them occupied for the times when you really need...

to cook dinner. Who knows, perhaps the Gourmet Stove will produce the next Jamie Oliver or Rachel Ray?

Made with solid-wood veneers and on sale for $779.

Sold at Pottery Barn Kids.

Flair Highchair From Boon Now Available In Hot Pink

Chris Ford — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:30:00 GMT

My personal rule of baby furniture is - buy the furniture to match your decor, not the baby. But if you've got a hot pink kitchen, then the newest color in the Flair Highchair from Boon is perfect.

The Flair Highchair has already been one of our favorites for a while. It's a modern, pedestal high chair with an easy to use pneumatic lift. Besides the lift it has all of the standard stuff you'd want in an away-from-the-table high chair, with a fresh modern look to boot.

The Flair Highchair from Boon, available in Pink in February from Amazon.com. Check it out at BoonInc.com.

In the Nursery: Art Station

elizabeth leach — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:30:00 GMT

This desk and chair is brilliant in it's simplicity. I love the modern style of birch wood and red. A roll of drawing paper, which secures in place, comes with the desk. Perfect for the nursery, play room or a corner of your family room. Let your budding artist get to work!

Find the Art Station for $99 at Garnet Hill. Measures: 19" H x 21½" W x 17½".

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.

Save $450 on Gorgeous Crib and Dresser

Cathy Hale — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Building a nursery? Check out this beautiful heirloom-quality crib and dresser from Green Frog Art, a celeb favorite. If you purchase by February 15th, you can save over $450 by ordering the Old World Crib and Changing Dresser together.

Green Frog Art builds exquisite nursery furniture and decor. The crib and dresser are made from non-toxic paints and stains and exceed current ASTM safety standards. In addition to the safety, the furniture itself is crafted of solid wood with many hand painted details and distressed accents. To extend the life of your nursery furniture, the crib can also be converted to a daybed. Shop the set at BabyEarth.

In the Nursery: 50% Off Nurseryworks

elizabeth leach — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Nurseryworks is having a massive 50% off sale on our favorite Nurseryworks furniture and bedding. The above Sleepytime Rocker is now $450. Amazing!

Shop the sale at Fawn & Forest.

CES 2009: Game On - An Awesome Video Game Storage System For Your Kids

Chris Ford — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Game On might have, for a lot of parents, the answer to a problem that has been nagging them for a while. How do I keep al of this video game stuff looking neat and all in one place in my house? Well, I think Game On has the solution.

In the picture, you're looking at the one-two punch from Game On - the Video Gaming Storage System (on the top) and the Stash Box on the bottom. Both are made of durable MDF, can take up to 50 pounds of weight (when mounted to a stud) and have been designed to take the wear and tear that children can dish out.

The top portion holds your console (XBOX, WIi, PS3 etc.), has games on top and four side support handles for controllers, guitar controllers or any other gaming associated stuff. It also has curved vents on each side to let air pass through - keeping your console nice and cool.

The Stash Box underneath is meant to work in conjunction with the top portion, and it provides extra storage for more games and DVDs. All put together it's a pretty awesome clutter solution for your kid's room or playroom. At least when you tell them to put their video game stuff away, they'll have a place.

Both are available in black, white, green, red, blue and yellow; and both will cost about $59 each. Neither are availalbe in stores in the US yet, but you can check them out at IWantMyGameOn.com

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.