TODD ST. JOHN

February 13, 2015

As winter rages on here in NYC, we’re craving a little sun and fun. Photo-graphics by New York City-based artist Todd St. John of HunterGatherer has us dreaming of a sunny beach vacation. This series of of cameras rendered in natural wood and bright colors reinterprets the camera from a creative tool into an objet d'art in its own right. We love St. John’s full collection of beach and ocean inspired work and encourage you to check it out on his website. Hoping to see some in person? He currently has a show, Small Fish, running atPilgrim Surf & Supply’s Brooklyn location. We can’t get enough of the wooden whale and sassy mural. 

Have a favorite designer or artist inspired by nature? Show and tell us on Twitter or Instagram! @kinderMODERN

TRAVEN

February 9, 2015

Mexican designer Christian Vivanco’s most recent collaboration, with Nido Muebles, debuted January 2015 at Maison et Objet Paris. The Traven collection is a series of wool-lined baskets for children, ranging from the Luna Pod (large enough for a child to crawl into) to the Burro (a soft place for hiding treasures that does double duty as a stool) to the whimsical Butterfly Catcher (a versatile storage unit that invites children to curate their own collections of special objects). We love Vivanco’s approach to designing for children--like us, he focuses on safety, child development, and the place of children’s furniture in the design-friendly family home. We also are inspired by the collection's examination of production, craftsmanship, and sustainability in a rapidly changing world. Visit Vivanco’s website to learn more about Traven and see the full collection of this designer’s beautiful and thought-provoking work (like the Under My Roof tray and the Pancha bench). 

Have a favorite piece from this year’s Maison et Objet? Tell us about it on Twitter or Instagram! @kinderMODERN 

TED LOTT

February 6, 2015

Migration

Migration

We recently discovered the work of artist and designer Ted Lott, and we’re both fascinated and charmed by his eclectic work. Beginning with a chair, or other everyday object, Lott constructs complex, yet miniature, structures with the found object as frame. His most recent work, Migration, transforms old suitcases into a dynamic town, while his 2012 series Habitation, features beautiful, complicated homes built around vintage chairs. Mobile Home, 2011, stands tall on its own spindly legs. We highly encourage you to visit Lott’s website to see the full range of his mesmerizing work and experience his unique mixture of design and craft. 

THE NEW VICTORY

February 4, 2015 

Image from newvictory.org

Image from newvictory.org

Looking for a fun, indoor activity to get you and your little ones through the rest of this cold and bleak winter? The New Victory Theater’s Family Workshops are held every weekend and are an incredible opportunity for children to explore the theater arts and get a little exercise. Each workshop is inspired by a New Victory production. Upcoming workshops include:

Body Percussion: Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 2:30pm. Ages 6+. This workshop explores percussion and dancing. Inspired by Cambuyón.

Theater GamesSunday, March 1, 2015 at 1:30 pm. Ages 5+. Kids can explore acting and comedy through games led by New Vic Teaching Artists. Inspired by The Light Princess

Storytelling & Music: Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 1:30 pm. Ages 5+. Also inspired by The Light Princess, this workshop explores storytelling through music. 

Design for Theater: Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 4:30 pm. Ages 7+ We’re super excited for this one, where children can design costumes and build their own set! Inspired by Pinocchio

Family workshops take place at the New 42nd Street Studios located at 229 W. 42nd St. in New York City. All workshops last 90 minutes and are $17 per person. Tell us about your New Vic Family workshop experience on Twitter or Instagram! @kinderMODERN

EMPORIUM

February 2, 2015

We’re loving these fun and functional pieces from Italian retailer Emporium. Not only does Emporium embrace accessible design, they use eco-friendly, sustainable materials, including recycled plastic. For storage anywhere in the home, check out the“Crocodilia,” a crocodile shaped shelving and drawer unit; “Pet the Pup,” a bedside table with a friendly face; and “Fork,” a whimsical coat hanger perfect for the family kitchen. Each of these pieces is made from powder coated MDF and plywood with polished-ash veneer. Visit their website to see the rest of Emporium’s cool products and learn about their "positive design" philosophy. 

Have a favorite design-forward product for kids or adults? Tell us about about it on Twitter or Instagram! @kinderMODERN

IDS 2015

January 29, 2015

Our sister company, kinder GROUND, had an amazing time at IDS in Toronto! Not only were they excited to debut kG to the chic world of Canadian design and interiors, they were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet other incredible artists and designers. Keep reading for a list of kinder’s favorite picks from IDS:  

Heidi Earnshaw Design & Susie Osler Ceramics This best booth award winner wowed with Earnshaw’s new line of made-to-order furniture and Osler’s inspired ceramics. 

