ROCKIN' ROCKERS

November 12, 2013

There are few pieces more iconic when it comes to childhood play than the classic rocker. This being said, classic takes quite a variety of shapes both in vintage rockers and today's fresh, new designs.

In addition to our diverse collection of vintage rockers, new interpretations such as Iranian-American designer Sina Sohrab's 2010 piece Rocking Horse, made of laminated ash, strip this toy down to curved, skeletal lines and engages us to reimagine our own childhood fantasies in a way that is both simple and haunting.

We've also recently been eyeing this chic rocker by Bo Reudler Studio, first presented at Dutch Design Week in 2011. In contrast to Sohrab's delicate structure, this sturdy rocking horse made of raw oak evokes fairytale pageantry, but still leaves room for the child's imagination.

Image from cremeanglaise.com — Image from cremeanglaise.com

Looking for a rocker that channels a different animal? This royal birdie by French furniture designer and artist Creme Anglaise boasts eco-friendly recycled wood, smooth clean lines, and can be left unfinished or painted to match your aesthetic.
These lovingly handcrafted pieces are an incredible addition to any design-forward nursery or playroom. Be sure to check out all their fabulous products, including silly pillows and dainty nature-inspired mobiles.

We can't help, however to love the historical vintage rockers in our own kinder MODERN inventory. Collected for their simple lines and bold forms, one of our new favoritesis the Creative Playthings Rocker designed by Gloria Caranica circa 1970. We also can't get enough of the bright whimsy and imagination-inspiring amorphous shape of our 1960's orange plastic "Duk Rocker" from France. Looking for something a little different than a traditional hobby horse? The 1960's rocking chair by Cosco Household Products boasts an aluminum base and original vinyl houndstooth seat fabric. Interested in learning more about these or any of our pieces? Email us for an appointment by phone or in our NYC showroom!

Do you (or did you) have a favorite rocker? How do your kids incorporate their rocker into play?

FAMILY WORKSHOPS AT THE NEW VICTORY!

November 5, 2013

We are huge fans of the New Victory Theater. These family workshops led by theater professionals at the New Victory Theater are not to be missed! Especially with the weather turning cold, check these activities for some inside creativity. Upcoming workshops in 2013 include a tap dance class on November 16; a 3-D Mask crafting session on December 7; and an African Dance class on December 14. Each workshop takes place at 12:00pm and 4:00pm and costs $12 for members or $17 for non-members. What a fun way to imagine, create, and perform with amazing artists!

Have you participated in a workshop at the New Victory? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below or tweet us @kindermodern

CITY IN THE SKY: IMAGINATION & SUSTAINABILITY

November 4, 2013

We are feeling inspired by "City in the Sky," a collaborative architectural project between Chinese architects Yu Hui, Sam Cho, and Mu Wei and thirty-six children in Wuhan, China. The children and the architects worked together to create a floating, kid-sized city of bamboo. Hui, the lead architect, wanted this project to serve as an example of how sustainable materials can be used effectively and beautifully. Living bamboo was also incorporated into the design as a support for two of the open air play-houses, adding an element of both permanence and growth. We love how this project combines imagination and sustainability into an original structure by and for kids!

Elska at Judith Charles Gallery / Odd Harmonics

November 1, 2013

We're looking forward to this weekend's performance by Elska at the Judith Charles Gallery! On Sunday, November 3, 2013, Elska, known as the "Bjork for children" brings her unique musical stylings to the gallery as part of "Odd Harmonics," a month-long art show and performance series. The concert begins at 11:00am and the recommended donation is $20/family or $10/individual.

Elska's original combination of vintage analog synthesizers and 200-year-old handbells transports children to an imaginary Arctic island where they explore nature and friendship. Check out this amazing video of her live performance of "Hiddi Hiddi!"

