Every nursery starts off as a blank canvas. It's up to the parents-to-be to transform it into the traditional pastel-painted nursery, or a contemporary retreat. Regardless of mom and dad's personal style, there is a central starting point when it comes to nursery design. When I sat down with David Netto to discuss his new linen collection for Maclaren he walked me through the nursery design process, providing great tips for anyone ready to decorate their tot's room.
Minneapolis-based furniture company Blu Dot is known for creating some out-of-the-ordinary promotions, including the very cool incident two years ago when they dropped 25 Real Good chairs around New York City. This time, the company is encouraging fans to swap a talent or collection for a piece of furniture. Confused? Check out this video featuring local music star Har Mar Superstar for the details.
Here's how it works: First, pick out any Blu Dot item you want, then add an interesting offer in exchange for that item — taxidermy collections, bizarre self portraits, and balloon animal parties are all fair game. Then, upload your offer to the site between now and March 11. You can also submit an under-five-minute-long video to help promote your offer. Be sure to check the site to see the status of your bid.
No minors are allowed, and nothing overly weird or disturbing, please (in Blu Dot's words, "be creative but don't be stupid"). Interested in adding your talent or item to the online swap meet? Find out more information about this promotion on Blu Dot's Swap Meet page or Facebook page
Artists unite! Domodinamica's Foglio (price available upon request) is a tot-sized double-sided drawing table that eliminates the "my turn" cry that often erupts from a little one's room. Like a flattened easel, the Italian-designed, eco-friendly solid oak table and chair set comes with a pile of A2 paper on each side which allows tots to have plenty of room to express themselves without giving up their seat to another artist. Between the two drawing pads is a painted metal box with plenty of space for holding markers, pens, pencils, and paints. What do you think?
It's a mod world! Following the 50th anniversary of the Kind + Jugend baby trade show, moms with an eye for clean nursery lines have plenty of goodies to add to their wish lists. The European stage for launching new baby products often sets the trends for the coming year. Check out these cribs for an indication of what's to come!
Nurseries aren't just unicorns and rainbows for Robert Kwak, they're more cherry blossoms and boom boxes. The woodworker and soon-to-be father of two came up with the concept for Muu (pronounced Moo), his modern sustainable furniture company, as an expectant parent. The name is a zen term for the stage right before enlightenment and is appropriate since Kwak's designs have changed the way moms and dads think about tot decor. Muu offers families customization without commitment. Kwak isn't interested in mass production, instead he "makes things people are going to love and hold onto for a long time." We recently had a chance to chat.
LilSugar: There have been numerous crib recalls. Can you speak to if/why buying well-made furniture is important?
Robert Kwak: When we were starting the concept (of Muu) we talked to manufacturers all over the world, but ultimately we wanted to (have our goods) be (made) here in the United States for a number of reasons. One is quality, the people who make our furniture — it's a family-run business. We know them on a personal basis. And I think that going back to the concept of Muu, it's important for us to know the people who make our products both for the quality and safety issues. They use our products, we use our products, and we're not just trying to make (them) cheaper, faster, and quicker so it costs more to do more. A lot of children's products are inherently disposable and by buying something that is built to last, you can pass it on from one child to the next or it can grow with your child. It's an important aspect of sustainability and people talk about material sourcing, which is very important. We definitely strive to continue to make our products more "green," but I also think a larger part of the sustainability story is making it in a way that's not just going to be used for a couple years and just sort of thrown away, thrown in the dumpster and seen in a landfill.
To see if Muu plans on bringing its fine design to the mass retailers, read more
If you love the streamlined look of midcentury modern furniture, but want something that looks at home in your 21st century home, take a look at Ali Sandifer Studio. A furniture company based out of Chicago, Ali Sandifer Studio creates modern, beautifully designed furniture from sustainable sources.
Another thoughtful element of this furniture is that storage — a must-have in modern homes — is integrated into much of the furniture. All of the pieces are hand-produced in-house, so you can rest assured that the pieces are not only beautifully crafted, but that they're made in the USA as well. To see the full collection of Ali Sandifer Studio's furniture, read more
If you're in Los Angeles today, you'd be well advised to swing by Modernica's warehouse sale. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can save big on more than 1,000 of the store's gorgeous new and vintage products. Not in SoCal? Then shop the sale online beginning today at 7 a.m. Pacific Time.
Last week, I showed you photos of the gorgeous Pacific Northwest house used as the Cullens' home in Twilight, as well as how to get the look of its modern patio. The home was designed by Portland, OR-based Skylab Architecture, and is jaw-dropping both inside and out. 
I'm jonesing for its neutral yet dramatic living room. The expansive space and slim, strip-like windows would do any furnishings good, but its stylish modern décor doesn't need a stitch of help. From the luxurious, sweeping rug to the theatrical, arching floor lamp, the pieces pair flawlessly with each other, creating a space that's not only dashing but comfortable. To get the look of this living room, read more
Yesterday, I showed you photos of the gorgeous Pacific Northwest house used as the Cullens' home in Twilight. The home was designed by Portland, OR-based Skylab Architecture, and is fantastically designed both inside and out. I'm particularly fond of the minimalist, clean-lined patio. The white Eames furniture brightens the misty outdoor environment, and complements the chunky modern farm table and wood paneling.
To get the look, read more
Mid-century modern is a style of furniture design, product design, and architecture that began after World War II and continued into the 1960s. Often called "mod" and most definitely retro, this style is marked by simplicity, clean lines, organic forms, and materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. Though color is used quite a bit in post-war design, mid-century modern is typically less cutesy than the more pop-art offerings of the later 1960s.
Mid-century design flourished in Europe, particularly Scandinavia, and prominent designers from this period include Finland's Eero Saarinen, American pair Charles and Ray Eames, Florence Knoll, and George Nelson. Many of the iconic designs are still being manufactured for sale by brands like Vitra and Kartell.