Garman Furniture This winner for best prototype had the kG team going crazy for his felt circled mirrors. 

Cheryl Wilson-Smith Wilson-Smith’s sculptural glass art, constructed using a state-of-the-art 3D printing technique, is beautifully organic, evoking both a sense of permanence through materiality and ephemerality through form. 

Totem The kG team bonded with Totem over hand tufted rugs and couldn’t resist their awesome topographical map rug, a powerful artistic statement on our world’s melting ice caps. 

Libs Elliot Coding + Quilting? Yes, please! Elliot’s combination of traditional handicrafts and cutting edge technology reinvents the heirloom for a new generation. 

Monte Design Their sophisticated, comfortable, and functional high chair is Canadian-made and something we wouldn't mind looking at in our kitchen. 

Geof Ramsay Design Hexagon chairs for hexagon rugs! A gorgeous piece and another winner for Best Prototype. 

Living Wood Design Living Wood Design showcased a gorgeous and sustainable walnut dining table at their booth. We admire not only their craftsmanship, but also their dedicated commitment to environmental stewardship. 

Who were your favorites from IDS? Tweet or Insta us @kinderMODERN and @kinderGROUND

TORONTO DESIGN OFFSITE

January 19, 2015

We’re super excited to head to Toronto this week to support our sister company, kinder GROUND, at the Interior Design Show (IDS 2015). Besides introducing kG to our Canadian neighbors, we can’t wait to check out Toronto, one of the fastest growing and most design-friendly cities in North America. We’re definitely stopping by the Toronto Design Offsite festival, co-sponsored by NYC’s own Wanted Design, to see the best in Canadian design and get a sneak peak at Wanted’s NYC festival in May. 

Another thing we can’t wait to check out? These gorgeous, yet simple, wooden toy cars by Italian company 100% TobeUS. These cars have captivated the imaginations of Italian designers, and curator Matteo Ragni has gathered together 100 cars by contemporary Italian greats, such as Marcel Wanders and Mario Bellini, to create 100 Designers for 100 New Toy Cars. Check it out at the Design Exchange

Be sure to follow @kinderMODERN and @kinderGROUND on Instagram and Twitter to get some behind-the-scenes views of IDS and Toronto! 

DENMARK: CENTURY OF THE CHILD

January 16, 2015

Century of the Child at the Design Museum Denmark opens Saturday, January 17, 2015 and runs through Saturday, August 30, 2015. This fascinating exhibits begins with the work of Ellen Key and her seminal text published in 1900 of the same name, which explored her prediction that the twentieth century would focus on the creative development, rights, and needs of the modern child. The exhibit highlights primarily Nordic and Danish design, while exploring the influence of Key’s work on child design of everything from books and toys to playgrounds and schools throughout the dynamic twentieth century. Century of the Child will not only display pieces of historical significance, but also offers many play areas (including tumbling furniture by contemporary Danish company bObles) and workshops (such as creating stop-motion short films using Kay Bojesen’s wooden figures) for the museum's littlest patrons. 

The Designmuseum Denmark is located at Bredgade 68 in Copenhagen and is open Tuesdays-Sundays 11am-5pm and Wednesdays 11am-9pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is 100 DKK and free for students and those under 26. In Denmark and get to see this incredible exhibit? Lucky you! Tell us all about your experience on Twitter or Instagram! @kinderMODERN. 

BLOCKS

January 15, 2015

The humble building block not only inspires the imaginations of children, encouraging them to build and create, but influences designers and artists alike with its creative potential. Our favorite building block inspired pieces may seem simple in their construction, but are complex in their final form and function. Dirk Vander Kooij’s Diffuser Cabinet, fashioned on a mathematical principle, improves a room’s acoustics, but resembles a childhood puzzle or tower. Stephan Ormandy’s curving, organic sculptures remind us that the block can take on many manifestations. We also love Dinosaur Designs' (Ormandy and his partner’s, Louise Olsen’s, design studio) limited edition Atelier Resin Puzzle that begins as a cube and can be rearranged into endless structures. Sebastian Errazuriz experiments with blocks in his compelling sculptural furniture, including the Wave and Explosion cabinets. Looking for some out of the ordinary building blocks for children? Check out the Safari Blocks by Soopsori - fun to stack and fuel for the imagination. 