"Odd Harmonics" is a collaborative exhibition with Moog Music and Butterscotch Records. Curated by Allen Farmelo and centered around twelve custom-built Theremins designed by François Chambard, the show seeks to "reunite art, design, performance, and records . . . as they were in the analog era." The show runs until November 16, 2013.

Planning on stopping by Elska's performance or checking out the show? Tell us about your experience in the comments below or tweet us @kindermodern

Happy Halloween: Paper Costumes From OMY

October 31, 2013

We love dressing up for Halloween and we are digging these delightful paper play costumes by French company OMY Design and Play. Sweet and whimsical, the lion and panther are full of life, whether standing on their own or animated by a child. Other fun options include a sassy fashionista and a brash superhero.

And for the kid who wants something totally unique? Check out OMY's paper coloring costumes and let your child be the designer!

Happy Halloween from kinder MODERN! We hope your day is filled with treats, not tricks!

Tiny Berts For Rent!

October 29, 2013

Looking to add a chic design element to your little one's next event? LA-based event planners fire and creme rent this sweet reproduction of a Bertoia chair for only $8.50 each, and will negotiate shipping to just about anywhere. We are seriously loving their artfully curated party packages for kids. Ranging from circus-themed birthdays to pint-sized holiday extravaganzas, each party collection includes favors, props, furniture, and costumes for purchase or rental. Check out their inspiring lookbooks for more ideas on how to incorporate great design into your next pint sized party!

Archtober: Queens Central Library

October 28, 2013

Did you know that the month of October is Archtober? We have totally dug this month-long celebration of architecture and design in NYC. If you haven't had a chance to check out any of the amazing events, head to the Queens Central Library and the adjacent Children's Library Discovery Center on Wednesday, October 30, 2013. This "Building of the Day" celebrates two of the things we love most - innovative design and inquisitive kids! A sleek and modern addition to the Central Library by, 1100 Architect, marks the completion of the first phase of the library's renovation. It is an incredible building that stands out as both an architectural gem as well as a testament to a community recommitted to nurturing literacy and exploration in its children. Definitely worth a visit!

A Doll's House

October 25, 2013

One of the most striking projects from this year's London Design Festival, held in September, was a collection of twenty dollhouses made by the UK's top architects. "A Dolls' House" was inspired by the 1922 British Empire Exhibition and iconic architect Edwin Lutyens' decision to use dollhouses as showpieces for his unique combination of traditional and modern design. These twenty-first century interpretations of the traditional toy range from simple and sleek to wild and whimsical, but they all feature at least one design element that would help a disabled child navigate daily life.

Although it was hard to chose, some of our favorites include Zaha Hadid Architects' minimalist, organic structure; AMODEL's take on transportation and the treehouse; Mae's cozy geometric design; and Guy Holloway Architect's playful, imagination-igniting box.

All the dollhouses will be auctioned during a gala event at Bonhams on November 11, 2013. Bids may also be placed online. All proceeds benefit KIDS, which provides vital services to disabled children and their families in the UK.

Kids at Frieze London

October 18, 2013

Thanks to the ever-amazing work of London curator Nicola Lees, art and design for children and by children will take center stage at this year's Frieze Projects. In an insightful interview by Artspace, Lees talk about her desire to develop a larger audience by removing the subjective constraints of age. This year's show features two major kid-friendly and kid-inspired pieces.

The first, a playground by Greek designer Angelo Plessas, houses activities and games for children ages 5-12, but welcomes kids of all ages into its unique interactive space for the family. We love the way this simple, neutral space becomes a background for both the physical and artistic manifestations of a child's imagination. Be sure to check out: Temple of Play.

The second, a work by Emdash award-winning Finnish artist Pilvi Takala, worked with a group of kids to develop an idea for a her Frieze project. Be sure to check out these precious videos of her "Committee" and their truly inspiring ideas before heading to their website to read about the final project! (a five star bouncy house!!)