Have a favorite piece of art inspired by building blocks? Want to share with us your favorite set (for kids or adults)? Show and tell us on Twitter or Instagram. @kinderMODERN

THE FRUIT OF THE GODS

January 12, 2015

Image from thinkplaycreate.org

The Fruit of the Gods by FriendsWithYou is a one-of-a-kind inflatable play structure designed exclusively forThe New Children’s Museum in San Diego, CA. We love this exhibition not only for the bright colors and positive message promoting exercise and healthy eating, but also for the museum’s creative online education that encourages museum goers to interact with this piece long after they’ve left the museum. The Fruit of the Gods is part of Feast, an annual interactive exhibition that explores the ways in which artists use food as both subject matter and tool to engage in dialogue about everything from community building to sustainability to health and wellbeing. 

FriendsWithYou is the Los Angeles-based fine arts collaborative of Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III that blends the lines between high and pop art while spreading the artists' passionate message of “Magic, Luck, and Friendship™.” 

The New Children’s Museum is located at 200 West Island Avenue in San Diego. It’s open everyday until 4pm (closed Tuesdays). Admission is $12 per person. Visit their website to plan your visit. 

Visited the museum and seen the exhibit? Share your experience with us on on Twitter or Instagram! @kinderMODERN

THINKK STUDIO

January 9, 2015

Image from thinkk-studio.com

Image from thinkk-studio.com

This playful take on desk organization by THINKK Studio is a fun and refreshing way to liven up any workspace for children or adults. This prototype looks like a toy truck, but has handy (and hidden!) compartments for storing all the necessary desktop clutter. Constructed of ash wood and powder coated steel, the initial prototype was made in three colors: black, white, and yellow. THINKK Studio is a Bangkok-based design firm specializing in product and space design. Check out their brand new Instagram account (thinkkstudio) for photos of their fun (and functional) products and design adventures.

IRVING HARPER

January 6, 2015

Irving Harper: A Mid-Century Mind at Play has been extended at the Rye Arts Center through January 24, 2015.  We’re inspired by this retrospective featuring the never-before-seen private works of the iconic designer best known for the Herman Miller logo and the 1956 Marshmallow sofa. These personal projects demonstrate much of his work in one of our favorite mediums, paper, which he loved and called a “versatile medium.” Check out this video to see the artist talk about his work in paper and his passion for design. In addition, the frequently updated Q&A section of the website offers unique and unexpected insight into the artist's work.

The Rye Arts Center is located at 51 Milton Road in Rye, NY. The gallery is open Tuesdays-Fridays, 9am-5pm; Saturdays and Mondays, 9am-3pm; and Sundays 12pm-3pm. Have a chance to check it out? Tell us about your experience on Twitter or Instagram @kinderMODERN

DOLLHOUSE CHAIR

December 22, 2014

Image from torafu.com

Image from torafu.com

We’re big fans of the Japanese firm Torafu Architects and their innovative prototypes for children. The Dollhouse Chair is a versatile, multifunctional piece that serves as plaything, seating, and storage. Unfolded it becomes a three story, gabled dollhouse and folded up a sturdy, cheerful seat with lots of room to store toys and treasures. Made of birch plywood, the piece was designed by Koichi Suzuno and Alicja Strzyżyńska and is produced by Ichiro Design (check out their website for more fun, kid-friendly products by Torafu!)

SMALL STORIES

December 19, 2014

Small Stories: At Home in a Doll’s House premiered this week at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England and we just can’t get enough of this extensive and thoughtfully curated exhibition, housed in theMuseum of Childhood and running through September 2015. Iconic dollhouses from the museum’s collection, combined with unique narratives, explore the history and changing boundaries of the family home through the stories of each house’s fictional or historical inhabitants. But what we love most of all is the exhibit’s “Dream House” installation, comprised of miniature rooms created by contemporary artists and designers. Each tiny space is a unique dreamscape, exploring the designer’s ideal, and often fantastical, room. Visit the museum’s website to read more about each project. 

The V&A Museum of Childhood is located on Cambridge Heath Road in London, England. It is open daily from 10am-5:45pm and admission is free.

ABYU

December 18, 2014

We’re excited to present a fun line of contemporary lamps this holiday season by Abyu Lighting, sold exclusively by kinder MODERN. These delightful character lamps made from found objects, feathers, and rhinestones are sure to add a whimsical touch to any room in the house and inspire lots of imagination in the littlest members of the family. Abyu Lighting, famous for the studio’s one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures featuring feathers, is the work of artist Steven Wine. Visit the “Gifts” section of the kinder MODERN website to meet all these fabulous little creatures and shop vintage children’s toys, objet, and furniture. 

Want to purchase an Abyu lamp or one of our vintage pieces? Call 917-979-2723 or email design@kindermodern.com to schedule an appointment at our NYC showroom.