Visiting Frieze London? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! Or tweet us @kindermodern

Drop In Design At Cooper Hewitt

October 16, 2013

The government shutdown may be affecting some of Cooper Hewitt's programs, but not this week's family programming: "Drop in on Design," in honor of National Design Week! Stop by the Design Center, located at 111 Central Park North, Wednesday or Thursday this week from 4:00-6:00pm to create something fun while experimenting with new materials. Kids of all ages are welcome, but these activities are best for those ages 5-12.

Want to get your toddler interested in design? Tots ages 2-5 are welcome to join in a "Design Kids" workshop, sponsored by Target, every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00-11:00am or 11:30-12:30pm. Starting with a design-based book and progressing to interactive play, these museum-educator led workshops are sure to inspire your little one.

We are most excited, however, about the week's final event, sponsored by Todd Oldham Studio and Target Design Kids. Running from 11:00-5:00pm on Saturday, kids are invited to make all kinds of fun projects using their imaginations and brightly colored duct tape.

Tell us about your experience at these cool events in the comments below! Or tweet us! @kindermodern #kindermodern

The Koloro Wagon: Torafu Architects

October 12, 2013

Kids love to take all their special toys with them on their daily adventures and this convertible cart by Torafu Architects lets them do so in style. Part wagon, part basket, part shelving unit, this piece allows for endless combinations and drives imaginative play, as the child's mind elevates the cart beyond functionality. Its geometric shapes and simple primary colors are inspired components of this unique piece. See all of the Koloro Wagon's possibilities here.

Baooab

October 9, 2013

We are feeling totally inspired by Madrid-based artist and designer Sergio Guijarro’s game concept Baooab. Although first created in 2011, its innovative design still feels fresh and playful two years later. Through beautifully handcrafted amorphous wooden shapes and a simple shoelace, kids can let their imaginations flow freely, creating anything from animals to astronauts. Guijarro's motto for the project, “Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there,” taps into children's inherent ability to create rich worlds from simple objects. Baooab resulted from a collaboration with Guijarro's friend, product designer Miriam Tochijara, and was first exhibited at the A:Escala exhibition at the Palacio de Altamira in Madrid. Be sure to check out this awesome video produced by Guijarro and Tochijara that highlights some of Baooab's more ingenious possibilities.

Arty ABC's By Damien Hirst

October 7, 2013

Damien Hirst, known for his extravagant and eclectic art, has recently ventured into children's literature, publishing an alphabet primer featuring his work. While pieces like his 2007 sculpture "For the Love of God," which consists of real human teeth and over 18,000 diamonds, may seem out of place in a kid's book, the decontextualizing of these pieces allows for new and interesting interpretations by our littlest artists.

Six year old painting prodigy Aelita Andre reviewed the book for the Huffington Post, and she was no easy critic, immediately suggesting changes, including unicorns and a more specific title, to the simple polka-dot cover. However her thoughts on the diamond skull? Only praise, "Really creative. I love it! I never thought you could make a skull out of diamonds!"

Have you bought Hirst's book for your little ones? What did they think?

Kinder MODERN on MOOMAH!

September 23, 2013

We are thrilled and honored to have an article by kinder's own Lora Appleton featured in this week's edition of Moomah the Magazine. In "Brimfield from Knee Height," Lora discusses the joys and challenges of collecting for children and family at the Brimfield Antiques & Collectibles Show in Brimfield, Massachusetts--or as she describes it "the Super Bowl of flea markets." Check out the full article here!

Are you a flea market lover? How have you incorporated your finds into your family's home?

Get To Philly: Design For The Modern Child

May 22, 2013

Good for the Philadelphia Museum of Art! From May 25- October 14 there is an awesome 'Design for the Modern Child' exhibit. We're super psyched about this show. Featuring an inclusive scope of housewares, tableware, wallpaper & furniture, this show is going to be a cool feature onboth international design as well as American design. So if you need a fun summer activity with the family or without, get there!